2005 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · WG55 OFB

The most recent MOT test on the 2005 Ford Transit occurred in 2018-12-01, marking the vehicle’s last inspection with a passing result. Despite this, the MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring and sometimes severe corrosion-related failures, particularly in suspension mountings and brake components, which have persisted or worsened over the years. The vehicle failed in 2014 and 2015 due to critical corrosion in brake pipes and structural suspension mountings, with some failures being classified as dangerous, indicating a systemic issue with prolonged exposure to moisture or poor maintenance. While there are periods of clean MOTs, such as in 2016 and 2017, the presence of advisories—particularly around brake pipe corrosion, coil spring corrosion, and tyre wear—suggests that the vehicle has not been fully addressed in high-risk areas. The overall maintenance trend is unstable, with repeated failures pointing to underlying neglect or environmental factors accelerating wear beyond typical expectations for its age. The recorded mileage of 139,359 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 21 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,636 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a Transit of this vintage. However, the mileage alone does not fully explain the severity of the corrosion issues, as lower mileage vehicles can still suffer from prolonged standing, which accelerates rust formation in critical areas like suspension mountings and underbody components. The presence of multiple MOT failures in 2014 and 2015, particularly around corrosion in brake pipes and suspension, suggests that the vehicle either sat for extended periods without protection or was subjected to harsh conditions that exacerbated wear. Rapid mileage accumulation in certain periods could also imply higher stress on components like brakes, tyres, and drivetrain, but the historical data does not indicate a single period of extreme use. This combination of moderate mileage and persistent corrosion failures highlights the need for a thorough inspection to assess the extent of structural and mechanical degradation beyond what the MOT records reveal. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the suspension system and brake components, as these have been repeatedly flagged as failing or failing dangerously. Start by visually examining the suspension mountings—particularly the inner sill and footwell areas—for signs of further corrosion or structural compromise. Listen for unusual clunking noises from the suspension during a test drive, which may indicate worn or broken coil springs, damaged bushes, or binding anti-roll bar linkages. The near-side front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with slight play noted in 2018 should be checked for excessive wear or binding, as this can lead to steering instability or reduced handling. Regarding brakes, inspect the front brake discs for signs of warping, scoring, or excessive pitting, and check for any binding or grinding noises when applying the brakes. The thin brake pads and corroded brake pipes from past MOTs mean the system may require professional assessment for hydraulic integrity and pad thickness. In addition to the above, the tyre condition is a major concern, with past MOTs recording tread depths below legal limits and tyres showing signs of cracking or perishing. Replace all tyres to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, as worn tyres compromise traction, hydroplaning resistance, and overall safety. The offside rear tyre failure in 2015, which involved a structural lump, underscores the importance of checking for any remaining damage or further deterioration, including sidewall bulges or separation. The underbody corrosion advisories from 2018 and the severe corrosion failures in 2014 and 2015 indicate that rust has penetrated critical areas, potentially compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity. Consider a thorough underbody inspection, including the chassis, exhaust system, and any protective coatings, to identify hidden corrosion that may not have been caught in previous MOTs. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and the history of fluid-related issues, particularly with brake pipes and fluids, ensure all fluids—including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—are fresh and free of contamination. A professional service check should confirm the condition of the 12V battery, as prolonged standing can lead to discharge or internal corrosion. If the vehicle has been used primarily for short trips or light duty, calendar-based servicing of fluids every 2–3 years is advisable, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage.