2015 Ford Transit Courier 1.5L Diesel · WH15 CGE

The most recent MOT test on 23 April 2026 was passed with no defects recorded, following an earlier failure on the same date which identified dangerous tyre tread depth deficiencies at both nearside and offside front positions and the offside rear, all below the statutory 1.6mm minimum. This represents a clear remedial action by the previous keeper, with the tyres replaced prior to the retest on the same day. Looking back over the recent test history, the pattern shows a modest upward trend in advisory and minor items rather than significant deterioration, with recurring registration plate lamp issues noted across multiple tests from 2024 onwards, alongside a windscreen damage item and front tyre wear advisories in 2025. The 2023 advisory regarding a defective gearbox mounting is the only notable driveline concern, and as it was advisory only rather than a failure, it may have been tolerated for some time and warrants physical inspection. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable with minor accumulating wear items rather than systemic neglect. The recorded mileage of 114,349 miles over approximately eleven years equates to an annual usage of around 10,395 miles, which is broadly typical for a commercial-grade van of this type, particularly one likely used for light commercial duties. The MOT intervals show annual testing consistent with continuous use, with no evidence of long periods off-road. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, mechanical wear on consumable components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, calipers, clutch assembly, and drivetrain mounts should be anticipated, particularly given the commercial operating environment which typically subjects the vehicle to higher load cycles and stop-start urban driving. The cumulative mileage places this Transit Courier firmly in the bracket where major servicing items such as timing belt replacement, clutch renewal, and exhaust system refurbishment may already have been addressed, but verification through documented service history remains essential. Given the recurring front tyre wear advisories on inner edges noted in 2025, a prospective buyer should carefully inspect the current front tyres for uneven inner shoulder wear, which on a Transit Courier commonly indicates worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or worn top mounts. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for vague or wandering steering response, any pulling to one side under braking, or uneven braking effort that might suggest binding calipers or warped brake discs. The advisory regarding the gearbox mounting from 2023 is particularly relevant; inspect the underside for signs of excessive engine and gearbox movement by rocking the gear lever in neutral with the engine running, and listen for clonks or vibration when selecting drive from standstill, as deteriorated mounts can lead to drivetrain misalignment, exhaust stress fractures, and ultimately gear selector wear. Verify that the mounting has been replaced and inspect for fresh grease or recent repair evidence. Beyond the recorded defects, this eleven-year-old van requires diligent age-related inspection regardless of its tidy MOT record. Check all tyres, including the spare, for sidewall perishing and cracking from age-related rubber degradation, which can be present even on tyres with adequate tread depth. Inspect the underbody, jacking points, brake lines, fuel lines, and suspension components for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, subframe mounts, and sill seams given the commercial use profile. Test the 12V battery under load by operating multiple electrical consumers simultaneously with the engine running, as battery cells degrade with time rather than purely mileage. Verify the service book for documented replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid at calendar-appropriate intervals, as these degrade chemically irrespective of mileage. Confirm the operation of all interior and exterior lamps, particularly the registration plate illumination which has been a recurring minor defect, and ensure the windscreen damage previously noted has not propagated into the driver's primary field of view.