2021 Ford Transit 350 Trend Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · WM70 VCJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 14 February 2026, following a significant failure the previous day. While the latest result is clean, the maintenance trend shows signs of volatility and potential neglect. The failure on 13 February 2026 was particularly concerning, involving a dangerous defect regarding unsecured drive shaft CV joints and excessive exhaust smoke. Although these issues appear to have been rectified to achieve the subsequent pass, the presence of a dangerous classification suggests that critical safety components were not being adequately inspected or maintained prior to that test. With 104,691 miles recorded over approximately five years, this Transit has averaged over 20,000 miles per year. This is high mileage for a commercial vehicle of this age, indicating heavy, consistent use rather than long periods of standing. While high mileage often implies regular engine operation which can prevent certain types of internal corrosion, it also accelerates the wear and tear on consumable components. You should expect increased degradation of suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, and various drivetrain elements. The high annual usage suggests this vehicle has likely been used for intensive commercial duties, which places greater stress on the turbocharger and diesel particulate filter. The recent history of excessive smoke and emissions failure is a significant red flag for a diesel engine. During your test drive, pay close attention to the exhaust output under acceleration; any visible blue, black, or white smoke could indicate issues with fuel injectors, turbocharger health, or a compromised diesel particulate filter. Furthermore, the previous failure regarding the CV joints and drive shafts necessitates a thorough inspection of the front drivetrain. Listen for rhythmic clicking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, which often signals failing CV joints, and check for any excessive vibration through the floor or steering wheel during acceleration. Given the high mileage and the recent mechanical failures, you must also verify the service history to ensure that oil changes and fluid replacements have been performed at the correct intervals. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for signs of oil or grease leaks around the drive shafts and gearbox, which could indicate that the recent CV boot repairs were not entirely thorough. Additionally, check the condition of the braking system for any signs of binding calipers or heavily scored discs, as high-mileage commercial vehicles often suffer from uneven wear. Finally, ensure the headlamp alignment is correctly adjusted and that all exterior lighting is fully functional, as the recent history shows these were previously neglected.