2005 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · WN05 BHO

The most recent MOT test on 28 August 2025 resulted in a pass, but this outcome should be viewed with significant caution. The vehicle passed on the same date it previously failed, and the failure was serious in nature, citing major structural corrosion to the offside front inner vehicle structure, specifically the leg in engine bay and inner wing, to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly was significantly reduced. While the vehicle was subsequently presented in a condition deemed roadworthy, the underlying structure may have been repaired, or the defect may have been contested, but it remains a major concern for a prospective buyer. The maintenance trend over the past three years is clearly worsening, as the 2022 and 2021 tests were entirely defect free, whereas the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests have accumulated a growing list of advisories relating to corrosion, brake pipe degradation, and suspension wear, indicating progressive deterioration typical of an ageing commercial vehicle. With the vehicle being a 2005 model now exceeding twenty-one years of age and recorded mileage unavailable for trend analysis, it is impossible to accurately gauge annual usage rates or identify any significant gaps in driving history. This lack of verifiable mileage data is itself a concern, particularly for a commercial van of this vintage, as it precludes the usual verification of service intervals and component wear against distance covered. For a working Transit of this age, whether utilised for high mileage commercial duties or subjected to prolonged periods of standing idle, both scenarios present their own mechanical risks that must be assessed through physical inspection rather than relying on historical records. Given the recurring advisories on brake pipes covered in grease or other material across multiple tests from 2023 to 2025, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough underbody inspection to determine whether this masking indicates active corrosion management or concealment of more serious brake line degradation. Particular attention must be paid to the nearside rear leaf spring, which was recorded as fractured in August 2023, ensuring that any replacement was carried out to a satisfactory standard and that the remaining springs show no signs of cracking or sagging. The rear anti-roll bar pin or bush wear noted in 2024 should be evaluated for any resulting excessive movement, and during the test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces. Additionally, the severely deteriorated front lower suspension ball joint dust cover recorded in 2025 warrants immediate inspection for grease loss and joint play, as failure of this component can lead to rapid tyre wear and compromised steering response. The front tyre wear close to the legal limit and worn on edge suggests potential tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry, which should be rectified before new tyres are fitted. Beyond the documented advisories, a vehicle of this age and likely commercial use profile demands a thorough inspection of the engine bay structural components, particularly around the inner wings and load-bearing legs, to verify the integrity of any repairs and check for further corrosion progression. The buyer should also perform a cold start to observe for excessive smoke or unusual engine noises, and inspect all fluid levels including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid for time-based degradation. Given the likelihood of standing periods typical of commercial vehicles, the 12V battery should be load tested, brake calipers examined for seizing or binding, and all tyres inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing due to age rather than simply tread depth. The windscreen damage, whilst recorded as not adversely affecting the driver's view, should be personally assessed for any optical distortion, and a full structural survey by a competent vehicle inspector would be highly advisable before purchase, given the documented history of corrosion and structural concerns.