2016 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · WN16 WNX

The most recent MOT inspection on 29 April 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance profile shows a concerning downward trend in mechanical condition. While the vehicle maintained a clean record between 2021 and 2024, the most recent tests have introduced several recurring advisories and a failure. The transition from a clean certificate to multiple advisories regarding oil leaks, power steering seepage, and suspension wear suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of increased component degradation. The presence of multiple advisories in the latest test indicates that while the vehicle remains legally roadworthy, it is approaching a period where significant remedial maintenance will be required to prevent future failures. With approximately 95,165 miles recorded over ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,500 miles per year. This represents typical, moderate usage for a commercial vehicle of this type, suggesting it has not been subjected to excessive heavy-duty haulage, nor has it suffered from the extreme neglect often associated with very low-mileage vehicles that sit idle for long periods. This steady usage pattern generally implies that major drivetrain components should be in a reasonable state of repair, though the age of the vehicle means that rubber components, seals, and fluid-carrying hoses are reaching the end of their natural service life regardless of the mileage. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the reported oil leak and the power steering seepage noted in recent years. You should inspect the engine bay and the underside of the vehicle for fresh fluid deposits and check for any signs of heavy sludge or significant dripping. During a test drive, pay close attention to the steering response; any heavy feeling, whining noises when turning the wheel, or a wandering sensation could indicate that the power steering seepage has progressed to a point of pump or hose failure. Furthermore, the advisory regarding the offside front suspension arm pin or bush being worn is a critical point of inspection. Listen for knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as a worn bush can lead to unpredictable handling and increased tyre wear. The parking brake advisory is also a significant concern, as an efficiency of only 16 per cent on the offside is very close to the minimum legal threshold. You must test the handbrake thoroughly on a gradient to ensure it holds the vehicle securely and check for any unevenness in how the vehicle pulls when braking. If the brake pedal feels spongy or if there is a shudder through the pedal when applying the footbrake, this could indicate worn discs or binding calipers. Given the age and the reported leaks, I strongly recommend verifying the full service history to ensure that all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid, have been changed according to manufacturer intervals, as the current advisories suggest that seal integrity is a primary area of concern for this specific Fiat Ducato.