2022 Ford Transit 350 Leader Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · WN22 ECY

This Ford Transit 350 Leader EcoBlue presents an unusually sparse DVSA MOT history that warrants careful consideration before purchase. The vehicle first appeared for testing on 15 April 2025 and failed, with no defects or advisories recorded against the test, after which it passed cleanly on 12 November 2025 again with no defects noted. Because the official record contains no advisory text at either event, the precise reason for the initial failure cannot be determined from the MOT history alone, and this should be a primary line of enquiry when viewing the vehicle. A failure followed by a clean pass within seven months suggests the issue was rectified, but any prospective buyer should request the original failure documentation, the repair invoices, and confirmation of which component or system was responsible, as a single unexplained failure in a relatively young commercial vehicle could indicate either a one-off rectification or a more significant underlying concern that was only superficially addressed. The recorded mileage of 35,201 miles over a four-year ownership period equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 8,800 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a commercial van of this class. There are no unusual mileage jumps between recorded tests, no extended gaps suggesting long periods off the road, and no concerning inconsistencies that would indicate clock tampering or erratic usage patterns. At this rate of use, the mechanical components most subject to wear, including the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, diesel particulate filter, and AdBlue system, should be at a moderate stage of their service life rather than approaching end-of-life. The relatively modest annual mileage also suggests the vehicle has likely completed sufficient work to keep the diesel emissions system active and regenerated regularly, which is beneficial for DPF longevity, though confirmation of recent long motorway-type journeys would be reassuring. Given the absence of any recorded advisories across the two available tests, there is no specific component history to drive a targeted test-drive checklist, so attention should focus on the typical failure points of this generation of Transit. On a road test, listen carefully for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the Transit is known for wear in the front anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, and lower wishbone bushes, none of which would necessarily have been flagged at MOT if they were within tolerance at the time of test. Check for uneven tyre wear across both axles, as commercial use with heavy rear loading can cause premature wear on the rear tyres, and inspect the brake discs and pads for lipping, binding calipers, or any pulling to one side under braking, which on a heavy van can quickly escalate into an MOT failure if pads reach the minimum or discs exceed the corrosion or lip thresholds. Particular attention should also be paid to the underside of the vehicle on a ramp or over a pit, as Transits of this era are prone to corrosion around the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe brackets, especially if used for delivery work in winter conditions. Inspect the exhaust system for any signs of blue smoke on start-up, which could indicate turbocharger or piston ring wear, and verify that the DPF has no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. Confirm the service history directly with the supplying dealer or previous owner, paying particular attention to the timing belt or chain replacement interval if applicable to this engine variant, the condition of the dual-mass flywheel under load, and whether the clutch feels smooth or shows any juddering or slipping when pulling away fully loaded. Finally, request evidence of the April 2025 failure and subsequent repair to satisfy yourself that the underlying defect was properly resolved rather than temporarily masked.