2012 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · WN62 ELU

The defining feature of this 2012 Ford Transit's MOT history is the complete absence of recorded defects across every test, yet the unusual pattern of immediate re-tests following two separate failures in 2023 and 2024. The most recent outcome on 3 October 2024 was a clean pass with no advisories, but this came just sixteen days after a failure on 17 September 2024, which also recorded no defects - a technicality strongly suggesting the vehicle was failed for administrative reasons or a category not retained in the summary, with the underlying issues rectified in the intervening period. The same pattern occurred in September 2023, with a failure on the 19th immediately followed by a pass on the 20th. While a defect-free record is objectively the best outcome available on an MOT certificate, the dense clustering of re-tests warrants caution and direct verification of what specifically caused the failures and what remedial work was carried out, as MOT pass/fail outcomes alone do not establish the underlying mechanical condition. With 101,394 miles accumulated over approximately 14 years, this Transit averages around 7,242 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a commercial vehicle of this age. There is no evidence of very low mileage that would indicate prolonged standing, nor any sudden spikes between test dates that would suggest inconsistent odometer readings or unusual usage patterns. The continuity of annual testing from 2023 onwards indicates the vehicle has remained in regular operational service. Given that diesel commercial vehicles of this vintage typically accumulate significant wear on suspension, braking, and drivetrain components well before the 100,000-mile mark, the mileage itself is not a red flag, but it does place the vehicle at a stage where consumable replacement and structural inspections become increasingly important. For a prospective buyer, the priority is to establish precisely why this vehicle failed its MOT tests twice despite no defects being recorded against it, and to obtain documentation of any repairs undertaken. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the areas commonly affected on high-mileage Transits of this generation: the front suspension, including the radius arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and wishbone bushes, which are known to wear and produce clonking noises over uneven surfaces. The rear leaf spring shackles and hangers should be checked for cracks or elongation, and the brake discs and pads examined for wear, as commercial use accelerates consumable depletion. Steering play, uneven tyre wear, and any pulling to one side under braking would also warrant investigation. During a test drive, the vehicle should be evaluated with a load if possible to replicate working conditions. Listen for any knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps or potholes, feel for vibration through the steering wheel which may indicate warped brake discs or imbalanced wheels, and check for excessive play in the steering. The clutch should be tested for slipping under load, and the gearbox assessed for smooth engagement across all ratios, as Transits of this mileage frequently exhibit synchro wear. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around the rear chassis rails, mounting points, and brake pipe unions, is strongly advised, as structural integrity is a common failure point on older commercial vehicles and would not necessarily be evident from the MOT history alone.