2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · WN68 RYP

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 August 2025 produced an immediate fail on the same day as a pass advisory submission, with a Major defect recorded against the nearside rear service brake for lagging in operation, alongside an advisory noting fluctuating offside rear brake performance and a further advisory covering rear brake disc wear, pitting and scoring. This episode follows a clear pattern of deteriorating rear brake condition over the preceding tests, beginning with thin front pads in 2021, progressing through worn rear pads in 2022 (which fell into the Dangerous category at less than 1.5 mm thick) and worn rear discs in the same period, and culminating in the current operational imbalance. While the vehicle has since passed its roadworthiness check, the persistence of brake-related advisories across four consecutive tests suggests that consumable wear is not being fully resolved at service intervals, and the rear axle braking system in particular warrants close physical examination before purchase. Recorded mileage of 138,354 miles over an eight-year lifecycle equates to an annual average of approximately 17,294 miles, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and points towards sustained commercial or heavy-duty use typical of the Transit model. There are no significant gaps between recorded MOT readings that would suggest extended standing periods, and the mileage progression between tests is consistent with continuous operation rather than sporadic use. This level of utilisation places above-average demand on mechanical components including the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger, suspension bushes, engine mounts and drivetrain bearings, and any evidence of irregular servicing or skipped fluid changes will materially shorten the remaining service life of these parts. Given the recurring brake-related advisories and the most recent Major defect, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the entire braking system. The rear brake calipers should be examined for correct sliding operation and seizure, as binding calipers will produce the uneven or lagging braking behaviour flagged at test, and the handbrake mechanism and rear drum or disc assemblies should be checked for correct adjustment and function. On a test drive, any pulling to one side under braking, a soft or spongy pedal, shudder through the pedal or steering wheel, or grinding noises from the rear axle would suggest that further rectification beyond the advisory level is required. The rear discs, previously recorded as pitted and scored, should be measured for remaining thickness against the manufacturer's wear limit, and the pads inspected for material depth on both inner and outer faces to confirm even wear rather than caliper-related uneven contact. Beyond the braking system, the higher than average mileage combined with age-related factors requires attention to several other areas during physical inspection. The front suspension should be checked for worn bushes, top mounts and coil springs, with the test drive performed over uneven surfaces to detect clonks or knocking that would indicate deteriorated components, particularly given the 2021 advisories noting inner-edge front tyre wear which often points to alignment or suspension geometry concerns. All tyres, including any spare, should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking given the vehicle's age, and the date codes on the sidewalls verified to ensure they are within a safe service window regardless of remaining tread depth. The 12V battery should be load tested as calendar-aged units frequently fail without warning on high-mileage commercial vehicles, and brake fluid, coolant and transmission fluid should be checked for condition and replacement date, as time-based degradation occurs regardless of mileage. Diesel-specific items including the Dual Mass Flywheel if manual, turbo actuator operation, EGR valve condition, and Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration behaviour under load should also be assessed, and a compression or leak-off test considered to confirm internal engine health given the substantial accumulated mileage. Finally, the body and underside should be examined for structural corrosion around the load area, jacking points and suspension mounting areas, as Transits of this age and usage profile are prone to surface and structural oxidation that may not be fully reflected in MOT advisory notes.