2021 Ford Transit 350 Leader Ecoblue 2.0L Diesel · WN71 KBX

A virtually blemish-free MOT record over the first four years of testing establishes this Transit 350 as a mechanically sound commercial vehicle, with the single recorded advisory on the September 2025 pass relating solely to an inoperative registration plate lamp. The September 2024 test returned a clean pass with no advisories, and the most recent pass continued that pattern, suggesting a vehicle free from developing corrosion, suspension wear, brake degradation, or structural concerns that typically accumulate on a working van of this age. The absence of recurring advisories on suspension arms, brake pipes, coil springs, or subframe integrity is particularly reassuring, as these are the components most commonly flagged on the Transit platform. Annual mileage of roughly 6,815 miles over the five-year period sits within the expected band for a commercial van that may see mixed use, including periods of light work and stationary gaps between jobs. This accumulation rate is not low enough to raise concerns about prolonged standing, which on a Transit can trigger issues such as seized brakes, perished cooling system hoses, or discharged battery cells, nor is it high enough to imply exceptional wear on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, or turbocharger associated with heavy commercial use. Given that the recorded mileage is consistent across the documented test history, there are no indicators of clocking or anomalous gaps between annual tests. The EcoBlue diesel drivetrain at this mileage should still be in its early life, with timing belts, dual-mass flywheels, and turbo bearings well within their typical service intervals. With only a single minor lighting defect on record, the buyer inspection should focus on confirming that no issues have developed since the September 2025 test. On a road test, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the anti-roll bar drop links and the lower control arm bushes, which are known wear points on the Transit and would typically appear as advisories long before becoming failures. Check the steering for any play, vibration, or pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate worn track rod ends or binding calipers, and verify that the brake pedal feels firm without excessive travel, as soft pedals or those that sink under foot pressure may point to a failing master cylinder. The van should be cold-started from rest where possible, as a diesel that is reluctant to fire from cold or that emits excessive blue or black smoke during the first minute of running could indicate worn injector seals, EGR valve accumulation, or turbocharger oil seal failure. Under the bonnet, inspect the coolant and oil filler caps for any mayonnaise-like residue or excessive pressure that might suggest a failing head gasket or EGR cooler, both common EcoBlue concerns on later Transits. Finally, with the vehicle on level ground and the engine idling, check for any diesel or oil drips on the floor or staining around the engine, gearbox, and rear differential seals, as the mileage is still modest enough that any visible leaks would warrant further investigation before purchase.