2015 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · WP65 AAV

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 June 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this is corroborated by an equally clean pass at the previous test on 25 June 2024. This immediately follows a failure on 13 June 2024, just twelve days earlier, where both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm pins or bushes were identified as excessively worn. The fact that the vehicle passed straight away on the retest strongly suggests that both front suspension arms, or at minimum the worn bushings, were replaced and that the remedial work was completed to a satisfactory standard. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and currently compliant, with the single failure having been resolved effectively rather than representing an ongoing or recurring concern. A buyer should, however, request documentation confirming what suspension components were fitted, as the cause of accelerated bush wear on a Ducato of this mileage can sometimes point to heavier load use, neglect of lower arm components, or even tracking misalignment which can prematurely destroy new parts if not addressed. With 118,034 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this Fiat Ducato has covered around 10,730 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a commercial panel van of this age and entirely consistent with average operational use. There are no conspicuous gaps in the annual MOT cadence to suggest long periods of standing, nor any indicators of unusually rapid accumulation that might point to exceptionally hard service. The mileage progression between tests is steady and reasonable, indicating that the vehicle has been in regular rather than sporadic use. This is mechanically favourable, as light vans that stand idle for extended periods frequently suffer from binding rear brake calipers, surface corrosion on brake discs, perishing of rubber components, and 12V battery degradation, none of which appear to have been flagged on recent examinations. Given the recent front suspension arm and bush replacement, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to suspension refinement on a test drive. Listen for any clonks or thuds from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed, as premature wear of replacement bushes within a short period would indicate a deeper underlying issue such as a weakened coil spring, a collapsed top mount, or tracking misalignment. Inspect the tyres for any uneven shoulder wear, particularly inner or outer edge wear across the front axle, which would suggest that geometry has not been correctly set after the suspension work or that worn droplinks or track rod ends are now contributing to instability. Examine the front tyres for feathered tread, which is a classic symptom of incorrect tracking. It is also worth inspecting the engine bay and underbody for fluid seepage around the front suspension turrets, power steering rack, and anti-roll bar drop links, as Ducatos of this age and mileage are known for power steering hose seepage and front anti-roll bar bush deterioration. Beyond the recorded suspension defect, the rest of the MOT history is commendably clean, with only a single minor advisory for a windscreen chip that did not affect the driver's view and which carries no mechanical significance. However, given the eleven-year age of the vehicle and its commercial background, a buyer should still carry out several age-appropriate physical checks regardless of the MOT outcome. Inspect the tyre sidewalls carefully for perishing or cracking, as age-related rubber degradation can affect even tyres that retain legal tread depth. Check the 12V battery for signs of weakness, including slow engine cranking or a warning on the dashboard, as commercial vehicles often run multiple short journeys that can shorten battery life. Verify that the brake fluid and coolant have been changed in line with calendar-based service schedules rather than purely mileage intervals, as both fluids degrade over time and Ducato cooling systems are prone to air locking if neglected. Finally, examine the rear brake calipers for free movement and check the underside of the van for any surface corrosion on structural areas, brake lines, and the exhaust system, all of which are common age-related deterioration points on high-mileage commercial vehicles of this type.