2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · WP67 LKO

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 April 2026 resulted in a pass, though three items were recorded against the vehicle. A nearside steering rack gaiter was noted as damaged or deteriorated but still preventing the ingress of dirt, an oil leak was flagged as not excessive, and an advisement was issued for a nearside outer pin-hole in the CV boot. Looking back through the recorded history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than worsening or improving, with the recurring gaiter damage noted consistently from 2023 onwards alongside repeated advisories for minor oil seepage and windscreen stone chips. The 2025 and 2022 tests did record failures for headlamp aim and a rear position lamp, but these were of a rectify at site nature and were passed on the same day or shortly afterwards, suggesting they were addressed promptly rather than indicating a systemic decline. Overall, the pattern points to a vehicle that has been kept broadly roadworthy but with a few persistent minor niggles that warrant attention. With 116,766 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Transit has covered around 14,600 miles annually, which is a high annual mileage for a commercial vehicle of this age. While this indicates consistent working use rather than long periods of standing, it does carry clear mechanical implications. High-mileage Transits of this generation commonly show accelerated wear on suspension components such as bushes, anti-roll bar links and coil springs, as well as elevated wear on clutch assemblies, dual-mass flywheels, turbochargers and drivetrain mounts. The absence of large mileage gaps in the record suggests the vehicle has remained in regular service, which is generally preferable to one that has been laid up, though it does mean consumables such as brakes, tyres and timing belt components are likely approaching or past their nominal service intervals if not already replaced. Given the recurring advisories for oil leaks and the persistent steering rack gaiter defect, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough under-bonnet and under-vehicle inspection. The oil leak advisories have appeared at multiple tests over several years, which suggests a slow but persistent seepage that may originate from areas such as the cam cover gasket, sump, turbo oil feed lines or injector seals, and it would be prudent to check for fresh oil residue on the engine block, sump plug and surrounding components, as well as to monitor oil level between services. The damaged steering rack gaiter should be examined to confirm it is genuinely keeping dirt out; if it has split further since the test, replacement is straightforward and inexpensive, but neglect can lead to water and grit ingress damaging the rack itself, with symptoms including a notchy or loose steering feel. The pin-hole in the CV boot is a more pressing concern, as even a small breach will allow grease to escape and contamination to enter, eventually leading to joint failure with audible clicking on full-lock turns; this should be rectified promptly. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over bumps, clunks from the CV joints when turning, and any unevenness or vibration through the steering wheel. Beyond the documented advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a number of physical checks that may not be fully captured by the MOT record. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, as inner-edge wear can point to worn suspension bushes or alignment issues, and check the sidewalls carefully for cracking or perishing given the vehicle's age. Examine the brake discs for lipping and corrosion, particularly on a vehicle that may have been used heavily for urban stop-start work, and ensure the rear calipers are not binding by checking for hot spots after a short drive. Verify the condition of the timing belt or timing chain service history, as neglect of this on a high-mileage diesel can result in catastrophic engine damage. Confirm that the 12V battery is in good health, particularly if the vehicle is used for short journeys, and check the age and condition of all fluid services including coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil. Finally, ensure that the handbrake operates effectively, as commercial vehicle rear brakes are prone to seizing from infrequent use, and inspect the rear suspension bump stop area where a missing component was previously noted, confirming that any replacement has been carried out correctly.