2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · X11 RAR

A chronic pattern of brake pipe corrosion sits at the heart of this Transit's MOT record and represents the single most significant mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. The first formal test recorded against this vehicle, in July 2023, was a failure that included a Major defect for an excessively corroded offside rear brake pipe, alongside an advisory noting further corrosion across the front and nearside rear lines. Just one day later, on 7 July 2023, the van returned with advisories for the same front and nearside rear pipe corrosion and a pitted rear brake disc. By December 2024 the situation had escalated into a second failure, with brake pipes running front to rear being classed as Major due to excessive corrosion. The most recent pass on 8 December 2025 still carries advisories for both front brake pipes being corroded and covered in grease or other material, suggesting they have been treated to slow further deterioration rather than replaced. This is a well-documented and progressive corrosion issue that has spanned at least four recorded tests, and any buyer should treat the braking hydraulic system as the priority inspection area. Mileage of 51,749 against an eight-year registration implies an annual accumulation of roughly 6,469 miles, which is broadly typical for a commercial vehicle of this type, though such figures can mask the reality of intensive stop-start urban work rather than steady motorway use. The MOT records show annual testing from 2023 onwards, with two tests in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting the van has been kept on the road and in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods. There are no obvious multi-year gaps in the testing history that would raise concerns about long-term standing or component degradation through disuse, such as seized brakes or perished coolant hoses from inactivity. That said, the cumulative wear associated with commercial loading, frequent low-speed manoeuvres, and heavy braking cycles should be assumed when interpreting the component history. The most pressing inspection point is the brake hydraulic system. The advisories referencing both front brake pipes being covered in grease or other material indicate a likely surface treatment, but the history of an excessively corroded offside rear and front-to rear brake line being failed outright shows that corrosion is an active process rather than a cosmetic issue. On inspection, the buyer should physically examine all visible brake pipes, particularly along the chassis rails and at the rear axle, looking for flaking, pitting, or thinning of the metal, and any sign of fresh dampness around joints or flexes. A test drive should focus on firm pedal feel without excessive travel or sponginess, and the vehicle should be left to idle for a short period to check for any slow loss of pedal pressure, which can indicate weeping corroded joints. The handbrake mechanism and rear brake condition should also be scrutinised, given the advisory for a worn and pitted rear disc noted in 2023. Beyond the braking system, the CV joint gaiters and wiper mechanism warrant specific attention. Two separate Major defects were recorded for split CV boots, first on the offside front outer joint in July 2023 and then on the nearside front joint in December 2024, which raises a concern that the driveline gaiters are being damaged by regular commercial use, perhaps from kerbing or debris. With the engine running and the steering turned to full lock in both directions, any clicking, knocking, or shuddering through the transmission would indicate worn joints requiring replacement. The 2024 failure also recorded a nearside wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively, alongside a minor chip to the centre of the screen; the wiper linkage and motor should therefore be checked for smooth operation and full sweep, while the screen should be inspected for any further cracking radiating from the recorded chip. Finally, given the van's age and the documented underfloor corrosion risk inherent to commercial vehicles, a thorough check of the subframe mounting points, suspension arms, and anti-roll bar drop links for any rust or perished bushes is strongly advised, as these are the components most likely to follow the same deterioration path already demonstrated by the brake pipework.