2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · Y200 AAB

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 13 March 2026, but the test outcome was accompanied by five advisories and no recorded advisory on the prior test. The advisories point to brake disc wear on both rear discs, an exhaust that is described as noisy with a minor leak of exhaust gases, and a brake pipe along the front to rear run that is either corroded or coated in grease or material masking its condition. Looking back through the history, the 2025 test also flagged front and rear brake disc wear alongside a deteriorated near-side front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover and a near-side front windscreen chip. Combined with a dangerous failure on the offside rear stop lamp in early 2023, the trend is one of accumulating wear items rather than a clean, stable record, even though the vehicle has continued to pass. At 134,274 recorded miles over approximately nine years, this Transit is averaging around 14,900 miles per year, which is on the high side for a vehicle of its age and likely reflects the heavier duty cycle typical of commercial use. High mileage on a Transit concentrates wear on the braking system, suspension bushes, coil springs, clutch and dual-mass flywheel if manual, and the drivetrain generally. The brake disc advisories now appearing on consecutive tests suggest the discs are nearing the end of their service life and a buyer should budget for replacement, particularly as the latest advisories specifically reference pitting and scoring rather than general wear. On a test drive, listen for any metallic grinding or scraping from the brakes and feel for shudder through the steering wheel or pedal when braking, which would indicate the scored discs are distorting under heat. Check the brake pedal feel for sponginess, which combined with the grease-covered or corroded front-to-rear brake pipe advisory could point to compromised pipe integrity, and ensure the handbrake holds firmly on an incline as rear disc wear on Transits is frequently accompanied by binding or weak rear calipers. Start the engine from cold and listen for any exhaust hiss or ticking near the front pipe, joint, or rear silencer area to identify the source of the reported leak, and inspect the exhaust hangers for security. Pay particular attention to the front suspension for clunks or knocking over speed humps and uneven bumps, as the deteriorated ball joint dust cover flagged in 2025 will allow water and grit ingress and accelerate joint wear. Beyond the recorded defects, a high-mileage commercial van of this age warrants a thorough physical inspection regardless of the MOT outcome. Examine the tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, which suggests alignment or suspension issues, and check the sidewalls for perishing or cracking given the age of the rubber. Inspect the underside, particularly the chassis rails, subframe mounting points, and brake and fuel lines, for any structural or surface corrosion given the mileage and likely exposure to winter road treatments. Verify the service book history for timely oil, brake fluid, and coolant changes, as these fluids degrade with calendar age even when the van is in regular use, and check the condition of the 12V battery as commercial vehicles often run auxiliary equipment that shortens battery life. Finally, confirm that the rear lighting has been repaired and that all bulbs function correctly, and inspect the load area floor and rear bumper for damage consistent with the heavy-duty use implied by the mileage.