2015 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · YA15 AAE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Earlier in the series the van suffered two failures – a major front wheel‑bearing fault, parking‑brake inefficiency and rear‑brake lag in 2023, and a repeat of those issues together with a damaged front body panel in 2024 – but both were apparently remedied before the 2025 test. The pattern therefore shows a move from a period of significant non‑compliance to a clean result, suggesting that recent maintenance has been effective, although the recurrence of some advisory items (suspension arm bush wear and fog‑light failures) hints that underlying wear may still be present. At 109,052 mi the van has averaged just under 10,000 mi per year over its eleven‑year life, which is typical for a light commercial vehicle of this vintage. The mileage does not point to any extreme high‑usage abuse, but it also does not indicate long periods of storage that could have allowed components such as brake discs or rubber seals to corrode. The moderate annual mileage means that consumables – tyres, suspension bushings, brake pads and discs – are likely to be in the middle of their service life, but the age of the vehicle means that calendar‑related degradation must be considered alongside mileage‑based wear. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the off‑side front wheel bearing that was recorded as rough in 2024. Listen for a low‑grinding or humming noise that changes with vehicle speed and varies when the wheel is turned; excessive play when the wheel is rocked by hand can also indicate impending failure. The suspension arm pins and bushings flagged in 2023 and 2024 are now several years old; feel for any clunking or looseness when applying full steering lock or when driving over bumps, and inspect the bushings for cracked rubber or excessive play. The parking‑brake and rear service‑brake lag noted in 2023 should be verified by testing the handbrake on a slight incline – it must hold the vehicle firmly – and by checking that the rear brakes apply evenly without a noticeable delay or pull to one side. All exterior lighting – especially the off‑side front fog light, the near‑side rear direction indicator and the hazard warning lamps – must be functional, as their failure contributed to previous rejections. Beyond the MOT‑specific items, the van’s age warrants a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking, particularly if the tyres have been on the vehicle for several years. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking terminal corrosion and performing a load test if possible, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazed patches, and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking, which can occur after long periods of inactivity. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluid colour should be clear, not dark or milky – and look for any signs of leaks around the engine bay, exhaust manifold and under the vehicle, as ageing seals can begin to fail even on modestly used vans.