2016 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · YM66 LLW

A clean, unblemished MOT history defines this 2016 Ford Transit, with five consecutive passes between October 2022 and November 2025 and not a single advisory or failure recorded across that entire period. The most recent test on 20 November 2025 was passed with no defects, continuing an unbroken run that points to consistent roadworthiness and either diligent pre-test preparation or simply light wear at the point of inspection. For a ten year old commercial vehicle approaching 150,000 miles, the absence of any flagged advisories on suspension, braking, corrosion, or exhaust integrity is notable. It suggests that, at the time of testing, the vehicle was free from the typical deterioration one would expect on a high mileage van of this age, though MOT results are a snapshot rather than a guarantee of underlying condition. With 149,576 miles accumulated over ten years, this Transit is running at roughly 14,900 miles per year, an annual rate that sits at the upper end of what is typical for its class and clearly indicates a working vehicle rather than a lightly used private van. The mileage progression through each annual test is steady, with no extended absence from testing and no sudden gaps that would imply prolonged off-road storage or clock irregularities. Mechanically, this consistent usage pattern is a double edged consideration. Regular daily work means the engine, clutch, turbo, gearbox, and drivetrain have been kept thermally cycled and lubricated rather than suffering the cold starts and condensation issues that afflict low mileage vans, but it also means wear items such as clutches, dual mass flywheels, turbochargers, injectors, and suspension components have absorbed the cumulative punishment of commercial loading cycles. Given the lack of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer cannot rely on the MOT history to flag known weaknesses, making a thorough physical inspection and test drive essential. On the road, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as Transit front lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends are known to deteriorate well before MOT advisory thresholds are met. Pay close attention to steering precision; any vagueness, wandering, or pulling to one side under braking could indicate worn front bushes, warped brake discs, or a tired power steering rack. The brake pedal should feel firm with no sponginess or excessive travel, and any judder under firm application suggests warped front discs, a common Transit issue given the heavy front laden working life. Check that the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline without excessive ratchet travel, as rear calipers and shoes can wear without producing an MOT advisory until adjustment limits are reached. The 2.0 and 2.2 Duratorq diesel engines fitted to this generation of Transit can develop oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, and turbo oil feed pipe as mileage climbs beyond 120,000 miles, so inspect the engine bay for any residue or staining, and smell for burnt oil under the bonnet after a warm run. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, which can indicate stretched timing chain guides, and observe exhaust smoke at idle, which should be minimal on a healthy diesel. Examine the underside for any surface corrosion on subframe, brake lines, and suspension arms; even a clean MOT cannot rule out early perforation on brake pipes or buried corrosion on structural sections that the tester could not see. Finally, check the cooling system, as water pumps, thermostats, and expansion tanks on these engines are prone to failure at this mileage, and verify that the clutch biting point is consistent and free from slipping under load, particularly when engaging in higher gears on an incline.