2015 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · YN15 URM

The 2015 Fiat Ducato passed its most recent MOT on 23 April 2026 at 74,031 miles, but the result reveals a worsening maintenance trend that demands attention. Six advisories were recorded, including both front shock absorbers showing reduced damping effect and light oil misting, both rear tyres perishing, and the nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. This is a marked deterioration from the clean pass recorded in April 2025 at 70,656 miles with zero defects. The pattern suggests the vehicle has been driven hard or neglected in the past year, with suspension and tyre wear accelerating noticeably over a relatively short period. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,730 miles per year is typical for a commercial vehicle of this age, and the annual MOT intervals are consistent with regular use rather than long-term storage. The 3,375-mile jump between April 2025 and April 2026 is slightly above the yearly average but not alarming in isolation. What is concerning is that the 2025 test was entirely clean, yet within twelve months the front suspension has degraded to the point of advisories on damping and oil misting. This implies either a sudden increase in workload, deferred maintenance, or a failure to address the shock absorber oil misting that has appeared as an advisory in every test since at least April 2023. The recurring oil misting on both front shock absorbers, first noted in April 2023 at 64,769 miles and again in April 2024 and April 2026, indicates a slow but persistent deterioration of the damper seals. Combined with the April 2026 advisory for reduced damping effect, these units are approaching the end of their serviceable life and should be inspected for replacement. The rear tyres have also shown perishing in three of the last four tests, including the most recent one, suggesting either prolonged standing, UV exposure, or age-related degradation of the rubber compound. A buyer should check the date codes on all tyres and inspect the sidewalls closely for cracking, particularly on the nearside rear which was flagged as slightly damaged in the latest test. Beyond the advisories, the 2025 failure at 70,652 miles for defective wiper blades, a failed rear stop lamp, a defective indicator lens, and an insecure track rod end ball joint dust cover points to a period of neglect that was subsequently rectified before the clean pass three days later. A hands-on inspection should verify the condition of the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends, as well as the exhaust system and underbody for corrosion. The front tyre wear pattern noted in April 2026, worn on the edge, also warrants an alignment check. Overall, the vehicle is roadworthy on paper, but the trajectory of defects suggests a buyer should budget for front shock absorber replacement and close scrutiny of the tyres and steering components.