2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · YR68 RVO

The most recent MOT inspection on 25 September 2025 resulted in a pass, but it followed a dangerous failure involving a structural tyre defect. Looking at the broader maintenance trend, the vehicle shows signs of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. The history is characterised by significant safety failures, particularly regarding braking systems and suspension components, which have required immediate intervention to meet legal standards. While the most recent pass suggests the immediate dangerous defects have been rectified, the pattern of frequent failures for major and dangerous items indicates a vehicle that is being maintained only when necessary to pass inspection, rather than through a consistent preventative service regime. With 134,527 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Ford Transit Custom has covered an average of roughly 16,816 miles per year. This is considered high mileage for a light commercial vehicle of this age, suggesting heavy or consistent commercial use. Such high annual mileage accelerates the wear and tear on all consumable components, including the drivetrain, suspension bushes, and braking assemblies. The cumulative mileage means that mechanical components are likely approaching the end of their natural service life, and any signs of neglect in the MOT history are amplified by the sheer volume of work the vehicle has performed. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the braking system and suspension during a test drive. The history shows a recurring issue with brake imbalance and disc degradation, including a dangerous failure due to a weakened nearside front disc. You should listen for any rhythmic grinding, pulsation through the brake pedal, or a pulling sensation to one side when braking from higher speeds, which could indicate sticking calipers or unevenly worn discs. Furthermore, the previous failures regarding missing cotter pins on the driveshafts and suspension component pins suggest that the front-end assembly has been subject to significant stress. During the test drive, pay close attention to any clunking or knocking sounds when navigating uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel, as these are classic symptoms of worn suspension bushes or loose mounting hardware. The recent advisories regarding worn and missing rear bump stops indicate that the rear suspension damping is not being fully supported, which can lead to increased impact damage to the chassis and poor ride quality. You should also inspect the condition of the tyres thoroughly; while the dangerous bulge has been addressed, the high mileage and heavy use mean you should check for uneven tread wear patterns, which would point toward alignment issues or worn suspension components. Given the high mileage and the nature of the previous defects, I strongly recommend verifying the service history to ensure that oil changes, fluid replacements, and component inspections have been carried out at regular intervals, as the MOT history alone suggests a high-wear vehicle that has been pushed to its limits.