2020 Ford Transit Custom 280LIMITD Eblue 2.0L Diesel · YS20 ADZ

The most recent MOT record from April 2026 at 125,511 miles shows a failed test with no defects logged, a pattern that has repeated twice in the past year—once in April 2025 at 115,260 miles and again immediately after a pass at the same mileage. This inconsistency suggests either intermittent administrative errors or a vehicle that narrowly avoids major failures but lacks thorough pre-test checks. The absence of defects in all five entries indicates no critical structural or mechanical issues were identified by the tester, yet the repeated failures raise questions about whether minor but essential components—such as tyre pressures, fluid levels, or basic lighting—are being overlooked. The trend is neither improving nor worsening; it remains static, implying the vehicle is being driven but not systematically maintained beyond MOT compliance. The mileage accumulation is aggressive for a six-year-old commercial van, averaging around 20,918 miles annually, which is well above the UK fleet average. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (25,552 miles in just over a year) confirms heavy usage, likely accelerating wear on suspension bushes, brake pads, and drivetrain seals. The fact that no advisories or defects were ever recorded in any of the five tests—despite this high mileage—is unusual and may indicate the tester focused only on mandatory checks while ignoring potential early warning signs. Buyers should treat this as a red flag for deferred maintenance, particularly if the van has been used for intensive duties like heavy loads or urban stop-start cycles. Given the clean but suspicious MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, with special attention to the suspension—particularly the rear coil springs and anti-roll bar bushes—given the high mileage. The brake system, including caliper binding and disc thickness, should be checked for uneven wear, as should the exhaust for leaks or corrosion near the mounts. Tyre condition and tread depth must be verified, as the absence of advisories suggests they may have been at legal limits but not necessarily in optimal condition. Fluid levels—brake, coolant, and power steering—should also be inspected, as these are often neglected in high-mileage commercial vehicles. The absence of recorded defects does not equate to a well-maintained van; it may simply mean the tester did not probe deeply enough.