2013 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · YS63 LLZ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 29 January 2026 at 136,030 miles, resulted in a pass, but the record reveals a worsening maintenance trend that demands caution. While the vehicle has been kept on the road, the tester flagged corrosion on both front brake pipes at the most recent test, an advisory that has persisted and appeared in three of the last four tests. This recurring defect, categorised under section 1.1.11 (c), indicates active corrosion obscured by grease or contamination, masking the true condition of the metalwork. The braking system has been a consistent area of concern, with the January 2025 test recording worn and pitted rear brake discs, and the failed test on 21 January 2025 at 126,082 miles highlighting excessively fluctuating service brakes and worn front inner pads. The fact that the vehicle passed in February 2025 only after these issues were addressed suggests reactive repairs rather than proactive servicing. The January 2026 pass confirms the immediate braking faults were rectified, but the reappearance of corroded brake pipe advisories points to an ongoing failure to address the underlying cause of moisture ingress and corrosion within the hydraulic system. Mileage accumulation on this 2013 Ford Transit sits at approximately 10,464 miles per year, which is typical for a working commercial vehicle of this age. The record shows a steady climb from 101,968 miles in December 2022 to 136,030 miles in January 2026, representing roughly 34,000 miles covered over a three-year period. There are no alarming gaps in the record that suggest the vehicle stood idle for extended periods, and the accumulation rate remained consistent throughout 2024 and 2025. The sparse testing pattern, with only five recorded tests across nearly four years, is slightly below the annual frequency expected for a vehicle of this type, though the mileage progression supports regular use rather than neglect through inactivity. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, focusing on the condition of the front brake pipe runs where corrosion has been repeatedly flagged. The presence of grease or other material covering the corrosion is a red flag, as it suggests previous testers or owners have masked the issue rather than replaced affected sections. Have the nearside and offside front brake pipes inspected for wall thickness loss, particularly along the chassis rail and at any clips or unions where moisture collects. The rear brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in January 2025, so check for lipping, scoring, and heat cracking on the rear hubs. The January 2025 failure for excessively fluctuating front service brakes warrants inspection of the front calipers for binding or sticking pistons, and the condition of the front inner pads should be verified against uneven wear patterns. Beyond the braking system, the 2024 advisory regarding a severely deteriorated offside front constant velocity boot on the drive shaft joint remains a concern. A split or degraded CV boot allows grease to escape and contamination to enter the joint, leading to premature wear and eventual failure, often manifesting as knocking during tight turns. Inspect the offside inner driveshaft joint for play and check whether the boot has been replaced or merely noted. Given the recurring nature of the advisories and the pattern of reactive repairs, a full underbody inspection for structural corrosion, particularly on brake lines, fuel lines, and load-bearing crossmembers, is strongly advised before purchase.