2018 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · YT18 AEK

The vehicle's recent MOT history shows a declining trend in maintenance standards, moving from clean passes to a failure in March 2026. While the March 16, 2026, test at 120,623 miles resulted in a pass, the tester first flagged a defect regarding a non-functioning offside high-level central stop lamp. This followed a failure just three days earlier on March 13, 2026, where the vehicle failed due to both the lighting issue and a significant cut in the offside front tyre that reached the cords. This sudden appearance of consumable defects after three years of clean records suggests a lapse in routine pre-MOT inspections or general upkeep. The mileage accumulation is high for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 15,000 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage, with the mileage increasing from 69,742 in February 2021 to 120,623 in March 2026. The jump from 89,419 miles in February 2022 to 94,422 miles in March 2023 indicates a period of lower usage, but the subsequent climb to 106,578 miles in 2024 and 112,192 miles in 2025 shows the vehicle has returned to heavy commercial use. This high-mileage profile increases the likelihood of accelerated wear on drivetrain components and suspension systems. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and steering components. The February 2022 test at 89,419 miles flagged corrosion on both power steering pipes and wear in the anti-roll bar and suspension arm bushes. Although these were noted as not yet resulting in excessive movement, the high mileage since that test means these components may now be nearing the end of their service life or may have deteriorated further. The recent tyre failure also indicates that tyre management has become an issue. Beyond checking the current tread depth and condition of all four tyres, a mechanical inspection should focus on the steering geometry to ensure the recent tyre damage was not caused by misalignment. Given the history of steering pipe corrosion and suspension bush wear, checking for leaks in the hydraulic system and play in the steering linkage is essential to confirm the vehicle's structural and mechanical integrity.