Ford Transit 290 (2018)
2018 Ford Transit 290
CarHunch analysed 125 real MOT records for the 2018 Ford Transit 290. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2018 Ford Transit 290 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 75.2%, which sits below the UK average of 80%, suggesting slightly higher-than-typical failure rates on initial test. The good news is that no vehicles in this cohort have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so serious safety issues are not a pattern here.
These Transit 290s are running at a median of 71,297 miles—reasonable for their age—and average just 0.26 failures per vehicle, indicating most pass eventually without major hassle. If you're considering one, check the service history carefully and budget for a pre-purchase inspection, since the below-average pass rate hints at wear items (likely suspension, brakes, or lighting) that deserve scrutiny before you commit.
What to check before buying a 2018 Ford Transit 290
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Transit 290
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (96%) | 120 | 74.7% | 0.25 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (4%) | 5 | 86.7% | 0.6 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2018 Ford Transit 290 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2018 Ford Transit 290 vehicles fall between 56,075 and 93,584 miles.
2018 Ford Transit 290 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 82 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Ford Transit 290?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
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