MOT History on Duetto

Hello, I've found a lovely Duetto - it's an M reg so 25 years old and I'm hoping to see it on Thursday. Checking the MOT history it seems to have a recurring reason for failing  - corrosion - 2.4.A.3 in recent years. I totally understand that it's an old vehicle but it this unusual to have the same issue recurring? Any Advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

It's common - unfortunately. There are some really great things about Transits (parts availability for one thing) but rust is the downside. There are a significant number of rust blackspots on a Transit of that age, and some of them can be hard to spot if you don't know where to look - though of course there are also some - such as rusty wings - that are easy to spot!

Replacement panels are still fairly easy to get, even at 25 years old, but there are some exceptions (the front suspension turrets were unobtainable in aftermarket parts and v. expensive in factory parts last time I looked). Does each MOT say a location, or just corrosion with no further detail?

Unfortunately the difference in cost between a quick skim and paint, and a proper cut, weld and paint can be very large, so bodging will always be common...

Thanks Roopert, that's really helpful. There's lots of reference to offside/nearside front and rear suspension - a definite theme...

Your profile states you own a Symphony or Symbol - are you selling that in favour of an older, possibly more rust prone vehicle?

Having run two Transit based campers, one being from new and one at 10 to 12 years old I can concur with Roops comments. 

The 12 year old was starting to show endemic corrosion that would have been difficult, if not impossible to stop developing into something more serious in later years and that's one reason I got rid.

As a 10 to 12 year old it cost £6,600 to sort out over a two year period. I'll list the issues that cost over £100:
Replaced rear exhaust pipe £182
Replaced cab aircon condenser and front suspension arms £873
Replaced brake discs & pads all round, freed and replaced seized handbrake cable, replaced corroded brake pipes £1,257
Service, MOT, replaced two rear springs and screen washer pump £773
Bent sill under drivers door brought back to shape and repainted £350

I do not think many people who know about Transits would buy one with any signs of rust unless they can do the bodywork themselves.  The underneath rust can be lethal in terms of getting into parts like the exhaust, brake system, pipes etc

Hi folks
My duetto is just twenty five years old and is in great condition only done 37,000 miles and passed the mot with no advisories and also passed last year . But I keep an eye on things doing most mechanical and servicing jobs my self I also keep it well polished I polish inside the doors and all seams it has also been under sealed with a very good quality under seal bilt and hamber not cheap but very good . I always try and look after my investment and have had many good comments about my duetto when we have been on camping trips.

Thanks everyone, I think this one is a no-go, even though she looks gorgeous :)

IanH wrote:Personally wouldn't touch it with someone else's bargepole!
Rust will never get better, bits you can't see now will appear.
There are plenty better ones out there!

Much depends on a persons budget and knowledge (it helps if you know what you're looking at!). Twenty years ago i took a punt on a '93 Mk4 Transit Leisuredrive conversion. I bought it for £2k and spent £500 having welding work done plus MOT. I toured the Outer Hebrides and it took me to many countries throughout Europe until i sold it twelve years ago for £5k. I've just checked the DVLA and that van is still on the road, taxed and mot'd until Feb next year so it's given a lot of pleasure, and miles, for very little cost.

Just read another thread and some poor guy needs replace his bed gas struts on his TWO YEAR OLD Kingham....that's a £60k van. A part failing after just two years and folk are shelling out £60k? 
 

Have a look at the MOT history at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] Look for corrosion failures that seem to be 'cured' in an impossibly short time. True chassis etc welding involves removal of cabin contents to stop van burning, and takes a long time and huge cost.  Avoid.