Ford Transit Custom 290 Trend, 154k miles – spares / repairs / project
This van had an oil pump failure in October 2021. This resulted in the turbo failing. The oil pump and the turbo were replaced and the van continued living. In April 2025 however, the reconditioned turbo seized. My mechanic fitted a new turbo and the van was better than ever, but eight days later, the turbo seized again. My mechanic has since cleared out the sump and checked the engine over as best he can without stripping the engine down completely. He pulled some old silicon out of the sump and then cleaned everything up and put it back together. The van now runs, but doesn’t have a working turbo.
Why am I selling it?
Due to my work, I need a reliable van that I can trust. I run production for shows, so it’s not like I am a plumber or builder that can rearrange a days work. I have audiences relying on me to make the gig, so I have now sourced a new van.
It irks me that this van is actually a very tidy van, but technically useless without a working turbo. I believe it would be good for spares, repairs or a project for someone that wants to work on it and get themselves a decent van cheaper than buying a working one. Due to replacing it, I now have no reason to put any more money into it to replace the turbo again. The current turbo fitted is brand new but seized. My mechanic advises me that it is under warranty, but the manufacturer won’t pay out on the warranty because they will blame the failure on an oil pressure issue. We have not been able to find an oil pressure issue.
Service history
I’ve looked after it, best I know how. I’ve kept the vast majority of the service history, regularly had it serviced and it currently contains many fairly new parts such as a new starter motor (8 months old), new driveshafts (17 months old), brand new spare tyre (1 year old, never used), new fuel vaporiser (11 months old), fairly new tyres and brake pads etc. All of this can be seen in the service history.
I have included all the service history I have. Most times I had the van MOT’d, I also had it serviced, unless I had done a service close to the MOT. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to keep the receipts from the services that were done during MOTs. I only kept the MOT certificates.
Condition
The van is tidy. It has only been used to transport sound equipment in professional flight cases. I bought the van with three months left on the original Ford warranty, so I’ve had it most of its life.
I have also included photos of the van from every angle. I have also done a simple video of the engine with it running so you can hear it.
You may notice from the photos of the van, both interior and exterior, that I have not cleaned the van in any way prior to putting it up for sale. I have done this very deliberately, so you can see the everyday condition of the van and so it’s clear I’ve not hidden anything.
What do I want for it?
I’m looking to offload the van for as much as I can get for it because, why wouldn’t I? I’ve been offered £2,200.00 for the van with the turbo working, from WeBuyVans. They have not been to see it or seen any photos.
If you have questions, by all means message me. I’m available most weekdays: 07779 299 326 (Andrew)
Questions?
- The current MOT expires 6 January 2026. It contains two minor defects – a number plate bulb and driveshaft boot.
- Will I drive it to you? Nope. It doesn’t have a working turbo. You can drive it away if you like, but I’m not a mechanic and wouldn’t like to say that’s a great idea. Probably best to put it on a truck.
