2018 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · GA05 AUG

The most recent MOT, carried out on 15 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, and the preceding four annual tests also returned clean passes. The only non‑pass item in the eight‑year history is a 2021 advisory noting that the inner edges of both front tyres were worn to the legal limit. With no failures recorded and a single advisory that has since been superseded by clean tests, the maintenance trend can be described as stable and improving, suggesting that any earlier tyre wear has likely been addressed and that the vehicle has been kept in a road‑worthy condition. At eight years old the van has logged 18 060 miles, which works out to an average of roughly 2 250 miles per annum – considerably below the typical 8‑10 000 miles expected for a light commercial vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to either limited daily use or periods of prolonged storage. The modest mileage reduces the cumulative wear on drivetrain components, suspension bushings and brake discs, but it also raises the possibility that the vehicle may have spent extended periods idle, which can lead to issues such as battery sulphation, tyre sidewall perishing and corrosion of brake hardware if stored in damp conditions. The 2021 tyre advisory should be the first item to verify. Even though the MOTs since then have shown no further tyre warnings, it is prudent to inspect both front and rear tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking, and any signs of dry rot that can develop with age regardless of mileage. On a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that may indicate uneven wear or a developing separation of the tyre carcass, and feel for any pull to one side which could suggest mis‑alignment or worn steering components. If the current tread is below 3 mm or the tyres are more than six years old, replacement is advisable to maintain legal compliance and safe handling, especially under load. Given the low annual mileage, attention should be paid to age‑related items rather than wear‑related ones. Check the 12‑volt battery for signs of sulphation and confirm it holds a healthy charge; a load test at the dealership can reveal hidden capacity loss. Examine the chassis and under‑body for rust, particularly around wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, as standing periods can accelerate corrosion. Verify that brake discs are free of deep scoring and that calipers move smoothly without binding; any uneven pad wear or a pulsating pedal would merit a brake service. Finally, confirm that all fluid replacements – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission oil – have been performed at the intervals recommended by Ford, as fluids degrade over time even when the vehicle is not driven heavily. A thorough visual inspection of hoses, belts and mounts, coupled with a short road test listening for clunks from the suspension or rattles from the drivetrain, will give a clear picture of the van’s current mechanical health.