2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT1.8L Diesel

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical failures and persistent structural issues. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 167,351 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle required significant remedial work following a failure just one day prior. The history reveals a pattern of neglected consumables and deteriorating components, with several faults such as steering rack play and suspension ball joint dust cover deterioration appearing consistently across multiple years. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a commercial vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 10,459 miles per year. The records show steady usage from 75,783 miles in 2015 to the current 167,351 miles in 2025. There are no significant gaps in the testing intervals, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use. However, the frequency of failures, particularly the heavy failure in August 2024 at 154,929 miles involving braking systems and seat belt anchorages, indicates that while the vehicle is driven regularly, preventative maintenance has often been reactive rather than proactive. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity. The record shows a long-term history of corrosion, specifically affecting the sills and the nearside rear integral body structure. Although the 2025 test noted that structural rigidity was not significantly reduced, the recurring mention of rust and corroded brake pipes since 2022 suggests that oxidation is a persistent issue. The condition of the chassis and mounting points should be examined closely for advanced decay that may not be fully captured by MOT advisories. Mechanical attention should also be directed toward the steering and suspension systems. The tester flagged play in the steering rack inner joints in almost every test since 2020, and the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover has been noted as severely deteriorated for several years. Furthermore, the braking system has shown instability, with the 2024 test highlighting significant imbalances across both axles. Given the history of leaking brake pipes and worn discs, a complete assessment of the hydraulic lines and braking hardware is essential before purchase.