2004 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · YG04 AOT

The MOT history for this 2004 Ford Transit Connect reveals a concerning trend of structural and mechanical degradation. The most recent test in September 2024 at 170,524 miles resulted in a failure with multiple critical issues related to structural integrity. The tester identified excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension spring mounting, the nearside inner sill, and the nearside front subframe mounting area. These structural failures, combined with a corroded towing eye mount and worn offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, suggest that the vehicle is reaching a stage where metal-related fatigue may become costly to rectify. The vehicle has covered 170,524 miles over 22 years, averaging approximately 7,750 miles per year. While this mileage is consistent with a commercial vehicle of this age, the record indicates a rather than preventative maintenance approach. Between 2022 and 2024, the vehicle consistently failed or received advisories for recurring issues including corroded brake pipes, failing lamps, and worn suspension components. The persistence of corroded brake pipes across multiple tests suggests that previous repairs were either temporary or not fully addressed, posing a potential risk to the braking system. Recent failures also highlight a lack of basic upkeep regarding safety-critical items. The 2024 failure noted severely reduced headlamp output due to product on the lenses and insufficient washer fluid, alongside wipers. Furthermore, the presence of corroded leaf springs and a noisy offside front wheel bearing indicates that the suspension is nearing the end of its life. A buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the sills and subframe, as the documented corrosion in these structural areas significantly impacts long-term viability and roadworthiness.