2014 Ford Ranger 3.2L Diesel · AF64 KYP

The 2014 Ford Ranger passed its most recent MOT on 18 May 2026, though the test recorded advisories concerning deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers on all four front positions and play in the nearside steering rack inner joint. Examining the sequence of recent tests, a clear pattern emerges rather than isolated issues. The 2026 dust cover defects mirror identical advisories from the 2025 test, indicating progressive deterioration of the front suspension protective covers that has now reached a severity classed as minor defects rather than advisories. The steering rack inner joint play was first flagged in 2023, suggesting this concern has either persisted or been intermittently observed across multiple annual examinations. The exhaust gas leak advisory from 2024 has not been re-recorded, which may indicate remediation, while the constant velocity boot deterioration noted in 2025 is now absent from the latest record. Overall, the maintenance trend is best characterised as gradually worsening in respect of front suspension wear, though the vehicle continues to meet minimum statutory requirements. With 111,220 miles recorded over approximately twelve years, the Ranger has accumulated around 9,268 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working utility vehicle of this age. The MOT intervals show tests in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, indicating reasonably consistent use, though the apparent gap between the 2018 and 2020 tests suggests the vehicle may have had a quieter period or extended pre-test standing time in late 2019. The mileage is sufficient to have caused meaningful wear across consumable items and suspension components but not so high as to suggest sustained heavy commercial or off-road duty. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front suspension arm ball joint dust cover deterioration warrants close attention. These covers protect the ball joints from ingress of dirt and moisture, and once they split or perish, accelerated wear of the joint itself becomes inevitable. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, pay attention to any vagueness in steering response, and observe whether the vehicle tracks straight without pulling. Have the ball joints physically inspected for movement and check the boots for fresh grease contamination around their perimeters. The advisory regarding play in the nearside steering rack inner joint should not be ignored, as steering rack wear progresses gradually and replacement is costly; any twitching, vibration through the steering wheel, or imprecise self-centring on the road would confirm that the issue has worsened since the MOT. Additionally, with the constant velocity boot deterioration noted in 2025, the front drive shafts warrant visual inspection for perished or split boots with grease loss, which can lead to complete CV joint failure if left unaddressed. The 2020 advisory regarding front brake pad wear and low hydraulic fluid should prompt verification that brake pads and fluid condition have been properly serviced since. Given the vehicle's age of twelve years and its working-vehicle character, several age-related items merit physical inspection regardless of the MOT record. Check the sidewalls of all tyres, including any spare, for perishing and cracking from age-related rubber degradation, as tyres can deteriorate structurally even before reaching the legal tread limit, particularly on a vehicle that may have stood for periods. Examine the visible brake discs for severe corrosion or lipping and confirm the calipers are releasing fully without binding, as standing use encourages surface corrosion that can lead to uneven pad transfer. Verify that the timing belt replacement interval has been observed, as Ford Ranger diesel engines of this era have defined belt replacement schedules that, if missed, risk catastrophic engine damage. Confirm the service book stamps or digital records demonstrate regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, and consider a brake fluid replacement and coolant renewal given their calendar-based degradation independent of mileage. Finally, check the 12 volt battery state of charge and terminal condition, particularly if the vehicle has seen periods of infrequent use, and inspect the underside for any fresh corrosion, oil leaks, or deterioration of the exhaust system beyond the central joint leak already noted.