2011 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · AJ11 XVG

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical faults and neglected consumables. While the March 2025 test at 146,072 miles resulted in a pass, the record shows a persistent failure to address underlying issues. The tester flagged a front oil leak, steering rack inner joint play, and corrosion on both nearside and offside front brake pipes. These issues appear to be long-standing, as the steering rack play and brake pipe corrosion were also noted in the April 2024 test at 135,139 miles. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 9,700 miles per year. The data shows steady usage, moving from 125,018 miles in March 2023 to 146,072 miles by March 2025. No significant periods of inactivity are evident, but the steady mileage has not translated into proactive component replacement. Instead, the records suggest a reactive approach to maintenance, where faults are only addressed to meet the minimum legal threshold for a pass. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the steering system and braking hardware. The repeated presence of play in the steering rack inner joints suggests a need for significant repair or replacement to ensure precise handling. The corrosion on the front brake pipes, which has been flagged across multiple years, indicates a risk of fluid leaks and requires immediate attention. The presence of an ongoing oil leak also warrants a close inspection of the engine seals and sump to determine the severity of the leak. The history also highlights a pattern of neglecting basic consumables. The March 2023 failure at 129,977 miles, which saw four tyres with exposed cords, indicates a period of poor upkeep regarding road safety essentials. While the engine mounting damage noted in 2023 and 2024 was deemed not to be to excess, the recurring nature of these faults suggests the vehicle has been operated with known mechanical defects. Careful scrutiny of the suspension bushes, engine mounts, and the integrity of the braking system is essential.