2016 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · AV65 MPO

The most recent DVSA examination on 11 August 2025 resulted in a PASS, albeit with several advisories and one minor defect carried over from the immediately preceding test on 6 August 2025 which recorded a FAIL. Notably, the failure of 6 August 2025 appears to have been rectified within days, as the 11 August 2025 pass notes the same advisories and minor items, suggesting no major structural or mechanical repair was required to clear the test. However, the recurring advisories across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tests indicate an escalating maintenance trend rather than a stable or improving one, particularly regarding front suspension components, coil spring corrosion and inner tyre wear. The 2024 failure for parking brake efficiency and both headlamps not operating on dipped beam points to intermittent electrical or brake system attention that any prospective owner should verify has been properly resolved. With 123,126 miles recorded over a ten year service life, this Transit Connect has covered approximately 12,313 miles annually, a figure firmly above average for its age and indicative of sustained commercial or high utility usage. The mileage progression across the MOT record appears steady rather than subject to long gaps of standing, which generally mitigates against calendar-based degradation such as severe underbody corrosion, seized brake calipers or 12V battery failure from inactivity. Nevertheless, this level of annual mileage concentrates wear on drivetrain, clutch, turbocharger and suspension components, and the diesel powertrain of this generation demands close attention to timing belt or chain service intervals, dual mass flywheel integrity and EGR or DPF condition. The advisory history is particularly telling and should be inspected physically before purchase. The 2023 test recorded corrosion to both front coil springs and the nearside rear coil spring, with the offside front spring re flagged in 2024, suggesting progressive structural deterioration of the front suspension that will likely worsen with time and could eventually fracture. The 2024 advisory noting both lower arm main bushes starting to perish is a significant precursor to play in the front geometry and uneven inner tyre wear, which correlates directly with the 2025 advisories for offside rear and nearside front inner tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the edge. A test drive should include driving over uneven surfaces and speed humps to listen for front suspension clonks or knocking, particularly under braking or over undulating tarmac, and any wandering from the front end, tramlining or steering vibration should be taken seriously as confirmation that the bushes, springs or anti roll bar links require replacement. The damaged undertray noted in 2025 should be inspected to ensure it is not fouling any mechanical component or allowing road debris ingress. The braking system has been a consistent advisory theme, with rear pads noted as wearing thin in 2020 and 2023, and both front and rear brake discs recorded as pitted or scored in 2020. Although no brake related advisories appeared on the 2024 or 2025 tests, the 2024 parking brake efficiency failure suggests the rear caliper mechanism or cable adjustment warrants a physical check, including ensuring the handbrave holds firmly on an incline and that the caliper slide pins are free and lubricated. Front discs on a vehicle of this mileage commonly require skim machining or replacement if lipped, and a test drive should include several moderate to firm stops from higher speed to detect brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel or any pulling to one side. Additionally, the deteriorated front registration plate, smearing wiper blades and the damaged offside front obligatory mirror are minor cosmetic items easily rectified, but verify all headlamp bulbs operate correctly on both main and dipped beam following the 2024 failure. Finally, given the high mileage and age, ensure the timing belt or chain, clutch operation, coolant and gearbox oil changes have been documented in the service book, as these items represent significant future expenditure if overdue.