2019 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · D28 SPA

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 1 April 2026, resulted in a Pass, although five advisory items were recorded. These consist of slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber, and brake disc wear noted as not excessive on the nearside front, offside front, and nearside rear. Reviewing the preceding test history, the 2025 examination was completely clean with no advisories, whilst the 2024 test flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit, and the 2023 test returned a recurring track rod end ball joint play advisory along with a minor windscreen wiper blade defect. The 2022 test was passed without recorded defects. The presence of the same offside front track rod end ball joint advisory across two separate tests in 2023 and 2026 is a noteworthy trend, as it indicates a wear point that has not been resolved and may be progressing towards a failure point. The overall pattern suggests a vehicle that has been broadly maintained to a passable standard but is accumulating advisories related to steering, braking, and suspension components. With a recorded mileage of 149,928 miles over approximately seven years, this Ford Transit Connect has averaged around 21,418 miles per year, which is considerably higher than typical private car usage and reflects a working or commercial operational profile. This consistent accumulation with no significant gaps in testing suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for preventing issues such as brake caliper seizure, brake disc corrosion, and degradation of fluid systems. However, the high annual mileage has clear mechanical implications, accelerating wear on engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, and braking components. Diesel particulate filter condition, turbocharger wear, dual mass flywheel integrity, and clutch slip under load are all areas where the cumulative mileage will be a factor in any prospective purchase evaluation. Given the recurring advisory on the offside front track rod end ball joint, this component warrants close physical inspection. The buyer should look for excessive free play in the joint by rocking the front wheel, listen for clonking noises over speed humps, uneven braking, or vibration through the steering wheel, and note any irregular front tyre wear patterns such as feathered or stepped inner or outer edges, as these would indicate the joint is failing. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting should be visually re-examined for any progression to active leakage or wetness on the body of the damper, and a road test should assess for poor damping over undulations, excessive rear rebound, or a floating sensation over undulating surfaces. The brake disc wear advisories suggest that the discs are approaching their wear limit, and during a test drive the buyer should feel for any brake shudder, vibration through the pedal, pulling to one side under braking, or any grinding sensation, all of which would indicate the discs require skimming or replacement before the next MOT. Beyond the recorded advisories, the high mileage and age of this Transit Connect demand additional checks that may not be fully captured by the MOT history. The timing belt or cam belt replacement interval should be verified, as this is a critical service item often overlooked, and any history of dual mass flywheel, clutch, or turbocharger repairs should be confirmed. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be considered overdue for renewal based purely on calendar age, regardless of whether the vehicle has been serviced annually, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and degrades over time, reducing braking performance. The 12V battery should be load tested, as commercial vehicles with high accessory use often suffer premature battery failure. Tyre sidewalls should be inspected for cracking or perishing from age, particularly if the vehicle has been used in exposed conditions, and the spare wheel or tyre inflation kit should be present and serviceable. Finally, a thorough examination of the vehicle underbody and structural condition for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, sills, and load areas, is strongly advised given the working nature of this vehicle.