2006 Ford Ranger 2.5L Diesel · EX06 CFZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 July 2026 recorded a PASS, although it was accompanied by an advisory for an oil leak, an advisory for an offside front inner tyre worn on its edge, an advisory for a nail in the nearside rear tyre, and a minor for severely deteriorated Macpherson strut ball joint dust covers on all four corners. Reviewing the recent history shows a fluctuating rather than stable pattern: the vehicle failed on 29 June 2026 with a dangerous brake pipe leak and a major defect for an excessively worn upper suspension arm pin or bush, only to pass nine days later once those defects had been rectified. Prior to that, the Ranger failed in July 2024 with dangerous and major items including an insecure exhaust, an excessively worn propshaft bearing, and a failed rear fog lamp, alongside recurring advisories about front cross member corrosion. The presence of two dangerous defects in the space of two years, combined with major suspension and driveline items, suggests that while the vehicle has been kept on the road through remedial work, the underlying maintenance trend is mixed and warrants close scrutiny of the repaired areas. With a recorded mileage of 160,636 miles over approximately twenty years, the Ranger has averaged around 8,000 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial of this vintage. The mileage progression between tests is incremental and consistent with regular use rather than long periods of standing or sudden high-mileage accumulation, which means consumable wear should be proportionate to distance covered rather than calendar ageing. That said, the recorded MOT dates show several tests clustered closely together, particularly during 2025 and 2026, which suggests the vehicle may have been prepared for test rather than maintained on a continuous basis, and the buyer should verify the depth and quality of the work carried out between each pass and failure. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the braking system, given that a leaking brake pipe was classified as dangerous only weeks before the latest pass. Inspect all visible brake lines, flexible hoses, and unions for fresh corrosion, staining, or weeping, and confirm that the brake fluid was actually renewed rather than simply topped up, especially as an advisory noted the fluid was near the minimum mark at the failed test. On a road test, the brake pedal should feel firm and the vehicle should pull up squarely without pulling to either side; any sponginess or pulling may indicate incomplete repair of the hydraulic system. The upper suspension arm pin or bush that was excessively worn should be examined for recent replacement, and all four Macpherson strut ball joint dust covers should be checked, as perished covers will allow water and grit into the joint and accelerate wear; listen for clonks or knocking from the front end, particularly over speed humps and uneven surfaces. The recurring advisory for an offside rear binding service brake, combined with the propshaft bearing wear flagged in 2024, indicates the rear braking and driveline should be physically inspected. With the engine running and the vehicle in gear, listen for any whining, rumbling, or vibration from beneath the centre of the vehicle that could point to a deteriorating propshaft universal joint, and check for excess play at the rear calipers by spinning the wheels by hand to confirm they are not seizing. The advisories for front cross member corrosion, present in both 2023 and 2024, mean the underside should be examined on a ramp for the extent of any structural rust and to confirm the corrosion remains non-structural as recorded. Finally, given the 160,636 miles covered, verify the timing belt or chain service interval has been observed according to Ford specification, check the condition of the constant velocity boots and propshaft gaiters for fresh grease or splits, and ensure that the age-sensitive items such as the twelve volt battery, coolant, and any perished tyre sidewalls have been attended to, as the original fitments would now be well beyond their expected service life.