2001 Ford Ranger 2.5L Diesel · EX51 ARF
2001 Ford Ranger (2.5L, diesel). First registered 13 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 139,653 miles. MOT valid until 03 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- FORD RANGER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,653 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EX51 ARF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2025
- 139,653 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EX51 ARF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Ranger (EX51 ARF) between February 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (14 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
EX51 ARF Mileage History
- 22/02/2022139,182 mi
- 09/03/2023139,220 mi+38 mi
- 04/11/2024139,285 mi+65 mi
- 04/11/2024139,285 mi
- 17/10/2025139,653 mi+368 mi
Average of roughly 129 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the vehicle remains functional, the MOT history reveals persistent and worsening structural corrosion issues that may severely limit its long-term viability and roadworthiness.
The absolute priority for this vehicle is a thorough chassis inspection. The MOT history shows major failures for excessive deterioration of the floor and suspension mounting points in the past, followed by current structural corrosion warnings. You must have an independent rust specialist inspect the underbody to determine if the corrosion is merely surface-level or structural. If the chassis is compromised, the vehicle is a poor investment regardless of the low price.
Check the rear suspension thoroughly. The history lists multiple advisories for worn leaf spring bushes, perished shackles, and worn shock absorbers. These are common issues on older pickups, but the frequency here suggests a lack of preventative maintenance. Ask for a full service history to ensure the 2.5L diesel engine has been regularly maintained, as the low mileage is the only factor suggesting good mechanical health.
As a 2.5L diesel pickup, the Ranger is designed for work rather than high fuel efficiency; expect between 25-32 mpg depending on load and driving conditions. Tax for a vehicle of this era is generally moderate, but insurance groups can vary significantly based on your profile and location.
Maintenance costs can be high due to the age of the vehicle, with rubber components like bushes and gaiters failing frequently. Budget approximately an annual running cost of £1,200-£1,600 to cover fuel, tax, insurance, and inevitable suspension repairs.
Focus heavily on the underbody, specifically the front floor and the rear suspension mounting areas where major failures were previously recorded. Look for bubbling paint or thinning metal, which indicates the 'excessive corrosion' mentioned in the 2018 MOT. Check the rear leaf spring shackles and bushes, as these have been flagged in almost every MOT in recent years.
Examine the front suspension ball joints and CV joint gaiters (dust covers), which have a history of deterioration and splitting here. Ensure the shock absorbers are not leaking and that the bushes are not perished, as these were noted as worn or perished in the most recent tests.
This 2001 Ford Ranger has covered approximately 139,653 miles, with mileage having remained remarkably static over the last five years. The primary concern is a documented history of structural decay, ranging from 'general corrosion' to 'excessive corrosion' on the cross-members and integral body structure. Although it has passed its most recent tests, the recurring nature of rust-related advisories and failures suggests the vehicle is nearing the end of its structural life.
The early 2000s Ford Ranger is known for a rugged platform but is notoriously susceptible to rust, especially in UK road salt conditions.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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