2004 Ford Ranger 2.5L Diesel · EX54 YZV

The vehicle presents a worsening mechanical trend despite a passing grade in its most recent inspection. While the Ranger passed on 13 October 2025 at 177,276 miles, the failure just ten days prior revealed an extensive list of critical defects. The transition from a failure involving high smoke emissions, a compromised seat belt anchorage, and binding brakes to a pass suggests reactive rather than proactive maintenance. The persistence of corrosion across the structural elements and brake lines indicates that the owner is addressing only immediate failing components rather than performing preventative care. At 177,276 miles over approximately 22 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,000 miles per year, which is consistent with a light commercial use of this age. However, the data shows a significant gap of 16,000 miles between September 2022 and November 2023, followed by a rapid 15,900-mile increase leading up to the October 2025 tests. This recent mileage accumulation has placed stress on aging suspension and braking components, which are already showing multiple failures in the record. A buyer must scrutinise the structural integrity of the front sub-frame and integral body structure, as corrosion has been flagged in every test since 2022. The use of wax oil and grease to hide rust often masks the depth of decay, particularly on the nearside and offside front brake pipes which were noted as corroded. Failure of the offside rear wheel bearing and the nearside front CV boot suggests the drivetrain and suspension assemblies are nearing the end of their service life. Close inspection of the seat belt anchorage is also required to ensure the previous failure was correctly rectified to safety standards.