2016 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · FD66 LSN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 July 2026, was passed but recorded two advisories – the off‑side rear tyre is close to the legal tread limit and the rear registration plate shows deterioration. Over the last two years the vehicle has moved from a failed result in July 2025 (including a major fault for excessive binding of the off‑side rear service brake) to a clean pass in 2024 and now a pass with only minor advisories. This suggests that the major safety faults have been addressed, yet the recurring tyre‑wear advisories indicate that wear is progressing and that routine maintenance has been only partially effective. At ten years old the Transit Connect has logged 148 815 miles, averaging roughly 14 900 miles per annum – considerably above the typical 8‑10 000 mile yearly usage for a light commercial vehicle. The higher mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, suspension bushings and engine oil, and it also raises the likelihood of accumulated fatigue in the chassis and drivetrain components. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the MOT record, implying a relatively steady usage pattern rather than long periods of storage, which would otherwise raise concerns about corrosion from standing. Prospective buyers should give the tyre condition immediate attention. Both the near‑side front and off‑side rear tyres are flagged as being close to the legal limit; inspect tread depth on all four wheels, look for sidewall cracking or dry‑rot, and be prepared to replace the set if any tyre falls below 1.6 mm tread or shows uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in 2025 and the off‑side rear service brake previously bound; examine the rear discs for scoring or glazing, check for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, and verify that the pedal feels firm without excessive travel. The advisory on the front lower suspension arm ball joint should be probed for play – a noticeable clunk when turning or over bumps may signal impending joint failure, which would require replacement of the ball joint and possibly the associated control arm bushings. Beyond the recorded defects, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Confirm that the windscreen wiper now clears the glass effectively and that the registration‑plate lamp operates correctly, as these were previously failed items. Inspect the rear registration plate for legibility and secure mounting, and verify that the plate itself is not corroded. Check the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and assess voltage under load, as a ten‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a full service if the last oil change is not documented, since fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, look for rust on wheel arches, sills and under‑carriage, and ensure that any visible corrosion has been treated, as prolonged standing can accelerate structural decay even on a vehicle with relatively high mileage.