2021 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · GF71 HOJ

A pattern of brake and tyre wear advisories defines the mechanical history of this 2021 Ford Transit Connect, with both MOT entries flagging components that are typically subject to regular replacement in a working van. The most recent test on 1 October 2025 recorded a pass, but included an advisory for an offside rear inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge, alongside a nearside rear service brake binding but not excessively. The 2024 test produced advisories for both front and rear brake pads wearing thin and a nearside front tyre also worn close to the legal limit with prematurely worn edges. Across only two recorded tests, the brake system has been flagged at every visit, and the tyres have been flagged at both visits, suggesting these are ongoing areas of attention rather than isolated incidents. While the vehicle has passed each test, the consistency of these advisories points to a usage profile that consumes consumables at a steady rate. With 55,695 miles recorded over roughly five years, the van accumulates around 11,139 miles annually, which sits close to the expected average for a commercial light vehicle of this age. The mileage progression between the 2024 and 2025 tests was steady rather than abrupt, indicating regular operational use rather than a period of inactivity followed by intensive work. For a Transit Connect, this kind of mileage typically translates into predictable wear on friction components, suspension bushes, and drivetrain items, and the advisory record aligns with that expectation. No unusual mileage gaps or surges are evident, and the vehicle has not been recorded as off the road for consecutive years. For a prospective buyer, the brake-related advisories warrant particular attention during a test drive. The binding rear brake flagged in 2025 could indicate a seized caliper slide or sticking piston, so listen for any dragging or pulling sensation when pulling away, and check whether the nearside rear wheel runs noticeably hotter than the opposite side after a short drive. The 2024 advisory noting both front and rear pads as wearing thin means the discs should be inspected for lipping or scoring, and the pedal feel checked for any sponginess or excessive travel. On the road, heavy or emergency braking should produce a firm, straight stop without judder through the pedal or steering, as warped discs on a working van often produce vibrations transmitted through the bulkhead. The tyre advisories also deserve direct scrutiny, especially as both visits noted edge wear rather than even tread loss. Edge wear, particularly on the nearside front, frequently points to incorrect camber or tracking settings, worn suspension bushes, or consistent kerbing impacts from tight urban work. Before purchase, inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear and verify that sidewalls are free of bulges or cracking. A road test should include driving over uneven surfaces to listen for clonks or rattles from the front suspension, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar links, drop links, or wishbone bushes common on Transit Connects of this age. Given the recurring nature of the brake and tyre advisories across both tests, budgeting for replacement brake pads, discs, a full set of tyres, and a four-wheel alignment would be a prudent inclusion in any purchase decision.