2008 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · GK08 OOD

The most recent MOT test on 24 July 2026 resulted in a PASS, although it should be noted this followed a FAIL on the same date at the same testing station, suggesting the vehicle was repaired and re-submitted for retest within the same appointment. While the current pass is valid, the recent MOT history clearly indicates a worsening structural and maintenance trend. Three failures have been recorded within a single calendar year: the structural sill corrosion flagged on 11 March 2025 (Offside Front Lower Integral body structure excessively corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced), the seat belt anchorage and sill mounting corrosion of 20 May 2026, and the rear suspension sill mounting failure of 24 June 2026. The presence of sill repairs and undersealing noted on the latest test does suggest remedial welding has been undertaken, but repeated structural advisories on both sills and a leaf spring anchor bracket over consecutive tests indicate this is a vehicle requiring ongoing close inspection of its underbody integrity. With recorded mileage of 154,608 miles over approximately eighteen years, this Transit Connect has averaged around 8,589 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working van of its age and prior use. There are, however, conspicuous gaps in the MOT record, with a two-year interval between the November 2022 test and the March 2025 test, which could indicate either a period off the road or simply that the most recent certificate was issued close to the prior expiry. Mileage progression between recorded tests is generally modest and consistent with steady commercial use rather than high-intensity mileage accumulation, but the combination of eighteen years of service life and undersealed sills points to a vehicle that has clearly seen hard working life and is reaching an age where structural and mechanical consumable wear become the dominant concerns. A prospective buyer should approach this vehicle with considerable caution regarding its underbody structure. Both sills have now been repaired and undersealed, which is a positive indication of recent remedial attention, but the fact that failures specifically cited prescribed area strength significantly reduced in both the seat belt anchorage region and rear inner suspension mountings demonstrates that corrosion around load-bearing and safety-critical mounting points has been, and may still be, an active issue. On a test drive, listen for suspension clunks or knocking from the rear leaf spring area over uneven surfaces, which could indicate the corroded anchor brackets have progressed beyond their advisory state. Inspect the front brake discs carefully for lipping and shudder under braking; the advisory noting front brake discs worn but not excessively suggests they are near the end of their useful life and a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal on a firm stop would suggest disc distortion. Check the front brake pads and tyres, which were noted as worn close to the legal limit on multiple tests, indicating these are consumables that will require replacement imminently. On start-up from cold, look under the vehicle for any signs of oil leakage from the engine or sump area, as the persistent oil leak advisory has now appeared across recent tests. Beyond the recorded defects, this eighteen-year-old van warrants thorough age-related inspection even where MOT records are silent. Brake pipes across the entire vehicle have been repeatedly flagged for corrosion over multiple tests since at least 2022, and although they have been treated with grease or similar material, they remain a long-term concern that should be physically inspected by raising the vehicle on a ramp to check for any active corrosion weeping or pitting. The nearside front wheel bearing was noted as slightly noisy in 2023 and warrants listening for any hum or drone that changes with cornering, as replacement of the bearing hub assembly is likely required. Inspect the exhaust system mounting integrity, given the recent advisory regarding an insecure rear exhaust, and verify the flexible brake hoses for any cracking or perishing, which is common on vehicles of this age. Check the offside front windscreen corner damage to ensure it has not propagated, examine the headlamp lenses for UV degradation, and verify the condition of the drive shaft joints as the inner joint was previously noted as worn. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, confirm evidence of recent timing belt or chain service, coolant and brake fluid replacement within the last two years given calendar-based fluid degradation, and the health of the twelve-volt battery, which on a working van of this age is frequently overlooked but essential for reliable starting. A thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp by a competent technician is strongly advised given the pattern of structural advisories.