2004 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · LB53 DXK

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2004 Ford Transit Connect was conducted on 16 March 2026 and resulted in a Pass, though three advisories were recorded against the vehicle. These relate to corrosion of the seat belt anchorage areas on both inner sills and grease or other material covering the brake pipes, which can mask developing corrosion. Looking at the wider history, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2020, but the pattern of defects and advisories is fairly consistent year on year rather than improving. Recurring windscreen damage has been flagged at multiple tests as a minor item, and there is a clear history of deteriorating suspension and drivetrain boots alongside steering and corrosion advisories. The 2024 test saw a failure on the same day as a pass for a non-functioning central rear stop lamp, while other defects present on that date were downgraded to minor or advisory. Overall the maintenance trend is broadly stable in terms of test outcomes, but the underlying mechanical condition appears to be one of progressive age-related wear rather than recent refurbishment. The recorded mileage of 136,494 against a 22 year old vehicle equates to roughly 6,200 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial vehicle of its age and is consistent with steady commercial or light fleet use rather than long periods out of service. The MOT record itself is annual rather than six monthly, which is appropriate for a vehicle of this vintage, and there are no obvious extended gaps in testing that would suggest prolonged standing. A diesel Transit Connect of this age and mileage would be expected to have had at least one timing belt replacement, multiple clutch and dual mass flywheel renewals, and several sets of tyres, brake discs and pads. The cumulative wear on suspension bushes, engine mounts, turbocharger, injector seals and the dual mass flywheel should be assumed to be advanced, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a commercial vehicle specialist is strongly advisable. The advisories relating to the inner sill corrosion around the seat belt anchorages and the greased brake pipes warrant particular attention on any physical inspection. The sill areas should be probed with a screwdriver or awl to confirm the corrosion is genuinely superficial; Ford Transit Connect sills are known to corrode from the inside out, and what appears acceptable during a quick MOT inspection can mask more serious structural degradation around the jacking points and load floor. Brake pipes wrapped or smothered in grease should be cleaned back and visually inspected, paying particular attention to the unions and vulnerable sections along the chassis and under the fuel filter area, as perished or corroded brake pipes are a common MoT failure point on these vehicles. On a test drive, listen for any brake pedal sponginess, grinding or pulling to one side, which could indicate a pipe issue rather than just surface corrosion. Further defects recorded over the years include severely deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers and suspension arm ball joint dust covers, a deteriorated nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot, play in the steering rack inner joint, and a nearside rear exhaust gas leak. All of these point to a vehicle whose front suspension and drivetrain boots are ageing and will need renewed attention in the near term; a test drive over speed humps and uneven surfaces should be used to listen for clonking from the front suspension, any vagueness or shimmy through the steering wheel, and vibration or knocking from the front drivetrain under full steering lock. The recent exhaust leak advisory should be checked for its current state, as a small leak can quickly progress to a failed section. Beyond the documented MOT items, a buyer of a 22 year old commercial vehicle should also verify the condition of the timing belt or chain service history, the condition of the cooling system and radiator, the health of the 12 volt battery and starter motor, the state of the clutch bite point, and the presence of any oil leaks from the engine, gearbox or turbo, all of which are typical wear points at this age and mileage.