2017 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · LC17 HFB

The most recent MOT test on 20 October 2025 resulted in a pass, although this followed an initial failure and left several significant advisories. While the vehicle maintained a clean record from 2022 through 2024, the latest results indicate a shift toward a worsening maintenance trend. The emergence of multiple wear and tear items suggests that the vehicle has entered a phase of accelerated component degradation, moving away from the previous period of stability. With a recorded mileage of 125,400 miles over approximately nine years, this vehicle has averaged nearly 14,000 miles per annum. This is considered high usage for this model, which typically implies a life spent in commercial service. Such high mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain, suspension bushings, and braking systems. Prospective buyers should anticipate that many of the vehicle's primary consumables are nearing the end of their natural service life and that long term mechanical fatigue is more likely than in a lower mileage example. The most critical concerns are the advisories regarding play in both the offside and nearside front steering rack inner joints. This is a serious mechanical issue that affects steering precision and tyre wear. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for clunking or knocking sounds when turning the wheel at low speeds and feel for any vagueness or instability in the steering response. Additionally, the thin front brake pads indicate an immediate need for replacement. The buyer should check for brake shudder or an increased stopping distance, and verify if the brake discs have developed significant liping or scoring due to the pads wearing thin. The advisory regarding the offside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit, combined with the steering rack play, suggests a high probability of uneven tyre wear or misalignment. It is essential to inspect the tread depth across the full width of all tyres to ensure there is no camber wear, which would further confirm steering geometry issues. Given the high mileage, the buyer must also scrutinise the service history for evidence of timing belt and water pump replacements, as these are critical calendar and mileage based items. A thorough inspection of the underside for corrosion and a check of the engine oil condition are strongly recommended to ensure the vehicle has been maintained to a professional standard despite its heavy usage.