2003 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · LD03 APU

This Ford Transit Connect has not undergone an MOT test since October 2021, with the most recent result being a failure at 120,267 miles. Despite the absence of recorded defects on prior tests, the lack of a current MOT—nearly five years overdue—raises immediate concerns about compliance and potential undocumented issues. The pattern of passing and failing tests without advisories suggests either a vehicle that narrowly avoids major failures or a history of rushed or inconsistent maintenance. The absence of any advisory notes in the last five tests is particularly notable, as even minor recurring faults would typically warrant mention. The recorded mileage of 120,267 miles over 23 years equates to approximately 5,229 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or very light use, which could either preserve mechanical integrity or mask underlying corrosion and wear. The gap between the 2019 and 2020 tests—just over a year—followed by another year before the 2021 failure, indicates inconsistent testing intervals. If the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, rust in wheel arches, suspension components, and underbody panels would be a critical concern, as would dried-out fluids and degraded seals. Given the lack of recent MOT testing, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of structural integrity, particularly in areas prone to corrosion such as the sills, subframe, and wheel housings. The suspension—including bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers—should be examined for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for long periods. Brake components, such as discs and calipers, may exhibit uneven wear due to infrequent use, and the tester’s failure in 2021 without recorded defects implies a need for close scrutiny of non-visual issues like hydraulic brake function. Tyres, though not flagged in past tests, should be checked for uneven tread wear or embedded debris from prolonged storage. Finally, fluid levels—brake, coolant, and power steering—should be verified, as prolonged inactivity can lead to contamination or degradation.