2003 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · LD53 AXU
2003 Ford Transit Connect (1.8L, diesel). First registered 01 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 139,812 miles. MOT expired on 07 Oct 2024.
- Make & Model
- FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 Apr 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,812 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LD53 AXU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/10/2023
- 139,812 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LD53 AXU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Ford Transit Connect (LD53 AXU) between October 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 09 October 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (12 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Affected by side light (4.3.3 (b))”; “Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp affected by side light (4.3.3 (b))”; “Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”.
LD53 AXU Mileage History
- 07/10/2022136,233 mi
- 08/10/2022136,236 mi+3 mi
- 08/10/2022136,236 mi
- 09/10/2023139,812 mi+3,576 mi
- 09/10/2023139,812 mi
Average of roughly 3,558 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to docu
Given the 2022 MOT failure regarding structural corrosion on the sill and suspension mounting, you must inspect the chassis and sills thoroughly for signs of rust or recent welding repairs. Do not rely solely on a recent MOT pass, as the history shows a recurring theme of neglected consumables like tyres and lighting components.
Negotiate based on the documented history of brake pipe corrosion and oil leaks. Ask for evidence of any work carried out to address the structural corrosion noted in October 2022. A full service history should be verified to ensure the 1.7L diesel engine has been maintained despite the high mileage.
As a 1.7L diesel van, running costs will be dictated by its commercial utility. Fuel economy will depend heavily on load weight and driving style, but expect typical diesel commercial rates. Tax and insurance groups for a 2003 Transit Connect are generally moderate, though insurance can rise if the vehicle is used for business purposes.
Maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the documented history of brake pipe corrosion and suspension component issues. Budget for more frequent inspections of the braking system and tyres, which have appeared as recurring issues in recent MOT tests.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside. The MOT history specifically mentions 'Offside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded' and 'Brake pipe corroded' in 2022. Check that these issues have been professionally rectified and are not simply covered with grease.
Check all external lighting for clarity and correct colour, as discoloured indicators and defective headlamp lenses were noted in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, as this was a specific failure point in the most recent 2023 test.
This 2003 Ford Transit Connect has covered 139,812 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 9,088 miles per year. The MOT history shows a pattern of failures related to corrosion, lighting, and tyre condition. Notably, a 2022 failure highlighted significant corrosion on an offside rear outer suspension component mounting, affecting structural strength.
The Ford Transit Connect shows an average MOT pass rate of 76.2% across the fleet, with common failures involving headlamps, wipers, and tyres.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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