2021 Ford Ranger 2.0L Diesel · LK58 LEE

The most recent MOT in April 2026 at 70,750 miles shows a stable but concerning maintenance trend, with only advisories recorded—no critical failures—yet the presence of slight play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints suggests wear that has persisted without correction. The windscreen damage, while not compromising visibility, indicates either a lack of attention to minor impacts or neglect in addressing cosmetic defects. The absence of defects in the April 2025 retest, following a failure just three days earlier for a bulging offside front tyre, implies the tyre was replaced promptly, but the rapid mileage accumulation between tests (3,484 miles in under a year) raises questions about how aggressively other wear items are being monitored. The vehicle’s mileage—70,750 over five years—is high for its age, averaging roughly 14,150 miles annually, which accelerates wear on suspension, brakes, and tyres. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (18,211 miles in just over a year) is particularly notable, yet no major defects emerged until the bulging tyre in April 2025, a failure that forced an immediate retest. The clean 2025 pass suggests the issue was isolated, but the lack of advisories in that test contrasts with the 2024 entry, where rear tyres were near-legal limits, a rear shock absorber showed oil misting, and a stop lamp lens was defective. This inconsistency implies either sporadic maintenance or selective attention to only the most obvious issues. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension, particularly the ball joints, as the slight play in both arms could worsen into a safety risk if left unaddressed. The rear tyres, already at 3mm tread in 2024, should be checked for current condition—if they remain unserviced, uneven wear or separation could be imminent. The rear shock absorber’s oil misting, while not a fail item, may indicate declining damping performance, so test for excessive bounce or uneven ride height. Structural integrity should also be verified, especially around the windscreen area, as damage here can sometimes mask deeper corrosion or impact damage in the bodywork. Given the vehicle’s high mileage, a pre-purchase check of brake components—particularly the rear calipers—is advisable, as binding or uneven wear often follows prolonged use without servicing.