2022 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · LM71 ADZ

The 1.5-litre diesel Transit Connect typically returns around 50-55 mpg in mixed use, which is competitive for the small van sector. Road tax (VED) for a Euro 6 diesel van of this age falls into a standard commercial band, generally around £165-£275 per year depending on exact CO2 emissions and list price. Insurance is usually group 5-7 for the 1.5 diesel, making it relatively affordable for a commercial vehicle. Typical annual maintenance for a Transit Connect of this age is modest — budgeting £400-£600 for routine servicing and wear items should be sufficient unless major components fail. Based on fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, expect annual running costs in the region of £2,200-£2,800 for moderate commercial use.

The February 2026 MOT failure for the engine MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) being inoperative is worth particular attention — this could indicate a fault with the bulb itself, the wiring, or more concerningly, a genuine emissions or sensor issue that was masked. Ask for the diagnostic report from the repair that led to the pass, and consider an independent scan with a garage-level OBD reader to confirm no stored fault codes remain. The model's aggregate data shows top failure reasons as tyres, headlamps, and windscreen wipers — inspect all four tyres for uneven wear (which could indicate tracking or suspension issues), check both headlamp lenses for UV damage and condensation, and verify both wiper blades operate smoothly without streaking.

Beyond the MOT-related items, inspect the rear brake discs and pads for wear given the mileage, check the timing belt replacement interval (though the 1.5 diesel is generally chain-driven, confirm this for the specific variant), and examine the clutch for slipping or juddering on a test drive. Look under the bonnet for signs of oil leaks around the camchain cover and inspect the intercooler piping for splits, a known weakness on EcoBlue engines. Finally, examine the underside for corrosion — although 2022 models are unlikely to show significant rust, pay attention to jacking points and exhaust hangers which are common first areas of wear.