2004 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · NJ54 VSA

The 2004 Ford Transit Connect presents a stable roadworthiness record, with the most recent MOT in September 2025 at 165,912 miles passing without any defects. This consistency extends back to May 2023 and May 2022, where the vehicle also cleared its tests at 164,323 and 163,233 miles respectively, indicating no deterioration in core mechanical or safety systems over the past three years. The absence of advisories or failures suggests that routine maintenance—such as brake fluid renewal, tyre rotation, and suspension checks—has been addressed, or that the vehicle has been driven lightly enough to avoid wear issues. However, the near-three-year gap between tests raises questions about whether the vehicle has been in regular use or stored, as MOTs are legally required annually for vehicles over three years old. The mileage accumulation of approximately 7,541 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, suggesting neither excessive nor minimal driving. The steady progression—just over 1,500 miles between each test—implies consistent, moderate use without sudden spikes that might indicate neglect or heavy commercial operation. The lack of rapid mileage jumps or prolonged inactivity periods further supports the idea that the Transit Connect has been maintained in a functional state, though the sparse MOT history means there’s no evidence of proactive servicing beyond what was legally required. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on components not covered by the MOT, particularly those prone to silent failure in lightly used vehicles. Given the age, inspect the suspension for worn bushes, degraded coil springs, or uneven tyre wear, which could signal alignment or steering issues. Check the brake system thoroughly—while the MOT passed, binding calipers or uneven disc thickness might not have been caught without a full service. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches, sills, and the underbody, should be examined closely, as rust can compromise safety without immediate visibility. Finally, verify fluid levels—brake, coolant, and power steering—since these are critical but not always tested during an MOT. The clean record is encouraging, but this vehicle’s age demands hands-on scrutiny beyond what the MOT provides.