2017 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · RA66 FPX

This 2017 Ford Transit Connect has maintained a clean MOT record since its most recent test on 11 November 2025, with no defects recorded at 149,828 miles. The trend over the past three tests is stable, though the November 2023 failure—just one day before its eventual pass—reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance. The 2023 failure highlighted critical issues: front tyre treads at 1.6mm (below the legal limit), alongside thin brake pads (3mm) both front and rear. While these were rectified before the subsequent pass, the failure itself suggests either a lack of pre-MOT attention or a rushed inspection. The most recent tests show no further warnings, but the 2023 failure remains a red flag for how the vehicle was previously managed. The recorded mileage of 149,828 miles at nine years old indicates aggressive use, averaging roughly 16,600 miles annually—a rate significantly higher than typical for a commercial van of this age. The largest mileage jump occurred between the 2022 and 2023 tests, where the odometer rose by 20,000 miles in under a year (from 110,734 to 130,649). This rapid accumulation raises concerns about accelerated wear on suspension components, drivetrain, and braking systems. The absence of any advisories or defects in the last two tests does not negate the implications of this high-mileage pattern, particularly on components like coil springs, suspension bushes, and brake calipers, which degrade more rapidly under such conditions. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, given the repeated thin-pad warnings in 2023. Binding calipers, uneven wear on discs, or corrosion in the brake lines could indicate deeper issues not captured in the MOT. The suspension should be checked for worn or leaking bushes, sagging coil springs, or excessive play in the steering rack, especially given the high mileage. Rust around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is also critical—structural corrosion in this age range is common and often overlooked. The 2023 tyre failure underscores the need to verify current tread depths and condition, as well as checking for uneven wear patterns that could point to alignment or suspension issues. Finally, the 2022 MOT’s minor faults (rear reflector and wiper blades) suggest basic consumables may have been neglected; inspecting these again will confirm whether they’ve been properly addressed.