2011 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · RE11 RYG

This Ford Transit Connect’s most recent MOT, conducted just eight months ago on 23 October 2025, passed without defects, marking a stable period following two consecutive failures in 2023 and a single failure in 2025. The record suggests a pattern of intermittent but critical issues—particularly with the nearside front wheel bearing (failed in October 2025) and the parking brake (major failure in October 2023)—which, if unresolved, could indicate either deferred maintenance or recurring mechanical weaknesses. The absence of advisories or defects in the last two tests implies these problems were addressed, though the bearing failure alone is a red flag for potential neglect of wheel hub components. The suspension advisories from 2023 (deteriorated ball joint dust covers) remain unresolved, raising concerns about long-term integrity of the lower control arms. The vehicle’s mileage of 113,943 miles over 15 years equates to an average of approximately 7,600 miles annually, a rate consistent with typical commercial or mixed-use vehicles of this age. There are no obvious gaps in service intervals, though the MOT history lacks pre-2023 records, making it impossible to assess earlier maintenance trends. The steady mileage accumulation suggests regular use rather than prolonged storage, which would typically accelerate wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. Without a full service history, the buyer cannot confirm whether critical intervals—such as wheel bearing replacements or brake servicing—were adhered to. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the nearside front wheel bearing assembly, given its recent failure, and verify whether the parking brake system has been professionally serviced since the 2023 failure. The persistent advisory on the offside front ball joint dust cover indicates potential internal wear, so the lower control arm should be closely examined for play or corrosion. Front tyre wear, previously flagged in 2023, suggests either uneven loading or alignment issues; tyre pressure and wheel alignment should be checked. Structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounts, is another concern given the vehicle’s age, as is the integrity of the exhaust system, which was not explicitly tested in recent MOTs but often correlates with binding calipers or failing suspension components.