2016 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · RF66 DDA

The 2016 Ford Transit Connect’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-02 resulted in a clean pass, marking the vehicle’s fourth consecutive test without recorded defects. However, the preceding MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories and a single major failure, indicating that while the vehicle has maintained roadworthiness, underlying wear issues have persisted over time. The most critical prior failures, particularly the offside rear brake system defects in 2022, suggest that the braking components have undergone significant degradation, warranting particular attention during inspection. The presence of repeated tyre edge wear advisories across multiple tests points to either aggressive driving habits or misaligned wheels, which could exacerbate further tyre and suspension wear if not addressed promptly. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 67,896 miles at the time of this assessment aligns with a typical annual usage rate of around 6,790 miles, which is consistent with its age and likely operational profile. This level of mileage is neither exceptionally high nor low for a 10-year-old vehicle, but it does imply moderate to heavy usage over the years, particularly given the absence of extended periods of inactivity. Heavy usage accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, and suspension components, which aligns with the observed MOT findings. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular service, though the lack of service records or maintenance logs would be prudent to verify for comprehensive wear tracking. For the prospective buyer, the most urgent concerns stem from the prior brake system failures, specifically the offside rear brake pad thickness below 1.5 mm and the significantly worn brake disc. Immediate inspection should include visual and tactile checks of all brake components, focusing on the rear offside assembly for signs of glazing, warping, or excessive heat discolouration. Listen for abnormal brake pedal travel, vibrations, or a spongy or uneven response during braking, which may indicate binding calipers, warped discs, or uneven pad wear. Additionally, the light misting of oil in the rear shock absorbers from the 2024 MOT advisory suggests potential internal failure or fluid degradation, which could compromise suspension damping. Test the vehicle for excessive body roll, clunking noises from the rear suspension during cornering, or uneven tyre wear patterns that may correlate with misaligned wheels or worn suspension bushes. Beyond the critical issues, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant thorough checks for tyre sidewall perishing, which is more likely with prolonged exposure to environmental elements rather than mileage alone. Inspect the tyres for cracks, delamination, or signs of dry rot, particularly in the shoulder areas, as these can compromise structural integrity and lead to sudden failure. The 12V battery should be tested for voltage output and overall health, especially given the vehicle’s age and potential for standing corrosion, which can bind terminals and affect electrical systems. Finally, since the vehicle has not undergone a full service in recent years, consider verifying the calendar-based fluid servicing intervals for the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and differential/transmission fluids, as these can degrade over time even with moderate mileage. A thorough visual inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion, leaks, or structural integrity is also advisable, given the potential for rust accumulation in a vehicle of this age.