2008 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · RK58 SLU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test in September 2025 at 97,918 miles resulted in a pass after addressing minor defects involving the registration plate lamp, side repeater lens, and an insecure battery. This follows a significant failure in June 2022 where the vehicle presented a long list of mechanical and structural faults. While the immediate issues were rectified, the underlying structural condition remains a point of ongoing concern. At 18 years old, the recorded mileage of 97,918 miles is low, averaging approximately 5,440 miles per year. The data shows a notable gap between the 2023 test at 94,358 miles and the September 2025 test at 97,918 miles, suggesting the vehicle sat or used infrequently. This low annual usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components, which is evidenced by the perished rear nears tyre noted in the 2022 record. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity. The 2023 test flagged corrosion on the sills and the vehicle structure, while the 2022 failure identified a nearside suspension mounting area with excessive corrosion that had significantly reduced structural strength. These areas are critical failure points that can lead to future MOT rejections. Additionally, the steering rack inner joints showing play in 2023 should be checked for continued wear to ensure steering precision has not deteriorated. The mechanical history also shows evidence of neglect regarding fluid systems. The 2022 failure highlighted corroded rear brake pipes, split CV boots, and a worn anti-roll bar linkage joint. While these were marked for repair, the presence of an oil leak in 2022 requires modern monitoring to ensure it has not worsened. The failure to pass an emissions test in 2022 suggests the engine may have suffered from poor combustion, which is common with low-mileage diesel engines of this age.