2016 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · SF66 AAS

The most recent MOT on 17 November 2025 was a pass, albeit with two advisories concerning slight play in the nearside front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint and the off‑side front suspension arm ball joint, plus a minor registration‑plate lamp omission. Over the past four years the record shows a single failure in December 2022 (headlamp and tyre cut) followed by a clean pass in 2023, a spotless pass in 2024 and the current pass with minor front‑suspension play. The trend therefore moves from a failure to a generally stable condition, though the re‑appearance of front‑suspension play indicates wear that is beginning to surface and will need attention before it escalates to a safety‑critical fault. At 139,684 miles the van averages roughly 13,970 miles per year, which is above the typical utilisation for a light commercial vehicle of its class. This level of annual mileage suggests the drivetrain, gearbox, and differential have been subject to sustained loading, and consumables such as clutch plates, CV joints, and rear‑axle bearings are likely to be approaching the latter stages of their service life. The mileage also implies the tyres have endured considerable wear cycles, and the recorded front‑tyre cut from 2022 may be a symptom of sidewall fatigue that can accelerate with higher kilometre counts. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular focus to the front suspension and steering assembly. Feel for any looseness or clunking when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and when the wheels are rocked fore and aft; excessive play could confirm the ball‑joint wear flagged by the MOT. Examine the anti‑roll bar bushings and the suspension arm bushings for cracked or shredded rubber, and check the tyre sidewalls for dry rot, cuts, or uneven tread wear that might indicate mis‑alignment. A test drive should reveal any steering shimmy, vibration through the steering column, or a tendency for the van to wander under braking – all signs that the front suspension geometry may be compromised and that the ball joints should be replaced promptly. Beyond the suspension, verify the condition of the braking system – with nearly 140 000 miles the pads, discs and calipers should be inspected for glazing, corrosion or uneven wear, and the hand‑brake mechanism should operate smoothly. Confirm the battery terminals are clean and the charge holds, as age‑related sulphation is common in vehicles that sit idle between trips. Check all fluid levels and look for signs of leaks; oil, coolant and brake fluid should be refreshed on a calendar basis even if mileage intervals have not been met. Finally, scrutinise the body for any rust, especially around wheel arches, sills and the under‑carriage, and ensure the headlamp units function correctly after the earlier failure. Addressing these points will give you a clear picture of any imminent maintenance and the overall roadworthiness of the Transit Connect.