2016 Ford Transit Connect 1.6L Diesel · SL16 EVX

The most recent MOT tests on this 2016 Ford Transit Connect—conducted just three months ago on 30 April 2025—reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite identical mileage readings. Both tests at 131,850 miles were recorded on the same date, suggesting either a technical error in the system or a deliberate retest after an unresolved issue. The absence of any recorded defects in prior tests (2023 and 2024) implies the failure was not due to progressive wear but rather a specific, unresolved fault. This inconsistency undermines confidence in the vehicle’s recent roadworthiness, particularly if the retest was not documented with corrective action. The 2024 tests at 118,875 miles also show a duplicate pass/fail pair, reinforcing the possibility of a systemic oversight rather than genuine maintenance progress. The recorded mileage of 131,850 miles over ten years equates to an average of 13,185 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age and class. The gap between tests—approximately 12 months between each pair—aligns with the MOT cycle, but the identical mileage readings in consecutive tests at the same date are highly irregular. This suggests either a lack of accurate mileage tracking or a vehicle that has been driven extensively without proportional maintenance. The absence of intermediate tests or service records further complicates assessing wear patterns, as critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers could have deteriorated significantly without oversight. Given the repeated failures at the same mileage, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and binding mechanisms, which were likely the cause of the retest. The suspension—including bushes, shock absorbers, and wheel bearings—should be scrutinised for uneven wear or corrosion, especially given the high mileage. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, must be checked for corrosion, as this is often overlooked in high-mileage vehicles. The exhaust system should also be examined for leaks or excessive rust, as this is a common failure point in older vans. The absence of advisories in prior tests does not guarantee these areas are sound, as they may have been overlooked or deemed non-critical at the time of inspection.