2022 Ford Ranger 2.0L Diesel · ST22 EYR

The most recent DVSA MOT test, carried out on 29 April 2026, resulted in a pass, and looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with one emerging area of concern. The previous test on 17 March 2025 was passed with no advisories or defects recorded, so the current advisories represent newly flagged items rather than long-standing unresolved issues. That said, the fact that both front suspension arm ball joints have been noted at the same inspection suggests the wear pattern is symmetrical and likely progressive, which is characteristic of a vehicle that has seen consistent road use. A clean pass with advisory items only is certainly not a fail, but for a prospective buyer it signals that these components are now entering a wear phase where replacement should be budgeted within the next service interval. With 51,623 recorded miles over approximately four years, this Ford Ranger is averaging around 12,900 miles per year, which is notably high for its age and above the typical 8,000 to 10,000 mile annual average for a UK light commercial or dual-purpose vehicle. High annual mileage of this nature generally accelerates wear on the consumable items that are likely to be most relevant during your inspection, particularly brake pads and discs, clutch components if a manual, tyres, and the suspension and drivetrain elements that are already showing early signs of wear. Conversely, there are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest long periods of standing, so you are unlikely to face the usual issues associated with low use, such as brake disc corrosion from inactivity, seized or binding calipers, or perishing rubber components from lack of movement. Given the advisory items recorded on both front suspension arm ball joints, this is the single most important area to focus on during a physical inspection and test drive. Listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, as ball joint wear typically manifests as audible impacts rather than vibrations. During a stationary check, with the front wheel jacked and the wheel gripped at nine and three o'clock, any detectable play or movement at the joint when force is applied would confirm that the wear has progressed beyond the slight play recorded at MOT. You should also inspect the tyres for uneven wear, particularly inner shoulder wear, as worn ball joints can alter wheel geometry and accelerate shoulder scrubbing on the inside edges. With high annual mileage, it is also prudent to check the brake discs for lipping and the pad material for wear, as these items will have endured substantial use, and to confirm the brake fluid has been serviced within the last two years as a time-based maintenance item regardless of mileage. Beyond the suspension advisories, this age of Ranger warrants attention to several calendar-based service items that do not appear on an MOT but are essential to long-term roadworthiness. Inspect the condition of the tyre sidewalls carefully for any cracking, perishing, or age-related degradation, as tyres older than five years from their DOT date stamp can become unsafe even with adequate tread depth. Check the 12-volt battery state of health, as a four-year-old original battery is approaching the end of its typical service life and may struggle in cold weather. Verify that the timing belt replacement interval, if applicable to this engine variant, has been observed or is not yet due, and confirm the service book stamps match the recorded mileage with no excessive gaps between intervals. Finally, inspect the underside and load area for any corrosion, particularly around structural mounting points, jacking points, and the rear chassis rails, as utility vehicles of this age and mileage can begin to show surface corrosion even where general bodywork appears sound.