2005 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · VK05 RLZ

The vehicle is in a poor state of roadworthiness with a worsening maintenance trend regarding structural integrity. The most recent test in November 2022 at 125,923 miles resulted in a significant failure involving critical structural, steering, and braking system issues. While the vehicle passed tests in 2021, the progression from surface corrosion advisories to a holed sill and failed brake pipes indicates that underlying rust-related decay is being neglected rather than addressed. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 125,923 miles represents a low average of approximately 6,000 miles per year. However, this low usage has not translated into mechanical preservation. Between November 2020 and November 2022, the vehicle covered only 7,642 miles, yet this period saw multiple failures and the accumulation of severe mechanical faults. The lack of any MOT data since the November 2022 failure suggests the vehicle has either sat stationary or operated without testing, which often exacerbates corrosion issues. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody, specifically the nearside rear outer sill which was flagged as holed in 2022. The recurring history of excessive corrosion on brake pipes across all recorded tests suggests a systemic failure to treat or replace steel hydraulic lines, posing a high risk of sudden fluid loss. The steering rack inner joints and anti-roll bar linkages identified in the final 2022 failure indicate that the front suspension components are reaching the terminal life despite the low mileage. The engine requires close attention due to the 2022 failure for excessive smoke emissions in a turbocharged engine, alongside a persistent oil leak that has appeared in every test since 2020. The previously split CV boots and rough wheel bearings suggest a pattern of reactive maintenance where parts are only replaced after total failure. A professional inspection of the structural integrity and the entire braking system is mandatory before any potential purchase.