2012 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · YF12 DHU

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but exhibits a trend of worsening mechanical neglect. While it passed its most recent MOT in January 2026 at 70,803 miles, this followed a failure just six miles prior. That failure revealed critical safety issues, including an ABS and electronic stability control fault, alongside a binding rear brake caliper and dangerously worn brake pads. The transition from a failure to a pass within such a short distance suggests that repairs are only addressed when forced by testing requirements, rather than through proactive preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old van, averaging approximately 5,057 miles per year. However, a significant jump in usage occurred between December 2024 (65,342 miles) and January 2026 (70,803 miles), where the vehicle covered over 5,400 miles in just thirteen months. This low annual mileage often correlates with the structural corrosion issues noted in the record, as long periods of sitting can lead to brake seizure and the degradation of protective coatings on metal components. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the sills, as the tester flagged structural corrosion in January 2026. Although structural rigidity was not yet compromised at that time, rust is a progressive condition that requires close monitoring. The recurring mention of corroded brake pipes back to 2023 and 2024 indicates a persistent vulnerability to moisture or a lack of underbody protection. You should verify if pipes have been replaced rather than merely masked with grease to pass the inspection. The uneven tyre wear across multiple corners noted in the January 2026 test suggests alignment issues or worn suspension bushes. Combined with the previously noted oil leak and the unresolved ABS warning, the vehicle shows signs of a history where only essential mechanical faults are addressed. Ensure the high-level brake light has been fitted and tested, as this was a recorded defect in the latest report.