2011 Isuzu Rodeo 2.5L Diesel · AF11 TSV

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 August 2025 resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory roadworthiness standard at that point. The broader trend across the recorded history is mixed but not concerning. A pass was recorded in September 2024 following a failure on 28 August 2024, and similarly, the August 2023 pass followed an earlier failure on the same date. While the specific reasons for those failures are not documented in the supplied records, the fact that the vehicle has been re-presented and passed shortly after each failed attempt, and has subsequently maintained pass status for over a year, suggests that any issues identified were rectified in a timely manner and have not reoccurred. Overall, the maintenance trajectory appears stable, with the vehicle consistently brought to a roadworthy condition ahead of each test cycle. With 109,524 miles recorded over approximately fifteen years, the Isuzu Rodeo has covered an average of around 7,300 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working utility vehicle of this age. There are no obvious extended gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, although the failure and re-test entries in 2023 and 2024 indicate brief intervals of non-compliance rather than long-term standing. This consistent usage pattern is generally favourable, as it implies regular running which helps to prevent issues associated with inactivity such as seized brakes, perished seals, and stale fluids. That said, a vehicle of this age and mileage will inevitably have consumable components that have reached or are approaching the end of their service life, and the absence of recorded advisories does not preclude underlying wear. Given the clean advisory record, physical inspection should focus on age and mileage-related deterioration rather than specific known defects. Tyres warrant close attention, as fifteen-year-old rubber is highly susceptible to sidewall perishing and cracking even if tread depth remains adequate, and all four tyres plus the spare should be examined for visible crazing or crazing around the bead area. The braking system should be inspected for corrosion on the discs, particularly on the rear drums or rotors, and the calipers should be checked for binding or seized slide pins which commonly develop on vehicles of this vintage. Brake fluid should be tested for moisture content, as it typically requires replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage, and the cooling system should be examined for deteriorated hoses and a weakening water pump given the age of the vehicle. A test drive should include careful listening for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes, dropped coil springs, or tired shock absorbers common to a utility vehicle of this mileage. The steering should be checked for any excess play or vagueness, and the transmission should be exercised through all gears to confirm smooth engagement, particularly if a four-wheel-drive transfer box is fitted, as the Rodeo’s part-time four-wheel-drive system is known to suffer from actuator issues. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as units over five years old are prone to cold-start failure, and the underside of the vehicle should be examined on a ramp for any fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, transfer box, or rear differential. Finally, verifying full service history with documented timing belt replacement is essential, as this is a critical maintenance item on a diesel Rodeo of this age, and the absence of such a record should prompt immediate negotiation or further investigation.