2009 Isuzu Rodeo 2.5L Diesel · FE09 SWZ

The 2009 Isuzu Rodeo currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed its most recent test on 4 August 2025 with no advisories or defects recorded against it. The recent history is, however, slightly unusual in that a failure was logged just five days earlier on 30 July 2025, also with no defects explicitly recorded against the entry. It is worth noting that some testers log a failure and subsequent pass on the same day or within a few days when minor rectification work is carried out between tests; the absence of recorded defects on both entries suggests either an administrative re-test or a very minor issue that was immediately corrected. Looking at the broader picture, the vehicle passed cleanly in August 2023 and July 2024, with a corresponding failure immediately preceding the 2024 pass, which appears to follow a similar pattern. The maintenance trend can therefore be regarded as broadly stable, with the vehicle consistently brought to a roadworthy standard at each annual test, though the repeated pattern of a near-immediate retest is a minor point worth raising with the seller for clarification. With 120,355 miles recorded over approximately 17 years, this Rodeo has averaged around 7,080 miles per year, which is a relatively modest annual figure for a working utility vehicle of this type. Such average mileage generally indicates a mixture of regular shorter journeys and periods of lighter use, and importantly suggests that the vehicle is unlikely to have endured the severe wear patterns associated with high-mileage commercial use. However, given the nature of utility vehicles, the recorded miles should be cross-referenced against the MOT odometer readings on the certificate to confirm consistency and ensure no discrepancies. Routine service history, particularly timing belt replacement intervals, clutch wear, and gearbox condition, should be prioritised during inspection given that the vehicle has covered a substantial total mileage despite the moderate annual rate. Given the absence of any recorded advisories or specific defects in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on age and mileage-related wear items that are not necessarily captured during an MOT test. Tyres warrant particular attention: despite any remaining tread, a 17-year-old vehicle may exhibit sidewall perishing or cracking, and the spare tyre should also be checked. Brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion through standing, especially if the vehicle has had periods of infrequent use, so the discs should be inspected for surface rust and the calipers checked for binding or uneven pad wear. The 12V battery is highly likely to be due for replacement if it has not been changed recently, and the charging system should be verified. The exhaust system, including the catalyst and rear silencer, should be examined for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and joints, as these are common failure areas on vehicles of this age. A test drive should include careful attention to the suspension, with particular vigilance for clonking noises from worn bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar components, and uneven tyre wear patterns that would suggest misalignment or worn geometry components. Steering should be assessed for vagueness, knocking from the track rod ends, or signs of play in the steering box. The clutch should be exercised fully on inclines to check for slipping, and the gearbox tested across all gears for smooth selection and any synchromesh wear. Engine performance should be monitored for excessive smoke from cold start, irregular idling, or hesitation, all of which could indicate age-related issues with injectors, sensors, or vacuum lines. Finally, all fluid levels and their condition should be verified, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, with a full service history check to confirm that time-based items such as brake fluid replacement every two years and coolant renewal have been carried out in line with manufacturer schedules.