2016 Isuzu D-MAX 2.5L Diesel · FN16 ONT

A pattern of recurring front anti-roll bar wear and rear shock absorber bush degradation dominates this D-Max's MOT record and presents the most relevant mechanical risk for a prospective buyer. The 2025 test recorded both front inner anti-roll bar pins or bushes as excessively worn along with an excessively worn offside rear shock absorber bush, alongside a nearside rear bush flagged as slightly worn. The 2024 and 2023 tests had already logged the same components as advisory items, suggesting progressive deterioration of the front anti-roll bar linkage and rear shock absorber mountings over several test cycles. The most recent test on 2026-08-07 returned a pass, but only after a fail just four days earlier on 2026-08-03 for a non-functional rear fog lamp, ineffective front wiper, and a parking brake lever with excessive movement indicative of incorrect adjustment. The recurring suspension component wear that escalated from advisory to major failure within roughly twelve months is the principal concern carried forward into any inspection. At 68,166 miles over ten years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 6,800 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a working pickup of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent with steady rather than episodic use. This level of usage is sufficient to generate normal wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, and tyres, and combined with the documented suspension component failures, points to a chassis that has accumulated meaningful wear across its life rather than one that has been spared heavy use or long periods standing idle. The non-excessive oil leak flagged in the 2026 advisories is a separate consideration, as even minor seepages on a diesel of this age can progress if seals are not addressed. The front anti-roll bar bushes are the priority item to evaluate physically, given that both sides were recorded as excessively worn in 2025 and the component was previously noted as worn in 2023 and 2024. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and rougher tarmac, and feel for any vagueness in initial turn-in response that can accompany worn anti-roll bar bushes. The rear shock absorber bushes require attention as well, with the offside rear bush having progressed from slightly worn in 2023 and 2024 to excessively worn by 2025. Test for rear stability by driving over undulating roads and observe whether the rear end feels unsettled or exhibits excessive body movement. The 2023 advisory regarding a fluctuating nearside rear service brake should also be followed up by checking for any pulling to one side under braking or judder through the pedal. Additional items from the most recent record should not be overlooked during inspection. The front tyres starting to wear on the inner edge, recorded as an advisory in 2026, can indicate wheel alignment issues, worn suspension components, or incorrect geometry, so check the inner shoulders of the front tyres for feathering or accelerated wear patterns and confirm the tracking has been checked. The oil leak, although classed as not excessive, warrants a thorough under-bonnet and under-vehicle inspection to identify the source, paying particular attention to common D-Max leak points such as the sump, injector pump, and rocker cover gaskets. The 2026 failure items also serve as a useful pre-purchase checklist: confirm the rear fog lamp operates correctly, test both front wipers for effective clearing across the full swept area, and verify the parking brake lever travel and holding capability on an incline. Given the repeated suspension component failures, budgeting for replacement anti-roll bar bushes and potentially rear shock absorbers would be prudent.