2021 Isuzu D-MAX DL20 Auto 1.9L Diesel · LA71 GHT

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 August 2026 resulted in a Dangerous failure due to both front tyres exhibiting exposed ply or cords, a serious safety defect that compromises grip, braking performance and resistance to blowout. While this single failure is the most severe outcome in the available record, it does not exist in isolation. The previous two MOTs were passed but carried repeated advisories for tyres wearing on the inner edges, first flagged on the rear axle in 2024 and then on the front axle in 2025. This progression suggests an ongoing and unresolved geometry or suspension concern rather than isolated tyre wear, and the Dangerous failure now represents the logical conclusion of that pattern. The overall maintenance trend is therefore worsening, with the vehicle moving from advisory tyre wear to a categorised dangerous defect within a single twelve-month cycle, indicating that corrective work is urgently required before the vehicle can be lawfully driven. With around 33,727 miles recorded over approximately five years, the vehicle is averaging roughly 6,745 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working or family-used pick-up of this age and not suggestive of long periods of standing or excessive motorway use. This mileage figure is moderate and would not, in itself, raise immediate concerns regarding major mechanical wear items such as clutch, turbo or drivetrain components, particularly on a diesel-automatic platform designed for higher load duties. However, the annual test mileage progression should be scrutinised carefully during the transaction. Gaps or irregular recording can indicate periods of inactivity, while sharp jumps may suggest heavy commercial or towing use, both of which carry different mechanical implications for the underbody, braking and transmission components. Given the recurring inner-edge tyre wear pattern, a prospective buyer must place suspension geometry at the top of the inspection list. Inner-edge wear on both axles across consecutive tests is characteristic of incorrect wheel alignment, worn or sagging coil springs, deteriorated suspension bushes, or bent or seized suspension arms, all of which are plausible failure points on a pick-up that may have carried heavy or uneven loads. A thorough test drive should be conducted over uneven road surfaces, listening for clonks or knocks from the front and rear suspension, and feeling for any vagueness, wandering or poor straight-line stability. The condition of the front and rear coil springs, anti-roll bar bushes, track rod ends, and wishbone bushes should be physically inspected for cracking, perishing or sagging, and a four-wheel alignment printout should be requested from any garage carrying out the rectification work. Additionally, the brake discs and pads should be examined for uneven wear or lipping, as binding calipers can also contribute to uneven tyre wear patterns. Beyond the suspension-related concerns, age-appropriate inspection items remain highly relevant on a five-year-old diesel vehicle. The timing belt or chain service interval should be verified, along with evidence of regular oil and filter changes, fuel filter renewal, and AdBlue system maintenance, all of which are critical to diesel longevity. Brake fluid and coolant should be assessed for time-based degradation rather than purely mileage-based intervals, as both lose effectiveness with age. The exhaust system, particularly the DPF, should be checked for warning lights or stored fault codes via diagnostic readout, and the underbody should be examined for corrosion, paying close attention to chassis rails, mounting points and suspension fastenings, which on a working pick-up can suffer accelerated surface oxidation. Finally, the 12V battery should be load-tested, the condition of all exterior rubber seals and trim should be checked for UV degradation, and the service book should be cross-referenced with any digital service records to confirm a consistent maintenance history prior to purchase.