2008 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LE57 CXC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows signs of accelerating wear on high-mileage components. The most recent test in January 2023 at 295,296 miles identified slight free play in the steering box and play in the nearside front wheel bearing. These issues follow a period of clean results in 2022, indicating that while the vehicle passes its tests, the steering and suspension assemblies are reaching the end of their operational life. At 295,296 miles over 18 years, this TX4 has averaged approximately 16,400 miles per annum, consistent with heavy commercial taxi use. The record shows a significant spike in mileage accumulation between January 2022 (260,632 miles) and January 2023 (295,296 miles), representing over 34,000 miles driven in just fourteen months. This rapid usage puts extreme stress on the drivetrain and suspension components, which explains the recurring failures related to wheel bearings and springs. A buyer must conduct a thorough in-person inspection of the structural integrity, specifically around the nearside rear seat belt anchorage. The January 2022 failure revealed an inadequate repair in the wheel arch, which suggests previous corrosion or impact damage that may not have been properly addressed. Furthermore, the history of wheel bearing play across multiple corners and a fractured coil spring in July 2022 indicates that the entire suspension geometry is likely degraded and will require imminent investment to ensure continued safety.