2017 London Taxis INT TX4 2.8L Diesel · LL17 CVC

A taxi-grade service history is evident on this 2017 London Taxis International TX4, which has accumulated 267,081 miles across nine years of intense commercial use. The most recent DVSA examination on 26 February 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories recorded, continuing a stable trend of unblemished roadworthiness results stretching back through September 2025 and February 2025. A single failure was logged on 12 November 2024, but with no defects listed it is likely the vehicle did not present for the retest within the working hours or was unable to be examined at that appointment. The four subsequent passes confirm the TX4 has consistently met MOT standards at every opportunity since, indicating the vehicle remains structurally compliant and free from immediate roadworthiness concerns under DVSA criteria. This consistent pass pattern at such high mileage is notable for a commercial hackney carriage, suggesting the mechanical platform has been actively maintained to the standard required for licensed operation. With an average accumulation of roughly 29,676 miles per year, this TX4 has been worked significantly harder than a typical private-use vehicle of equivalent age, where annual mileage often falls between 8,000 and 12,000 miles. The sustained high-rate usage pattern indicates continuous commercial deployment rather than periods of standing idle, which on a London taxi would be unusual given the operational demands of the trade. Such mileage density accelerates wear on consumable and load-bearing components far beyond what is expected of a family car or commuter saloon, placing considerable strain on the clutch assembly, gearbox synchros, rear axle bearings, prop-shaft universal joints, and the braking system that must repeatedly haul the vehicle down from urban speeds under heavy load. The absence of any recorded mileage gaps or plate changes between MOT entries suggests uninterrupted service, which on a TX4 diesel of this vintage typically translates into substantial accumulated fatigue on rubber bushes, engine mounts, and the rear leaf-spring suspension platform. Given the commercial mileage and the TX4's known mechanical character, a test drive should focus closely on the drivetrain and rear suspension, listening for clonks or shudders from the rear axle over speed humps and uneven surfaces that might betray worn trailing arm bushes, sagging coil springs, or deteriorating shock absorbers. Clutch take-up should be assessed for slip under load, and any rumble or whine that changes with road speed should be investigated at the wheel bearings and differential. Check the steering for vagueness or knocking, which on high-mileage TX4s often points to worn track rod ends or deteriorated front subframe mountings. Inspect the underbody for the heavy corrosion that frequently affects the rear subframe, fuel tank straps, and brake pipe runs on these vehicles, paying particular attention to the offside rear chassis leg and the exhaust mounting points where road salt collects during winter operation. From inside the cabin, observe the exhaust smoke on startup, with any prolonged blue or grey haze indicating oil burn consistent with turbo seal or piston ring wear at this mileage. Confirm the cooling system holds pressure without the temperature needle climbing under idle in traffic, as the radiator and water pump on these vehicles suffer heavily from sustained urban use. On the road, brake feel should be firm without excessive travel or pulling to either side, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle securely on an incline given the rear drum arrangement. Finally, examine the service book for evidence of frequent oil and filter changes at sub-6,000 mile intervals, along with regular gearbox fluid replacement, as this is the single greatest indicator of long-term survival on a TX4 diesel that has covered this level of mileage.