2013 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LL63 VNH

The defining mechanical story of this TX4 is one of persistent but contained corrosion and wear rather than any outright structural or safety failure. The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 2026-03-16 with no defects recorded, and the prior test on 2025-09-01 was also a clean sheet, suggesting that in the short term the car is holding its roadworthiness together adequately. However, the 2025-03 test warrants careful attention: it was initially failed on 2025-03-03 before passing the following day, and although the failure did not record any specific failure items, the same cluster of advisories appeared on both that failed test and the subsequent pass. These advisories point to a recurring theme of brake pipe surface corrosion across the front offside and both rear lines, a rear silencer corroding through, a non-excessive transmission oil leak, and a worn trailing arm front bush on the nearside rear suspension. A further advisory at the 2024-09 test noted slight play at the steering wheel, which adds to a picture of a vehicle whose age and mileage are beginning to assert themselves across multiple under-bonnet and under-body systems. With 373,417 miles recorded over roughly thirteen years, the TX4 has averaged around 28,700 miles per year, which is exceptionally high and well beyond typical private-car usage. This rate of accumulation means that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, bushes and shock absorbers will have been cycled through many times, and components like clutches, driveshafts and transmission internals will have absorbed significant wear. The annual test cycle has been maintained consistently from 2024 onwards with no evidence of long gaps off the road, which is positive for corrosion progression in some respects yet reinforces that this is a working vehicle that has been in near-continuous service. The mileage band also places considerable stress on the rear suspension subframe and mounting areas common to this model, where road salt and grime accumulate over high-mileage service lives. For a prospective buyer, the brake pipe advisories are the single most pressing area to investigate, as the lines were noted as corroded and coated with grease or other material on both rear pipes and the offside front. On inspection, look closely underneath along the full length of the brake lines for pitting or flaking that has not yet perforated the pipe wall, and check that any coating is genuine protective treatment rather than a cosmetic smear hiding active corrosion. Test the brakes firmly from speed to confirm there is no sponginess or excessive pedal travel, listen for any scraping or grinding that might indicate worn pads or discs compensating for weakened caliper sliding mechanisms, and ensure the handbrake holds on a slope as rear drum or disc hardware on these vehicles can suffer from seizure. The suspension and steering advisories also deserve direct attention. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly on the nearside where the trailing arm front bush was flagged as worn, and pay attention to whether the knock is a single thunk over sharp bumps or a continuous rattle indicating broader bush deterioration. Feel for vagueness or slop in the steering that could be related to the previously noted play at the wheel, and check whether the vehicle tracks straight or pulls to one side, which might suggest worn steering linkages or uneven brake caliper binding. Finally, inspect the transmission area and undertray for fresh oil residue around the seals and gaskets, as the advisory of a non-excessive leak may have progressed, and examine the rear silencer and surrounding exhaust sections for thinning metal or hangers that have begun to separate, as corroded silencers on high-mileage vehicles often require imminent replacement.