2010 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LP10 SHX

The defining mechanical concern surrounding this 2010 London Taxis TX4 is a deteriorating brake and steering safety profile, evidenced by two consecutive annual MOT attempts in 2023 and 2024 that resulted in dangerous and major failures before ultimately passing. In October 2024 the vehicle failed its first attempt on a dangerous offside rear parking brake efficiency reading below 50 percent of the required value, a major rear brake imbalance across axle two, and a major advisory that the steering box exhibited excessive free play at the steering wheel. The same pattern emerged a year earlier in October 2023, when the parking brake again registered below 50 percent efficiency, accompanied by a fluctuating nearside rear service brake, misaligned and insecure headlamp assemblies, and headlamp aim defects. While the vehicle did secure passes on its subsequent attempts at the same test centres, the recurrence of braking and steering defects across two separate annual inspections points to chronic wear in the parking brake mechanism, rear brake actuation, and steering box internals rather than isolated component failures. A clean pass in 2022 shows the issues have developed progressively, and a prospective buyer should treat this as an actively worsening mechanical trend rather than a historical footnote. With 356,776 miles accumulated over roughly sixteen years, this TX4 is averaging around 22,300 miles per year, which is exceptionally high mileage for any passenger vehicle and is consistent with the intensive operational demands placed on a licensed hackney carriage. There are no extended gaps in the recorded testing history, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous service rather than laid up, and the cumulative wear on the braking system, steering components, suspension, clutch assembly, drivetrain mounts, and rear axle assemblies should be considered severe at this odometer reading. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on friction materials, rubber bushes, and bearing assemblies, and it explains why the parking brake, rear brake balance, and steering free play have surfaced as recurring test failures rather than one-off faults. For a buyer evaluating this vehicle, a thorough physical inspection and test drive should focus heavily on the systems flagged in the MOT record. On a road test, listen for any knocking or slackness through the steering wheel, particularly when turning on full lock or traversing uneven surfaces, as excessive steering box free play suggests worn sector shafts or pivot bushes that can compromise directional control. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for sponginess or excessive travel, and the rear service brake should be checked for fluctuating pull or judder under firm pedal application, mirroring the 2023 fluctuating brake defect. The parking brake should be applied on an incline and tested for holding ability, as two consecutive sub-50 percent efficiency readings indicate the rear drums, shoes, cables, or adjuster mechanism may still be marginal despite the post-failure pass. Inspect the rear brake assemblies for uneven wear, oil contamination from the rear axle seals common on high-mileage TX4s, and ensure the handbrake lever travels firmly without bottoming out against its stop. A thorough under-bry examination is also essential given the vehicle age and mileage, with particular attention to the subframe mounting points, rear suspension leaf hangers, shock absorber mountings, and brake pipe routing along the chassis rails, as corrosion in these areas is typical for a taxi that has spent years operating in urban environments with high brake usage and salt exposure. Verify the headlamp assemblies are securely mounted and that the alignment falls within tolerance, addressing the 2023 insecure headlamp defect, and confirm all registration plate lamps illuminate correctly. The 2.5-litre diesel engine should be started from cold and monitored for excessive smoke, timing chain rattle, and coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing, all of which are known wear points on this powertrain. Given the high mileage and the recurring brake and steering defects, budgeting for immediate remedial work on the parking brake mechanism, rear brake shoes or discs, and steering box refurbishment would be a prudent consideration before committing to purchase.