2006 London Taxis INT TX II 2.4L Diesel · LR56 KNO

A cumulative mileage of 294,182 on a 2006 London Taxis INT TX II represents a demanding working life, and the MOT history bears the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been kept largely on the road through active maintenance rather than retirement. The most recent test on 2023-08-03 was a pass, but only after a prior failure six days earlier on 2023-07-28 which flagged three major defects simultaneously, including a seriously leaking offside front shock absorber, and deteriorated track rod end dust covers on both sides allowing dirt ingress into the ball joints. Two advisories, an oil leak and tyre perishing, were carried across both entries, suggesting these are longstanding rather than freshly developed conditions. The overall trajectory points to a vehicle that is being maintained to a functional minimum, with major structural and steering wear appearing at the front axle and dampers showing fatigue consistent with heavy urban operation. Over a service life of roughly twenty years, the recorded annual mileage of around 14,709 miles is broadly proportionate for a working hackney carriage, although the exact figure may understate true duty if the vehicle was used intensively during periods without MOT testing. A notable testing gap exists between the 2022-01-26 pass and the 2023-07-28 failure, spanning roughly eighteen months, during which substantial mileage is likely to have accumulated given the operational profile of a TX II. Mechanically, this kind of high cumulative mileage on a purpose-built taxi places particular stress on the front suspension, steering geometry, engine sealing, and braking components, which aligns with the recorded defects. Buyers should interpret the mileage not merely as a number but as evidence of prolonged duty cycles, frequent low-speed manoeuvring, and the cumulative effect of kerb impact and load-bearing wear on chassis components. The track rod end dust covers warrant direct attention on any inspection, as the failure cited excessive deterioration allowing dirt ingress, meaning the joint internals are exposed to contamination. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps, and check for vagueness or wandering in the steering, as well as uneven tyre wear across both front tyres which would confirm accelerated joint wear. The offside front shock absorber fluid leak is a particularly serious finding, as hydraulic fluid loss compromises damping and may indicate seal failure within the unit itself; on the road, expect excessive body roll through corners, prolonged nose dive under stopping, and a distinct bouncing or oscillation after striking a bump. Replacement shock absorbers should be verified, and the condition of the offside front coil spring, top mount, and lower mounting bush examined for secondary damage. The recorded oil leak and the slight play in the nearside front steering idler noted in 2022 are further indicators of wear across the front-end mechanical assemblies. On inspection, look for fresh oil residue on the engine block, sump, and surrounding undertray areas, and check the power steering system specifically given the steering idler play advisory, as any increase in slackness since 2022 could now tip the component into failure territory. The tyre perishing advisory across all positions on a vehicle of this age and mileage should prompt a careful examination of sidewall cracking, tread depth, and any flat-spotting from standing. Given the gap since the last MOT, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a taxi-specialist garage should be considered essential, with particular focus on the front subframe for corrosion, brake pipes and flexible hoses for surface rust given the working environment, and the rear suspension units which carry heavy passenger loads.