2013 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LR63 VCY

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 May 2025 resulted in a Pass, though the test was accompanied by two advisories and one minor defect that warrant close attention. The minor item flagged a severely deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint, which should be considered a priority follow-up, as once the protective gaiter fails, water and grit ingress accelerates wear in the joint itself, potentially leading to looseness in the front suspension geometry. The advisories noted front brake disc wear (recorded as not yet excessive) and slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing, both of which are progressive concerns that a buyer should monitor or remedy before they escalate into test failures. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the pattern is largely stable but with a clear sign of accumulating wear items in the second half of 2023 and into 2025, including a previous advisory on rear trailing arm bushes and a recent tyre wear advisory. Two failed tests appear in the record, one for a malfunction indicator lamp and another for an inoperative registration plate lamp, both of which are relatively minor electrical or emissions items that were subsequently rectified, indicating that the vehicle has generally been maintained to a roadworthy standard despite its heavy commercial-style service life. With approximately 184,268 miles recorded over 13 years, this TX4 has covered an average of around 14,174 miles annually, which is consistent with intensive taxi or private hire use rather than private ownership. The mileage progression across the MOT record appears steady and uninterrupted, with no significant gaps that would suggest prolonged standing, which is mechanically favourable as it implies the drivetrain, suspension, and braking components have remained in regular working order rather than suffering the corrosion and fluid degradation associated with laid-up vehicles. However, high annual mileage of this nature places continuous demand on consumables and mechanical wear items, particularly the clutch, turbocharger, braking system, suspension bushes, and engine ancillaries. Prospective buyers should anticipate that major driveline components on a high-mileage TX4 will have already undergone at least one refurbishment or replacement cycle, and verifying the service history and timing belt or cambelt replacement intervals is essential. Buyers should pay particular attention to the advisories recorded at recent tests, beginning with the deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the nearside front upper suspension arm. A physical inspection should look for grease contamination around the joint, any looseness when the wheel is rocked by hand at the three and nine o'clock positions, and uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which often manifests as feathering or inner-edge wear when suspension geometry is compromised. The advisory on the nearside front wheel bearing suggests a small amount of axial play is present, and on a test drive this typically presents as a low-frequency hum or drone that varies with vehicle speed and may subtly change when cornering as load transfers across the bearing. Given that this condition is progressive, the bearing should be inspected promptly and replacement budgeted for in the near future, especially as it would likely be raised as an advisory or failure at the next test if left unaddressed. The front brake disc wear advisory is also worth a close look during the road test, listening for any grinding or squealing under moderate braking and feeling for brake shudder or vibration through the pedal, which would suggest the discs have now reached a serviceable limit. Beyond the recorded items, a high-mileage TX4 of this age demands a thorough physical inspection regardless of MOT outcome. Check all suspension components methodically, including rear trailing arm bushes (previously flagged in 2023), anti-roll bar links, and shock absorbers for any signs of fluid leakage or seized mounts. Examine the tyres not only for tread depth but for age-related perishing on the sidewalls, which is particularly common on vehicles that see consistent urban mileage and kerb contact, and ensure all four tyres are of matching brand, size, and tread pattern to suit the rear-wheel-drive layout. Inspect the underside for any evidence of fluid leaks from the power steering, engine oil, or transmission, and verify that the cooling system and timing belt have been serviced in line with manufacturer schedules. Lift the bonnet and look for signs of recent repair or fresh overspray on the engine bay components, as the earlier MIL failure suggests the engine management system has previously flagged a fault. Finally, verify the operation of all electrical items including the registration plate lamp, ensure the 12V battery is in good health and holding charge, and confirm that the air conditioning compressor and climate control function correctly, as these comfort systems are heavily used in taxi service and their absence could indicate neglected maintenance more broadly.