2012 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LS12 XUN

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 2025-11-18, returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, marking a positive turnaround following a series of significant failures in May 2025. Prior to this, the vehicle’s MOT history demonstrates a pattern of stability, with all tests from 2023 onwards passing without incident, except for the critical failures in May 2025. These failures—particularly the offside front tyre tread deficiency, near-side front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint wear, and near-side front wheel bearing roughness—highlight a period of mechanical degradation that appears to have been addressed, as evidenced by the subsequent clean tests. While the immediate risk to roadworthiness has been mitigated, the presence of major defects in 2025 suggests that the vehicle was either underprepared for its high-mileage environment or had been subjected to excessive stress, potentially from prolonged standing or heavy use. The absence of further failures since May 2025 indicates that corrective maintenance was effective, but the buyer should remain vigilant about the front suspension components, which were the primary focus of the failures. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 420,028 miles at 14 years old represents an exceptionally high annual usage rate of approximately 30,002 miles per year, far exceeding the average for its age group. Such mileage accumulation typically accelerates wear on critical components such as suspension bushes, wheel bearings, track rod ends, brakes, and tyres, all of which were flagged in the 2025 failures. The rapid mileage build-up could also imply that the vehicle was either in heavy service, such as a taxi operation, or subjected to prolonged periods of high-stress driving conditions, including frequent starts and stops, steep inclines, or rough road surfaces. This pattern of usage is particularly concerning for components like the front wheel bearings and ball joints, which are prone to premature failure under sustained mechanical stress. Additionally, high mileage increases the likelihood of tyre wear patterns, such as uneven wear or cupping, which can indicate misalignment or suspension issues that warrant inspection. Given the vehicle’s history of MOT failures, particularly the front suspension-related defects, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase. Focus on the front suspension system, paying close attention to the near-side front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, track rod end ball joints, and wheel bearings for signs of excessive play, grinding noises, or physical damage. On a test drive, listen for clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension when driving over bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear or cupping, which may suggest misalignment or binding calipers. Inspect the front tyres for tread depth and signs of dry rot or sidewall perishing, as the 2025 failure highlighted an offside tyre with insufficient tread. Additionally, verify that the wheel nuts are securely tightened, as loose or binding nuts can lead to dangerous wheel detachment. Given the high mileage, the brake system should also be examined for signs of excessive brake pad or shoe wear, warped discs, or corrosion on the brake lines and calipers, which can occur from prolonged standing or heavy use. For the buyer’s practical inspection, given the vehicle’s age and usage profile, several time-sensitive checks are recommended. First, assess the tyre condition beyond tread depth, as the sidewalls may show signs of cracking or perishing due to age or exposure to UV light, which can compromise structural integrity. Next, check the 12-volt battery for signs of corrosion on terminals or a failing condition, as taxi operations often involve frequent starts and stops, placing additional strain on the electrical system. The engine oil and coolant should be inspected for colour, clarity, and level, as high mileage and heavy use can accelerate fluid degradation. Specifically, the coolant should be replaced if it appears old or contaminated, and the engine oil should be checked for metallic particles or a burnt smell, which could indicate wear or overheating issues. Finally, verify that the service book or maintenance records are up to date, particularly for fluid servicing intervals, as the vehicle’s age and mileage suggest that time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid flushes or suspension component inspections, may be overdue. If the vehicle has been in storage for extended periods, additional checks for standing corrosion on the chassis, exhaust system, and undercarriage are essential to prevent rust-related failures.