2010 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LS60 GVT

The most recent MOT on 30 March 2023 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding six‑year period the MOT record shows a mixture of minor advisories and a single failure in September 2021 for a registration‑plate lamp, but the number and severity of the advisories have reduced, and the last two tests (2022‑05‑03 and 2023‑03‑30) were both defect‑free. This pattern suggests that the maintenance regime has become more consistent and that any earlier wear items have either been addressed or are now within acceptable limits. At 255,736 miles the taxi has accumulated roughly 16 000 miles per year since its first registration in 2010. This annual usage is well above the average private‑car figure and is typical of a vehicle that has spent the majority of its life in commercial service. The high mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as tyre tread, suspension bushings, brake components and engine internals, and it also raises the probability of fatigue in chassis joints and mounting points. There are no large gaps in the recorded mileage, implying the vehicle has been in regular operation rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which generally reduces the risk of corrosion but increases the cumulative stress on moving parts. When inspecting the taxi, pay particular attention to the front upper suspension arm ball joint on the nearside, which was flagged for slight play and a severely deteriorated dust cover in 2022. Feel for any clunk or knock when applying steering pressure or driving over bumps, and verify that the ball joint is tight and the dust cover is intact. The off‑side rear anti‑roll bar pin and the rear brake pipe were both noted as worn or corroded; examine the pipe for rust, pitting or signs of leakage, and listen for any hissing or fluid drips when the brakes are applied. The brake balance advisory from 2022 suggests the rear brakes may be marginally out of adjustment – a test‑drive should reveal any pull to one side under braking or a pulsating pedal, and a visual inspection of the rear calipers and shoe wear patterns is advisable. The power‑steering fluid seepage recorded in 2020 should be checked for fresh oil around the steering rack or pump, and the park‑brake travel advisory warrants confirming that the handbrake engages firmly without excessive lever movement. Finally, replace the faulty registration‑plate lamp that caused the 2021 failure, as it is a straightforward safety item. Beyond the specific items above, the vehicle’s age demands a thorough time‑based appraisal. Tyres, even if recently fitted, may suffer from sidewall cracking or dry‑rot if stored for long periods; inspect the tyre carcass for any signs of ageing. The 12‑volt battery, likely over a decade old, should be load‑tested and its terminals checked for corrosion. Examine the chassis and under‑body for any rust, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounting points, as taxis often operate in urban environments where road salt is common. Verify that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain replacement records, and that coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been flushed in line with manufacturer intervals. A comprehensive visual and auditory inspection, coupled with a short road test, will reveal whether the cumulative wear from its high mileage has been managed adequately and whether the taxi remains a mechanically sound purchase.