2010 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LS60 GWD

The most recent MOT test on 2026-06-10 resulted in a clean pass, marking the vehicle’s most recent compliance with roadworthiness standards. However, the broader MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories and past failures that warrant cautious consideration. While the majority of tests have passed without defects, the presence of persistent issues such as worn front brake discs, near-side tyre wear approaching legal limits, and front wheel bearing play indicates ongoing wear that has not been fully addressed. The 2021 failures—particularly the parking brake deficiencies—highlight a systemic problem with the vehicle’s braking system, which may have been overlooked or deferred, suggesting either inadequate maintenance or a need for deeper inspection. The absence of major defects in the last two tests suggests some level of stability, but the advisories and historical failures point to a vehicle that has experienced significant mechanical stress over its operational life. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 304,945 miles at 16 years old represents an exceptionally high annual usage rate of approximately 19,059 miles per year, far exceeding the typical expectations for a vehicle of this age. Such high mileage, particularly without evident long periods of inactivity, typically accelerates wear on critical components like brakes, suspension, and drivetrain elements. The front brake discs showing pitted or scored conditions, combined with the wheel bearing play noted in previous tests, suggests that the braking system and associated suspension have been subjected to prolonged, heavy use. The rapid accumulation of mileage may also indicate that the vehicle has been subjected to frequent stop-and-go traffic or demanding driving conditions, which can exacerbate wear on consumables such as brake pads, tyres, and suspension components. Additionally, the lack of a clear maintenance schedule or service history for such high mileage raises concerns about whether consumable replacements—such as brake pads, filters, and fluids—have been systematically maintained. To conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the front braking system for signs of further degradation. The worn brake discs from the 2022 advisory may have progressed since the last MOT, so inspect for uneven wear patterns, excessive heat discolouration, or signs of glazing, which could indicate thermal stress or premature failure. During a test drive, listen for abnormal brake pulsation or shudder, which may signal warped discs or binding calipers, and observe for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the near-side front tyre, which could correlate with wheel bearing issues. The parking brake system, which failed in 2021, should be tested for proper engagement and release; if binding or inefficient, it may require adjustment or replacement of the cable mechanism or hydraulic components. Additionally, the ABS fault from 2021 suggests a potential underlying issue with the braking control system, which should be diagnosed to rule out electrical or sensor failures that could compromise braking efficiency. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should also assess the vehicle’s overall condition for signs of prolonged use-related wear. Given the high mileage, inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur from age and exposure to UV light, even if the tread remains legal. The front wheel bearings, which showed slight play in 2022, may have developed further noise or vibration, particularly when driving at speed or over rough roads. Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle, particularly around the brake fluid reservoir, wheel bearings, and differential, as these could indicate failing seals or seals. The battery, given the vehicle’s age and high usage profile, should be tested for voltage output and corrosion on terminals, as low battery health can exacerbate electrical faults like the ABS warning seen in 2021. Finally, while the MOT history is clean in recent years, the absence of a service history or records for high-mileage items like the clutch, transmission fluid, and exhaust system means the buyer should budget for potential future servicing, especially if the vehicle continues to operate under demanding conditions.