2015 London Taxis INT TX4 2.5L Diesel · LS65 NRE

A 2015 London Taxis TX4 with 215,819 recorded miles presents a mixed roadworthiness picture, defined less by chronic structural defects and more by a single significant mechanical event and a high-mileage taxi-duty usage pattern. The most recent test on 5 May 2026 recorded a pass with no defects noted, although the same date also shows a failure for an inoperative registration plate lamp, a minor lighting issue easily rectified but worth confirming has been properly resolved. Earlier in 2026 a clean pass was recorded in May, and the 2025 tests in November and May, alongside the 2024 May pass and 2023 November pass, all returned advisory-free results. However, on 29 October 2024 the vehicle failed on a more serious item: excessive oil leaking from the engine. While the subsequent test in May 2025 recorded a clean pass, this earlier failure points to a sealing or gasket issue that warrants direct verification, particularly given the engine type and age. The overall pattern is one of a vehicle that has passed seven tests cleanly with one engine-related failure and one trivial lighting failure, but the oil leak remains the defining mechanical flag in the history. At 215,819 recorded miles over approximately eleven years, this TX4 averages around 19,600 miles per year, which is exceptionally high and consistent with commercial taxi operation. There are no multi-year gaps in the testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, meaning the vehicle has been in continuous service, accumulating wear at a steady and demanding rate. High-mileage commercial use of this kind places considerable strain on engines, transmissions, clutches, suspension components, braking systems, and drivetrain mounts. The recorded mileage progression, with tests appearing regularly since 2023 and earlier records corroborating steady use, suggests a working vehicle rather than one that has suffered long periods of inactivity, which means corrosion from standing is less likely but mechanical fatigue on moving components is highly probable. The October 2024 engine oil leak failure is the primary concern to investigate before purchase. On inspection, the buyer should examine the engine bay carefully for fresh oil residue around the cam cover gasket, sump, timing cover, and any oil cooler lines, as these are common seep points on high-mileage diesel engines of this vintage. During a test drive, listen for any engine knock on start-up that might indicate low oil pressure due to a leak, and watch the oil warning light carefully on cold start. Check under the vehicle after the engine has been running for any active drips, and inspect the underside for oil contamination on subframe components, which can mask corrosion. Ask for documentation of any repair work carried out between the October 2024 failure and the May 2025 clean pass to confirm the leak was properly rectified rather than simply masked. Beyond the engine oil leak, the high annual mileage dictates careful inspection of wear items not specifically flagged in the MOT record but heavily stressed by taxi use. On the test drive, pay particular attention to clutch operation, feeling for slipping under load or judder on take-off, as taxi clutches endure significant wear from stop-start traffic. Listen for suspension knocks or clonks over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, particularly from front wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and rear leaf spring bushes, all of which are common wear points on TX4s at this mileage. Check for steering play or pulling to one side under braking, which can indicate worn suspension linkages or binding brake calipers. Inspect brake discs on all four corners for lipping and hot spots, and verify the brake pedal feels firm, as prolonged urban use accelerates pad and disc wear. Finally, with continuous service likely, examine the exhaust system for blowing joints or corrosion around mounting points, and confirm the cooling system holds pressure, as radiator and water pump condition is critical on a working vehicle of this age and mileage.