2006 London Taxis INT TX II 2.4L Diesel · LT06 TJO

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 April 2022 resulted in a Pass, though the test carried several advisories that warrant careful evaluation. Across the past four years of recorded MOT history, there is a clear and progressive worsening trend in the mechanical condition of this vehicle. Defects and advisories have accumulated steadily, spanning wheel bearings, suspension components, steering, exhaust integrity, oil leaks, and structural corrosion. The April 2021 retest followed an outright failure just hours earlier on the same date, where excessive oil leakage from the engine and smoke emissions exceeding the specified limits were recorded as Majors, indicating a significant episode of mechanical deterioration that has since been partially addressed. The recurrence of similar advisories at the 2022 test suggests that underlying issues remain monitored rather than resolved, which any prospective buyer should view as a pattern of ongoing wear rather than isolated incidents. With 450,074 miles recorded on a 2006 London Taxis TX II, this vehicle has covered approximately 22,504 miles per year, which is exceptionally high mileage consistent with its likely operational use as a working hackney carriage. While this utilisation provides the benefit of regular fluid circulation and component movement, it also accelerates wear across virtually all consumable and structural systems. No significant mileage gaps are evident in the recorded history, indicating continuous heavy service rather than periods of standing. The mechanical implications of this usage profile include shortened service intervals for braking systems, increased likelihood of fluid contamination, accelerated wear on engine and transmission internals, and a higher probability of chassis fatigue and corrosion propagation. An independently recorded mileage verification, together with full service documentation, would be essential before purchase. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories demand focused inspection. Wheel bearing play recorded on both front sides in 2022, alongside an offside rear bearing advisory in 2021, indicates progressive bearing degradation; listen for humming or droning that changes with vehicle speed, and check for heat emanating from the wheel hubs after a drive. The deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the nearside front lower suspension arm is particularly significant, as ingress of dirt will rapidly destroy the joint itself, leading to knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces and excessive tyre wear, often visible as uneven shoulder wear. Steering box free play, noted in 2021, should be evaluated for any slackness or slack in the steering response, which may have worsened. The advisories relating to fractured and corroded structural members near mounting points, although not deemed to significantly reduce rigidity at the time, indicate active corrosion that will progress; thoroughly inspect the inner sills, subframe, and suspension mounting areas for perforation, particularly within 30cm of any load-bearing mount. The exhaust outer skin deterioration suggests external corrosion, and a physical check underneath the vehicle for exhaust blow, particularly at joints and the catalytic converter, is advisable. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and exceptionally high mileage of this vehicle necessitate a comprehensive mechanical appraisal before commitment. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for corrosion, binding, or uneven wear, and the fluid should be assessed for age-related degradation regardless of pad condition. The engine oil leak, although characterised as not excessive in 2021, should be monitored closely; blue smoke on startup or under load would suggest worn valve seals or piston rings, which are typical at this mileage. Inspect all suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and shock absorbers, as the offside front shock absorber bush was flagged as worn in 2020 and is unlikely to have improved. Tyres should be examined for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking given the vehicle's twenty-year span, and the 12V battery health should be verified, as vehicles of this age frequently suffer from parasitic drain. Given the combination of structural advisories, exhaust concerns, persistent oil leakage, and the inherent wear associated with very high mileage, this vehicle warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the London Taxi TXII platform to establish the true cost of forthcoming remedial work.