2011 Isuzu Rodeo 2.5L Diesel · ML61 WBO

The Isuzu Rodeo holds a valid MOT issued on 11 November 2025 at 66,169 miles, but the maintenance trend is not reassuring. The most recent test began as a failure on the same day for a non-functioning nearside headlamp and position lamp, insufficient washer fluid, and slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. That advisory on the front lower ball joint was first flagged in the November 2025 test and also appeared in the October 2024 failure, where the nearside front lower ball joint was excessively worn and required replacement. The recurrence of front suspension ball joint wear across consecutive tests suggests ongoing component fatigue rather than a one-off fix. The ABS warning lamp fault flagged in October 2024 was resolved before the pass, yet the pattern of multiple advisories and failures points to intermittent neglect of core chassis items. The mileage profile is unusually low for a 2011 vehicle. Between the November 2023 pass at 41,617 miles and the October 2024 test at 52,210 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 10,600 miles in under twelve months, a sharp increase after what appears to be a period of very light use or standing. From October 2024 to November 2025, the odometer moved only from 52,228 to 66,169 miles, indicating a return to low annual covering of around 14,000 miles in that single year. The overall average of approximately 4,411 miles per year remains well below typical national figures, yet the irregular accumulation pattern raises questions about long idle periods that can promote brake disc surface corrosion, tyre perishing, and suspension bush deterioration. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system, where the MOT record shows repeated concerns. Both front lower suspension arm ball joints and the offside anti-roll bar linkage ball joint have displayed play across multiple tests, so any clunking from the front end over speed bumps or uneven surfaces warrants immediate investigation. The front inner brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in October 2024, and low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from disc corrosion rather than genuine wear. Check for lipping, scoring, and uneven pad deposition. Examine the underside for corrosion on suspension mounting points, subframe edges, and along the chassis rails, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods. Verify the ABS warning lamp extinguishes after engine start and test braking feel for pulsation or pulling that could indicate a lingering caliper or hydraulic issue.