2015 Isuzu Trucks Grafter N35.120 3.0L Diesel · RY04 LOG

A clear pattern of front suspension wear dominates the recorded test history of this 2015 Isuzu Grafter N35.120, with both lower arm ball joints and track rod end dust covers repeatedly flagged across multiple examinations. The most recent test on 15 October 2025 recorded a pass with only a minor windscreen damage item, but the 12 December 2024 test resulted in a failure centred on nearside and offside front lower suspension ball joint dust covers being severely deteriorated, alongside an advisory for slight play in the offside front lower suspension ball joint itself. Tracing back further, the 28 November 2022 and 26 November 2021 tests both carried advisories for slight play in both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints, with the 2022 test also noting offside front inner brake pads wearing thin. The 2023 test passed with no recorded defects, which interrupts but does not fully negate the underlying trend of front-end wear that has resurfaced. Recorded mileage stands at 99,354 miles across approximately eleven years, which equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 9,032 miles per year and is broadly in line with the typical usage profile for a light commercial vehicle of this type. The testing cadence is reasonably consistent, with annual examinations from 2021 through to 2025 and no extended gaps that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, though the absence of a recorded 2020 test is a minor data point worth noting. The mileage progression is plausible and does not raise immediate concerns about clocked or inconsistent readings, and the steady accumulation supports the view that the chassis and drivetrain have been in regular commercial use rather than left standing for extended periods. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension and steering components should be the primary focus of a physical inspection, given the recurring advisories and the 2024 failure. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end when traversing speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or potholes, as this would indicate that the ball joint play previously flagged has progressed. Check for uneven or accelerated tyre wear across the front axle, particularly on the inside or outside edges, which is a classic symptom of worn suspension linkages and deteriorated track rod end ball joint dust covers allowing contamination. Steering should be inspected for any vagueness, clunks on lock-to-lock movement, or pulling to one side under braking, all of which would warrant closer examination of the lower arms, drop links, and steering rack mountings. The 2022 advisory for offside front inner brake pads wearing thin should be treated as overdue attention, and the condition of the discs should be assessed for lipping, scoring, or corrosion, particularly given the commercial load-bearing nature of the vehicle. A thorough inspection beneath the vehicle is also advisable, focusing on the subframe, anti-roll bar mountings, and any visible corrosion around the front suspension turrets, as commercial vehicles of this age operating in harsher environments are prone to surface oxidation in these areas. The windscreen damage noted at the 2025 test should be visually confirmed to ensure it remains outside the driver's primary line of sight and has not deteriorated since. Given the documented suspension wear pattern, budgeting for replacement of both lower suspension arms, track rod ends, and a front brake refresh would represent a prudent and realistic preparation cost prior to committing to purchase.