2009 Isuzu Rodeo 3.0L Diesel · SM59 KTK

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT following a pass on 13 December 2024 at 81,139 miles, though it failed earlier that same day due to an active ABS warning lamp. The maintenance trend is demonstrably worsening. Critical safety systems, particularly the brake hydraulic circuit, show progressive and unresolved corrosion. All four brake pipes were flagged as corroded and contaminated in the December 2024 test, a condition identical to the November 2021 test and persistent through the 2023 records. This indicates a chronic failure to address a fundamental safety component. Furthermore, structural corrosion is a recurring advisory since at least December 2024, and suspension bush wear on the rear shock absorbers has progressed from a 'slight' wear in December 2024 to a 'light misting' oil leak from the same component in December 2023, suggesting deteriorating seals. The recorded mileage of 81,139 over approximately 17 years yields an average of 4,773 miles annually, confirming very low use. The MOT testing intervals show a notable gap between the November 2021 test at 72,127 miles and the December 2023 test at 78,731 miles, a span of over two years covering just 6,604 miles. This sparse testing history, combined with the consistent failure to rectify corroded brake pipes across multiple years, suggests periods of inactivity punctuated by inadequate maintenance rather than diligent, regular upkeep. The low annual mileage has not prevented the accumulation of significant mechanical neglect, particularly on corrosion-prone components. A buyer must prioritise a thorough in-person inspection of the brake system, focusing on all metal brake pipes for severe corrosion or contamination, as this is a recurring and dangerous defect. The structural integrity around the sills and underbody requires careful examination for the documented corrosion, verifying the MOT advisory that rigidity is not yet significantly reduced. The rear suspension, specifically the shock absorber bushes and the leaf spring shackle bushes noted in 2021 and 2024, should be checked for excessive wear. The ABS system must be scanned for active faults given the recent failure, and the front tyres, which were at the wear limit in December 2024, need immediate replacement. Finally, the rear differential oil leak history and the condition of the exhaust system, which had a minor leak in 2021, warrant specific attention.