2020 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9L Diesel · SW20 NDO

A largely clean roadworthiness profile is undermined by a single failed test in February 2025, which recorded three major defects and stands as the only blemish across six years of recorded history. The most recent assessment on 26 February 2026 returned a pass with no advisories, matching the clean outcomes seen in 2024 and 2025 (the pass that followed the failure). The 2023 test added one minor advisory concerning an offside registration plate lamp, a trivial electrical item that has not reappeared. Overall, the trend across the last two tests is stable rather than worsening, though the failed attempt cannot be dismissed when weighing the vehicle's mechanical standing. With 64,813 miles recorded over six years, annual accumulation averages around 10,800 miles, which sits squarely within expected usage for a working-grade pick-up of this age. The mileage progression is consistent across the MOT entries, with no prolonged gaps suggesting extended lay-up periods and no sudden jumps that would point to clock anomalies or rapid high-mileage use. For a diesel utility vehicle of this type, this usage pattern implies moderate wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutches, and tyres, alongside steady loading on suspension components, but it does not flag any unusual mechanical exposure. The 2025 failure merits close scrutiny on a test drive. The major defect noting an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp (MIL) suggests an underlying emissions or sensor issue that may or may not have been rectified; on inspection, confirm that the MIL illuminates with ignition and extinguishes at start-up, and ideally have any stored fault codes read with a diagnostic tool before purchase. The offside parking brake inoperative on one side and the parking brake efficiency below requirements point to a mechanical issue within the rear drum or caliper mechanism, seized cable, or adjustor fault. On a test drive, apply the parking brake on an incline and check that the vehicle holds firmly without creeping, and listen for any scraping or uneven release when disengaging the lever. Beyond the items flagged at the failed test, a walk-around and under-bonnet check remain worthwhile given the vehicle's age and working-vehicle remit. With six years of service behind it, look for oil misting around the injector pump or turbo seals, check the rear leaf springs for cracked or sagging leaves, and inspect the underbody for corrosion on the chassis rails, fuel lines, and brake pipes, areas commonly stressed on a pick-up used for towing or rough-site work. On the move, listen for clonks from the front suspension over speed humps, feel for any steering pull or vagueness, and check for binding or judder under firm pedal pressure which would indicate warped front discs. Confirm tyre brand, age, and even wear across both axles, as uneven rear wear on a leaf-sprung pick-up often points to misalignment or worn bushes.