1998 London Taxis INT TX1 Silver 2.7L Diesel · TXI 22

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 15 April 2026 with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents the most favourable outcome possible from a roadworthiness test. Reviewing the broader pattern across the available tests, the trend appears generally stable, with consecutive passes from 2019 through to the most recent examination. The only recorded concerns appeared in August 2022, when advisories were raised regarding corrosion around the offside rear wheel arch and both nearside and offside rear integral body structures. As no further advisories have been issued since then, it suggests either that the corrosion has been monitored and contained within acceptable DVSA limits, or that subsequent examiners have not deemed it severe enough to re-flag. Overall, the maintenance trend does not suggest accelerating deterioration in the formal test record, although the age of the vehicle means a physical inspection for corrosion progression remains essential. With a recorded mileage of 264,999 miles spread across approximately 28 years, the annualised figure of around 9,464 miles per year is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage, and the gradual accumulation across the available MOT records does not indicate any unusual mileage spikes or rapid accumulation that would point to excessive motorway wear. The relatively modest annual usage means components such as the clutch, brake friction material, and suspension wear items will have experienced a moderate duty cycle rather than severe continuous service, but there are likely to have been periods of light use or standing between work cycles, particularly given the nature of this particular model. For a London Taxi TX1, which was designed for heavy commercial operation, lower annual mileage over a long lifespan can in fact indicate sporadic taxi plate usage, and this should be considered when evaluating wear patterns. Given that the MOT history is largely clean and that the only meaningful advisories related to rear structural corrosion in 2022, a prospective buyer should carry out a close physical inspection of the rear wheel arches, rear chassis outriggers, and the bodywork surrounding the rear suspension mounting points, looking carefully for any progression of rust bubbling, flaking paint, or perforation that might have developed since the last formal assessment. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clunks or knocking from the rear end over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, weakened coil springs, or corroded mounting points. Pay attention to any uneven tyre wear, brake shudder under firm pedal pressure, or pulling to one side, all of which can point to binding calipers, warped brake discs, or sagging suspension geometry common to high-mileage vehicles of this age. Beyond the corrosion concerns, the age of the vehicle dictates that several time-sensitive items warrant verification regardless of the clean MOT record. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades with age irrespective of tread depth, and the 12V battery should be load-tested to confirm it can hold sufficient charge, since batteries beyond five years old frequently fail without warning. Brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid should all be assumed to require replacement on age rather than mileage, as hygroscopic moisture absorption degrades their protective properties over time. It is also advisable to verify the service book history for evidence of regular oil and filter changes, timing belt replacement intervals appropriate to the diesel engine, and any records relating to the clutch, gearbox, or rear axle work. Finally, given that this model is now well over a quarter of a century old, sourcing spare parts for body and trim components can be challenging, so the overall cosmetic and structural condition will carry significant weight in determining the vehicle's long-term viability.