London Taxis INT TX II

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 2006 2.4 diesel. 73 of 238 tests failed, 31%.

Better than 22% of 2006 cars. The typical one fails 27%, across 889 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
• Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
• Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point

Where it stands out against its peers

• Steering: failed more often than 97% of 2006 cars — 29% of its 73 failed tests, where an ordinary 2006 car has 5%.
• Seat belts and airbags: failed more often than 97% of 2006 cars — 19% of its 73 failed tests, where an ordinary 2006 car has 2%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Brakes — 52% of its failures
  • Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
  • Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value
• Suspension — 48% of its failures
  • A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• Steering — 29% of its failures
  • A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
• Lights and electrics — 49% of its failures
  • Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 30% of its failures
  • Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Seat belts and airbags — 19% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired