2012 Isuzu TF: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Isuzu TF?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Isuzu TF than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes5.4× usual
  Isuzu TF

  27% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings14.1× usual
  Isuzu TF

  19.7% All 2012 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Chassis rust or damage20.2× usual
  Isuzu TF

  10.1% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Isuzu TF

  13.5% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Isuzu TF

  12.2% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2012 Isuzu TF MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Isuzu TF MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  22% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Isuzu TF

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2012 Isuzu TF as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 14.1× as often on the 2012 Isuzu TF as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 20.2× as often on the 2012 Isuzu TF as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?