1985 Land Rover 110 2.5L Diesel · C308 PUJ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the history reveals a concerning trend of escalating mechanical degradation. While it passed the test in June 2025 at 102,253 miles, this followed a major failure where critical safety and steering faults were identified. The maintenance pattern appears unstable, as recurring issues with the steering system have persisted across multiple years without definitive resolution. The recent transition from minor seepage to excessive play in the offside steering ball joint suggests a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. At 41 years old, the recorded mileage of 102,253 miles is remarkably low, averaging approximately 2,500 miles per annum. The data shows that between June 2023 and June 2025, the vehicle covered only 1,267 miles over a two-year period. Such low usage on a vintage Land Rover often indicates long periods of standing, which frequently leads to the degradation of rubber seals, perished components, and internal corrosion. This environment explains the persistent fluid leaks and structural failures noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a rigorous inspection of the chassis and structural integrity. The June 2024 failure flagged significant structural corrosion on the offside front outrigger and nearside rear cross member that reduced assembly rigidity. You must verify if these areas were professionally welded and treated, or merely masked over with paint. Furthermore, the steering system requires urgent attention; the progression from slight play in 2023 to excessive play and active leaks by 2025 indicates the steering box and drop arms are nearing total failure. The offside front seat belt has remained a recurring defect since at least 2023, indicating a failure to address basic safety equipment requirements. The 2025 failure also highlighted a non-functional windscreen washer and lighting issues, suggesting that minor electrical and fluid checks are frequently neglected. Given the low annual mileage and the age of the vehicle, the mechanical likely suffers from hidden dry-rot damage and perished components that the MOT record does not fully capture.