2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2.7L Diesel · E12 WFC

A recurring pattern of safety-critical component failures and severe wear across multiple annual tests defines the historical roadworthiness record of this Range Rover Sport, culminating in a clear pass recorded on 20th February 2025. While that latest test shows zero defects, the overall trend reveals a vehicle that frequently demands heavy mechanical intervention to clear statutory inspections, having accumulated multiple failures in preceding years including dangerous classifications for critically depleted friction material, heavily worn discs, and structural tyre damage, alongside electronic faults affecting the anti-lock braking system and supplementary restraint system. With 147,159 miles recorded at roughly seventeen years of age, the vehicle has accumulated an average of approximately 8,656 miles annually, representing a typical operational cadence for a large diesel or petrol luxury SUV of this era. This steady accumulation pattern indicates regular utilization rather than extended periods of static storage, meaning that mechanical systems have experienced continuous thermal cycles and load-bearing stress across its lifespan. This consistent mileage profile directly correlates with the heavy wear observed on high-load consumables such as braking hardware, steering joints, and suspension components noted in historical test sheets. Prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous physical examination of the chassis and running gear, paying close attention to the underbody surface corrosion noted during the 2024 test and the historical steering and suspension advisories, which included offside front wheel bearing play and steering rack inner joint movement. During a static and dynamic test drive, listen closely for knocking noises or vagueness from the front end when navigating rough road surfaces or tight turns, and check for any play or vibration transmitted through the steering wheel at speed. Furthermore, verify that the anti-lock braking system and airbag warning lamps illuminate correctly upon ignition and extinguish promptly, ensuring that the electrical faults recorded during the February 2025 failure have been comprehensively rectified rather than temporarily bypassed. Given the heavy friction wear and structural tyre issues documented in past inspections, the entire braking assembly and all four tyre sidewalls require thorough manual inspection prior to purchase. Check the brake discs for deep scoring or ridging and ensure the vehicle pulls up in a straight line under heavy braking without any pedal judder, confirming that the severe pad and disc degradation flagged previously has been fully addressed with quality replacement components. Finally, inspect the constant velocity gaiters and suspension linkages for any signs of splitting or grease leakage, and test the operation of the parking brake to ensure the low effort recorded on the nearside rear in past years has been completely resolved.