LAND ROVER DEFENDER2009 · 2.4L DIESEL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its latest MOT in November 2025 at 77,311 miles with no defects recorded. This represents an improving maintenance trend following a significant failure in late 2023. While the most recent test indicates a clean bill, the history reveals a vehicle that has struggled with structural corrosion and brake system integrity, suggesting that previous owners have only addressed faults when necessary to pass annual testing rather than following a preventative maintenance schedule. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 77,311 miles reflects low annual usage of approximately 4,500 miles per year. The usage remains consistent in recent years, with only 3,520 miles driven between the November 2024 and 2025 tests. This low mileage often reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain components, but on an aged Defender, it frequently correlates with accelerated degradation of rubber components and seals due to inactivity, which aligns with the issues noted in the record. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the structural integrity around the towbar mounting points. The October 2023 failure highlighted excessive corrosion on the nearside and offside rear outer structures within 30cm of the mounting, a critical safety concern that requires visual verification to ensure the metal has been properly treated or replaced rather than merely laded over. The brake system also demands close scrutiny; the tester previously identified excessive corrosion on the offside front and central rear brake pipes, alongside an illuminated brake fluid warning lamp. Suspension and steering components require further attention. The record shows a history of faults involving offside front track rod end ball joint dust covers and nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. While these were noted or failed in previous tests, the recurring nature of mechanical wear suggests the suspension is nearing the end of its life. The corroded exhaust system noted in November 2024 should also be checked for thinning metal to ensure the repair performed since that test was comprehensive.