1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0L Petrol · N13 KAK

The vehicle presents a questionable roadworthiness profile characterized by a consistent pattern of failures immediately preceding successful passes. While the most recent test on 11 December 2023 at 157,969 miles resulted in a failure without recorded defects, the broader history suggests a reactive rather than proactive maintenance strategy. The trend is not stable, as the vehicle consistently requires a second attempt to meet minimum standards, indicating that the owner only addresses mechanical issues when forced by a test failure. At a recorded 157,969 miles, this 29-year-old Range Rover has covered an average of approximately 5,447 miles per year. This low annual mileage often masks mechanical wear on drivetrain components, but it frequently increases risks related to rubber-based parts and dry corrosion. The data gap between the December 2022 and December 2023 tests shows an accumulation of only 5,015 miles, which aligns with the low-use pattern. Such infrequent periods of operation can lead to seized brake calipers, perished suspension bushes, and degraded fuel lines, which may explain the intermittent failures seen in the record. A buyer must conduct a rigorous inspection of the structural integrity, specifically focusing on the chassis rails and rear crossmember where these models are prone to heavy corrosion. Given the lack of recorded advisories in the history, the tester may have overlooked minor early-stage rust or the vehicle may have been kept clean. Particular attention should be paid to the air suspension system for leaks or sagging dampers, as the low mileage suggests the vehicle may sit for long periods. The buyer should also verify the braking system for signs of binding or uneven wear on the discs and pads, which are common failure points on stationary, low-mileage older vehicles.