1996 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY2.5L Diesel

The Discovery presents a mixed but currently roadworthy status. The most recent test on 15 August 2023 at 138,579 miles returned a pass with no defects recorded, though the same date also logged a failure with no defects listed, an administrative anomaly rather than a mechanical fault. The maintenance trend appears stable across the available record, with no advisories or recurring defects flagged between 2017 and 2023. Recorded mileage sits at 138,579 as of the August 2023 test, against a build date of 1996. That averages roughly 4,600 miles per year, low for a 30-year-old 4x4. The gap between the June 2017 pass at 136,006 miles and the November 2021 pass at 137,718 miles shows only 1,712 miles covered in over four years, implying long periods of standing. From November 2021 to August 2023 the vehicle added just 861 miles, confirming very light recent use. The clean MOT history gives no tester-flagged concerns on suspension bushes, brake discs, corrosion, or exhaust emissions. A buyer should still inspect structural integrity in person, as a 1996 Land Rover chassis and bodywork are prone to hidden rust despite passing tests. Check the rear crossmember, sills, and suspension mounts for rot. Standing vehicles suffer from perished seals and flat-spotted tyres. Verify brake calipers are not binding after storage and confirm the drivetrain engages without backlash. The low mileage masks age-related degradation that paper records cannot capture.