1996 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · N397 ARW

The most recent MOT test on 11 November 2021 at 135,869 miles resulted in a failure with no defects recorded by the tester, a contradictory entry that leaves roadworthiness unconfirmed. Prior to that, the vehicle passed cleanly on 16 October 2020 at 131,378 miles and on 20 August 2018 at 130,102 miles. The maintenance trend cannot be classed as stable, worsening, or improving because the single failure carries no advisory or defect detail, and the record shows no recurring mechanical faults across the five-year span. The recorded mileage shows very low annual use for a 1996 Land Rover Discovery, averaging roughly 4,529 miles per year against its 30-year life. Between the August 2018 test at 130,102 miles and the October 2020 test at 131,378 miles the vehicle covered only 1,276 miles in over two years, implying extended periods off the road or light local running. A further 4,491 miles accrued by the November 2021 failure at 135,869 miles. The sparse clean passes suggest basic statutory testing was kept, though the odd failed-with-no-defects line on the final entry points to an administrative or presentation anomaly rather than documented neglect. A buyer should physically verify structural integrity and corrosion on chassis members, suspension bushes, and coil springs, as a Discovery of this age commonly suffers unseen rust where MOT advisories were absent. The brake discs, calipers, and exhaust emissions must be tested on a ramp, since the 2021 failure offers no clue whether binding calipers or worn components triggered the result. Confirm the true reason for the November 2021 failure with DVSA before purchase, as the missing defect data prevents any reliance on the paper history alone.