2009 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · RXI 117

The most recent MOT test on 3 October 2025 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded. This represents a stable maintenance trend over the past two years, as all subsequent tests—including the February 2024 and February 2023 examinations—also passed without failings. The single failure in August 2021 was unusual, given the lack of defects logged, but it does not indicate a recurring issue. The vehicle’s compliance with emissions and structural checks in the latest tests suggests no immediate cause for concern regarding major systems. However, the extended gap between the 2021 failure and the 2021 pass (just seven days) appears anomalous and warrants scrutiny of whether this was a procedural oversight or a genuine one-off issue. The recorded mileage of 158,036 miles over approximately 17 years equates to roughly 9,300 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no obvious spikes or prolonged periods of inactivity that would suggest neglect or excessive wear. The most notable gap in testing occurs between August 2021 and August 2023, where the vehicle was not retested for nearly two years—a period covering 30,000 miles. While this does not inherently signal poor maintenance, it does mean critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers may have experienced accelerated wear without intermediate checks. The consistent pass rates before and after this gap imply the vehicle was likely serviced privately, but the absence of MOT failures does not guarantee all high-wear items were addressed. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear axle and steering linkages, where wear becomes more pronounced at this mileage. The absence of advisories in recent MOTs does not preclude issues such as degraded suspension bushes, worn coil springs, or binding calipers—components that often fail silently before becoming MOT-relevant. Brake discs and pads should also be examined closely, as the 2021 failure (if procedural) could mask underlying brake wear trends. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, should be assessed for corrosion, as Land Rover Defenders of this era are susceptible to rust progression over time. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions-related components, though not flagged, should be checked for leaks or catalytic converter efficiency, as these can degrade without immediate MOT consequences.