2002 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · SN51 BAC
2002 Land Rover Discovery (2.5L, diesel). First registered 06 Feb 2002. Recorded mileage 212,759 miles. MOT valid until 26 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 212,759 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SN51 BAC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/02/2026
- 212,759 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SN51 BAC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Land Rover Discovery (SN51 BAC) between January 2024 and February 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 24 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced door pillar (7.1.1 (a) (i”; “Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.
SN51 BAC Mileage History
- 04/01/2024202,507 mi
- 07/01/2025208,382 mi+5,875 mi
- 09/01/2025208,382 mi
- 23/02/2026212,758 mi+4,376 mi
- 27/02/2026212,759 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 4,770 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle unless you are looking for a parts project with significant mechanical skills. The structural corrosion is advanced and progressive, making it potentially unsafe and expensive to maintain in the long term.
The primary concern for this vehicle is the structural integrity. The MOT history shows recurring 'Major' failures for corrosion on the sills, inner arches, and suspension mounting points. Even if repairs have been made, the underlying state of the rust appears systemic. You must have a professional welder perform a thorough inspection of the chassis and body structure to determine if the rot is surface or structural.
Check the service history for the timing belt and water pump, which are critical for the 2.5L diesel engine at this mileage. Given the reported oil and coolant leaks, inspect the engine for signs of head gasket failure or seal degradation. Negotiate significantly based on the fact that the recent MOT required multiple advisories for brakes and wheel bearings, which will need immediate attention.
As a large 2.5-litre diesel SUV, expect high fuel consumption, likely averaging 20-25 mpg depending on driving conditions. Tax bands for this era are relatively high, and insurance groups are typically elevated due to the vehicle's profile and repair costs.
Maintenance on older Rovers is notoriously costly. Parts for suspension components and cooling systems are expensive. You should budget an annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, to be upwards of £3,500-£4,500.
Focus heavily on the underbody. The MOT history repeatedly points out excessive corrosion on the outer sills, inner arches, and chassis mounting points. Look for bubbling paint or visible metal thinning which indicates hidden rust. Pay close attention to the rear seat belt anchorages, which were previously flagged for reduced structural strength.
Inspect the suspension and braking systems. The history notes a persistent nearside front wheel bearing with play and a parking brake that 'just met' requirements. Check the engine bay for the reported oil and coolant leaks, as these have been recurring advisories for several years and can lead to catastrophic engine failure if left untreated.
This 2002 Land Rover Discovery has high mileage at over 212,000 miles and a history of severe structural failure. While it passed its most recent MOT in February 2026, it followed multiple failures for excessive corrosion on the sills, arches, and suspension mounts. Persistent issues with oil leaks, coolant leaks, and wheel bearings suggest a vehicle reaching the end of its economically viable road life.
The early Discovery 2 are known for their off-road capability but suffer from significant rust issues and complex electrical faults as they age.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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