2004 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · VN54 ADU

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 21 October 2025 at 123 615 miles shows a pass but also a fail for Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a)) and Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a)(ii)). The pattern of defects has shifted from multiple serious mechanical failures before 2023—such as rear brake pipe corrosion, excessive play in track rod ends, worn shock‑absorber bushes and rear wheel bearing play—to only minor advisories in 2024‑2025. This indicates an improving maintenance trend, though the latest test still records non‑critical faults. Mileage recorded suggests an average of roughly 5 600 miles per year, which is low for a 22‑year‑old Defender. However the log contains glaring inconsistencies: a drop from 796 898 miles in October 2017 to 85 396 miles in October 2018, and a similar plunge from 666 535 miles in October 2015 to 73 542 miles in November 2016. Such large discrepancies cast doubt on the accuracy of the mileage data and imply possible data entry errors or extended periods of storage. A buyer should inspect the areas that have shown recurring issues. Brake pipe corrosion appears in 2023 (rear), 2024 (nearside front) and 2025 (headlamp aim is unrelated but indicates alignment work). Chassis corrosion near mounting points was noted in 2024 (6.2.2 (d)(i)). Suspension bushes are a repeated theme, with worn rear shock‑absorber bushes logged from 2014 through 2023 and front axle swivel pins slightly worn in 2019. The rear direction indicator and headlamp aim should be tested, and rear brake pads inspected for thin wear (observed in 2019). A thorough check of bearing play, track‑rod end ball joints and shock‑absorber mounts is advisable. Given the mileage anomalies, verify service records and actual usage before purchase. A pre‑delivery inspection should confirm the condition of brake piping, suspension bushes, chassis integrity, lighting functions and rear brake components to ensure the vehicle’s roadworthiness aligns with the improving MOT trend.