2003 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · WJ03 AED

The vehicle is currently roadworthy as of the 7 August 2026 test, with the most recent MOT passing on 26 November 2025. The maintenance trend is stable, with the vehicle passing its 2025 test despite recurring faults. The 2025 failure on 24 November 2025, when the vehicle was at 90,096 miles, was caused by a major exhaust leak and persistent brake pipe corrosion, yet the vehicle passed the same test just two days later with only minor differences in the brake disc condition. The 2025 test flagged the same rear chassis corrosion, suspension component rust, and brake disc wear as the previous failure, but the vehicle passed without the central exhaust leak. The mileage of 90,111 miles over 23 years is low, averaging roughly 3,918 miles per year, which is significantly below the typical 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year for a daily-driven vehicle. This suggests the vehicle has been driven lightly or sat for long periods, which can mask wear on consumables like tyres and brake discs. The low mileage also means the suspension, steering, and drivetrain components have had less time to wear, yet the 2025 test showed the same front brake pipe corrosion and rear suspension bush play as the 2024 and 2025 tests. The 2024 test at 85,312 miles recorded the same front brake pipe corrosion and rear suspension issues, while the 2023 test at 82,945 miles showed a slightly damaged rear tyre. The 2022 test at 81,071 miles flagged slightly worn axle pins and bushes, and the 2021 and 2020 tests were clean, showing a long period of no recorded defects. A buyer should inspect the rear chassis section for corrosion, as it was flagged in every test from 2021 to 2025, and check the suspension bushes, particularly the nearside front lower shock absorber bush, which showed slight play in 2024 and 2025. The front brake discs and brake pipes are the most critical component, as they were corroded and covered in grease in the 2024 and 2025 tests, and the 2025 test noted the offside rear brake disc was worn, pitted, or scored but not seriously weakened. The steering box seepage and the central exhaust leak from the 2025 test are also worth inspecting, as they indicate potential fluid leaks and exhaust gas ingress that could affect safety and emissions. The 2018 failure on 21 May 2018 showed excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint and front drag link end ball joint, which may have been repaired or replaced, but the 2024 test still flagged the same issue.