2021 Land Rover Defender V8 Auto 5.0L Petrol · WR71 ABU

The dominant mechanical narrative across this Defender's recorded MOT history centres on the braking system, with a particularly serious finding that warrants careful attention from any prospective purchaser. On 18 October 2025 the vehicle was failed with a Dangerous defect for rear brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick, a level of wear considered severe enough to present an immediate road safety risk. That same test also recorded an advisory for front brake disc wear with pitting on the inner faces. Just ten days later, on 28 October 2025, the vehicle returned and passed with no defects recorded, indicating the brakes were rectified in the intervening period. Looking back to the October 2024 test, the previous advisory pattern had already flagged wear and pitting across all four brake discs, front and rear, nearside and offside, suggesting the deterioration observed in 2025 was part of an ongoing pattern rather than a sudden event. The transition from a full set of disc advisories in 2024 to an actual pad thickness failure the following year indicates the braking hardware was not addressed when first flagged. Against a five-year age, the recorded mileage of 40,832 miles equates to roughly 8,166 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage. There are no unusual gaps between test entries and no evidence of the vehicle having been off the road for extended periods. The testing history is also relatively recent and continuous, with three MOT events recorded across consecutive late-October dates, allowing a clear picture of brake wear progression to be built. That continuity is useful, but it is worth noting that average annual mileage of this scale on a heavy, high-performance SUV fitted with the V8 drivetrain will still place meaningful demands on consumables, particularly pads, discs, tyres and suspension components, even if the car has not been excessively used. Given the documented brake history, the most important area to evaluate on a physical inspection is the present state of the braking system, both the replacement components fitted after the October 2025 failure and the condition of the discs that were previously flagged. A test drive should include several firm stops from a moderate speed to check for any pedal pulsation, judder or vibration through the steering wheel, which could indicate residual disc runout or uneven friction surface after the recent pad change. With cold discs, listen for any scraping, grinding or rubbing noises from the front or rear corners, as the pitting noted on the inner faces of the front discs can sometimes lead to uneven pad bedding and squeal. The handbrake should hold the vehicle on an incline without excessive cable travel, and the rear calipers should release cleanly without any binding, particularly as the original failure centred on rear pad wear. It is also worth confirming exactly which brake parts were renewed in October 2025 and whether all four discs were replaced or just the rear pads, as a partial refurbishment may leave worn discs in place. Beyond the braking system, the remainder of the recorded MOT history is largely uneventful, with the 2025 pass showing no further advisories and the 2024 test only flagging the disc wear pattern already discussed. There are no recorded advisories relating to suspension components, steering, corrosion, underbody integrity, driveshaft leaks, exhaust emissions or structural items, which is notable for a Land Rover product of this age and weight. Nonetheless, on a test drive, listen carefully for any clonks, knocks or creaks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or pulling in the steering, as the V8 Defender places considerable stress on its front geometry. With the brake failure now rectified and the test record otherwise clean, the principal residual concern is confirming that the braking repair was carried out to a high standard and that the previously pitted discs have not contributed to further uneven wear on the newly installed friction material.