2016 Land Rover Defender 6.2L Petrol · 31 AG

A 2016 Land Rover Defender with a decade of MOT history showing nothing but clean passes represents one of the stronger roadworthiness profiles available for this model, particularly given the most recent test on 2026-07-24 recording no advisories or failures. Five consecutive annual examinations from 2022 through 2026 have all returned pass results with no defects noted, indicating that the core safety-critical systems brakes, suspension, steering, lighting, and structure have consistently met DVSA standards. For a working utility vehicle like the Defender, which is often subjected to harsher conditions than typical passenger cars, an unblemished test record across this span is a meaningful indicator that the underlying chassis and mechanical components have remained sound. The absence of advisories even in the later years is notable, as Defenders of this vintage commonly accumulate minor corrosion or suspension wear items that typically surface as advisory notes. At 124,637 miles over ten years, this Defender is averaging approximately 12,464 miles annually, a notably high usage rate for its age bracket. This level of annual accumulation suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which for a Defender often translates to genuine off-road or heavy-duty use rather than gentle tarmac-only driving. Higher mileage on a vehicle of this type accelerates wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutch components, and suspension bushes, while also placing greater cumulative load on the drivetrain, including the transfer box and swivel joints at the front axle. Conversely, consistent regular use tends to keep mechanical seals, bearings, and fluids in better working order than long periods of standing, which can cause gasket drying, corrosion pooling, and hydraulic system degradation. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record, with annual examinations consistently conducted, supporting a picture of continuous operational use. Given the heavy usage profile and the model's known mechanical characteristics, particular attention should be paid to the suspension and drivetrain during any inspection. Defenders are renowned for wear in the front radius arms, anti-roll bar bushes, and shock absorber mounting points, so a thorough test drive should include driving over speed humps and uneven surfaces to listen for clonking, knocking, or excessive body sway that could indicate perished bushes or worn shock absorbers. The swivel pin housings and associated oil seals at the front axle are common leak points and should be inspected for fresh oil residue or dampness around the swivels, with any signs of grease contamination on the front brake discs being a warning that the swivel bearings may need attention. On the move, any clunks when transitioning between high and low range transfer box positions, or a persistent vibration through the propshafts at speed, would warrant further investigation. Brake feel and steering behaviour deserve close evaluation on a road test given the high mileage accumulation. Heavy pedal application should produce firm, even stopping without pulling to either side, and any judder through the pedal under braking would suggest warped front discs, a frequent item on high-mileage Defenders. Steering should remain precise with minimal play at the centre position; excessive free movement in the steering wheel before the wheels respond could indicate worn steering box internals or loose track rod ends. Listen for any binding or scraping noises from the front wheels when turning sharply at low speed, as this can point to seized or partially seized brake calipers. Finally, given the model's age and likely off-road use, the chassis rails, outriggers, and footwell areas should be physically inspected for corrosion, as structural integrity issues often develop out of sight even when MOT testable areas remain clean.