2016 Land Rover Range Rover 3.0L Diesel · 3504 AC

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover presents a mechanical picture marked by a gradual deterioration in roadworthiness rather than consistent reliability across its decade-long ownership period. While the vehicle cleared its MOT tests repeatedly through 2023 and achieved a clean pass in October 2025, the 2024 failure introduces a critical concern that has not been fully resolved. The 2024 MOT recorded front and rear brake pads both worn to the point of thinning (advisory 1.1.13 (a)(ii)), rear brake discs showing pitting and scoring without serious structural compromise (1.1.14 (a)(ii)), and a front suspension arm bush exhibiting crack formation (5.3.4 (a)(i)). These findings collectively indicate progressive wear in braking systems and front suspension integrity, suggesting that the vehicle's mechanical health has declined despite several prior passes, and that the single outstanding item from 2024 remains unresolved pending remediation. The odometer reading of 139,202 miles on a ten-year-old Range Rover translates to approximately 13,920 miles per annum, which is notably elevated for a model of this age and raises questions about the underlying usage pattern. The absence of MOT tests between November 2022 and December 2024—spanning nearly eighteen months—is particularly telling given the high annual mileage figure, implying either prolonged periods where the vehicle sat idle or substantial driving activity concentrated within short intervals. The jump from the clean 2022-2023 period (two consecutive passes) to the 2024 failure occurring just before the 2025 clean test suggests a compounding degradation trajectory rather than stable performance. When combined with the 2024 advisory items, the mileage acceleration appears to have accelerated the progression of known weak points, making the current state of the front suspension and braking system especially concerning should the vehicle be driven heavily. During a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to three key areas reflected in the MOT history. The front and rear brake pads and discs require immediate verification: listen for any grinding or squealing noises when applying the brakes, and note whether the pedal feels firm and responsive throughout the travel cycle, as worn pads and discs can develop uneven contact leading to pedal vibration or braking instability. The front suspension arm bush cracking indicates potential play in the suspension geometry; this may manifest as a noticeable clunk or hitch in the ride when navigating bumps, particularly on rough surfaces, and could eventually affect wheel alignment and tire wear. Additionally, confirm that the windshield washer system functions properly—the 2024 MOT noted insufficient washer liquid delivery (advisory 3.5(a)) which, while less severe, suggests possible internal blockage or pump inefficiency that could become problematic under sustained wet conditions. Beyond the flagged items, the high mileage accumulation warrants scrutiny of other subsystems that typically degrade faster under such consumption levels. The long-wheelbase design of the Range Rover places additional stress on the subframe and chassis joints, and given the age of the vehicle, rust inspection around the frame rail connections, lift points, and rear axle housing would be prudent. If the previous owner did not address the 2024 front suspension bushing repair, the cracked component may have progressed, causing unpredictable handling characteristics. Finally, the fact that the 2024 failure occurred just before the subsequent clean test implies that some corrective action was taken, yet the remaining advisories remain active until the physical repairs are completed and re-inspected. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the brake components, front suspension articulation, and chassis corrosion is essential before committing to this purchase.