1988 Land Rover Range Rover 3.5L Petrol · A70 POO

A cluster of critical failures recorded in late‑2005 – front position lamps out, excessive play in the off‑side rear tie‑bar bush, a major front‑exhaust leak and tyre tread well below the legal minimum – indicates that the vehicle required substantial remedial work before it could be deemed roadworthy, a condition that was apparently satisfied for the subsequent pass on 6 December 2005. No further MOT entries are present, so the only documented mechanical narrative ends with those repairs; any current condition must be verified independently. At 118,452 mi spread over roughly 38 years the average annual mileage is just over 3,100 mi, which is low for a vehicle of this vintage. Such a low utilisation pattern often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, both of which can accelerate deterioration of rubber components, seals and bushings even when the engine is not under load. The absence of MOT data after 2005 also means there is a 21‑year gap in documented testing, leaving the state of wear items such as suspension arms, steering linkages and brake components unrecorded. When inspecting the car, give immediate attention to the rear tie‑bar and its bushings; excessive play should be felt as a clunk or looseness when applying torque to the rear axle, and a visual inspection may reveal cracked or corroded bush material. The front exhaust system should be examined for rust‑induced holes or cracks – listen for a persistent hissing or roaring tone at idle and check for a strong exhaust smell inside the cabin, both of which would suggest the original leak has re‑emerged. Verify that all exterior lighting, particularly the position lamps, operates correctly and that the wiring harnesses are free from corrosion or cracked connectors. Finally, assess the tyre condition thoroughly; tread depth must be measured across the tread width and any tyre showing less than 1.6 mm is illegal and likely to affect grip, especially on wet surfaces. While the MOT record does not comment on brakes, given the vehicle’s age it is prudent to test for pedal feel – any sponginess, judder or pull to one side may indicate worn pads, glazed discs or deteriorated hydraulic lines. A road test should include listening for suspension noises over bumps, feeling for any steering pull, and confirming that the vehicle runs without abnormal vibrations, all of which will help confirm whether the earlier defects have been permanently resolved.