2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · AF05 DMF

A broadly stable roadworthiness picture emerges for this Range Rover Sport, with the 2026 test on 9 July confirming a pass alongside only a single cosmetic advisory concerning a deteriorated additive tank cover. The only outright failure in the recorded history dates back to July 2025, when a non-functioning nearside rear position lamp and a scraping noise from the nearside rear wheel area were noted, but a re-test ten days later cleared the vehicle with no defects recorded. Since then the SUV has passed cleanly, and the broader pattern across four tests shows no progression into structural corrosion, no persistent brake or suspension failures, and no repeat advisories on the same component, which suggests the issues recorded have been addressed rather than masked. Mileage accumulation at roughly 7,000 miles per year over the ten-year life of the vehicle is broadly typical for a large premium SUV of this type, pointing to a mix of regular commuting and longer periods of lighter use. There are no gaps in annual testing that would imply extended lay-ups, and no sudden mileage spikes between tests that might suggest towing, off-road use, or a change in operating conditions. For a vehicle in this category, the recorded mileage should have spared major drivetrain wear, though consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and air suspension components will still have aged through heat cycles and time regardless of distance covered. The most pertinent items for a prospective buyer to investigate are those that have appeared in the advisory record. The 2023 test flagged both rear brake pads as wearing thin, and although nothing further has been recorded, rear pad wear on a heavy SUV of this age is consistent with normal service life; on a test drive listen for any rubbing or grinding from the rear axle and check for a soft or low-sinking pedal under sustained braking. The 2025 test noted a scraping noise from the nearside rear wheel when rotated, possibly linked to the dust guard, so inspect both rear wheel arches for any contact between the backing plate and the disc, and feel for vibration through the pedal under firm application which could indicate a warped disc. The additive tank advisory from the 2026 test relates to the diesel emissions fluid cover, which is largely cosmetic but worth confirming that the underlying tank and cap seal remain intact. Given the clean structural and emissions record, attention on inspection should focus on the areas typical of a Range Rover Sport at this mileage and age, even where no specific advisories exist. Listen for any clonks from the front suspension over speed bumps or on full lock, particularly from the upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar links, and the front air spring assemblies, which are known wear items. Check that the air suspension raises and lowers promptly from the onboard controls without warning lights, and inspect the alloy wheels, brake pipes, and underbody drain channels for any early signs of corrosion or staining that may not yet have warranted an advisory. A diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes in the ride height, parking brake, and AdBlue systems would also be prudent before purchase.