2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2.7L Diesel · AF06 EYP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 June 2026, was passed but flagged a serious advisory for heavy under‑body corrosion. Over the last five years the vehicle has oscillated between passes and failures, with a pattern of recurring corrosion (under‑vehicle, rear sub‑frame and chassis), brake‑pipe degradation, tyre damage and multiple fluid‑leak advisories. While the vehicle has managed to meet the minimum legal standards, the trend is clearly worsening rather than stabilising, as each year adds new corrosion‑related items and the severity of tyre defects has escalated from advisory cuts to dangerous exposed cords on the rear tyres. At 144,096 mi the Range Rover Sport averages roughly 7,200 mi per annum, which is modest for a twenty‑year‑old four‑wheel‑drive. The relatively low annual mileage suggests periods of light use or extended storage, which can exacerbate corrosion and the perishing of rubber components. Nevertheless, the mileage is sufficient to have exercised the suspension, steering and drivetrain, meaning wear on bushes, ball joints, CV joints and the air‑suspension (if fitted) will be at a stage where replacement or refurbishment may be imminent, especially given the documented lower‑arm pin wear and slight wheel play noted in 2022. A prospective buyer should give the under‑body a thorough visual inspection, probing for rust on the rear sub‑frame, chassis rails and exhaust mounts, and checking that any corrosion has not compromised structural integrity or caused mounting points to be loose. The front differential seal and gearbox weepage reported in 2025 indicate possible oil loss; look for fresh oil stains on the under‑tray and monitor the dip‑stick for low levels after a short drive. The anti‑roll‑bar warning lamp remaining illuminated points to a potential fault in the roll‑bar sensor or wiring, which can affect electronic stability control – verify that the lamp clears when the vehicle is stationary and that the ABS/ESC system does not generate warning codes. On a test drive listen for clunks or squeaks from the front lower‑arm bushes, feel for any looseness in the steering column, and note any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, which would suggest the worn front and rear discs are nearing the end of their service life. Tyre condition demands immediate attention: both rear tyres were recorded as having exposed ply or cords in 2025, a dangerous failure that requires replacement without delay, and the front tyres show edge‑wear and cuts that may be close to the legal limit. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, a common issue on vehicles with long periods of inactivity. Because the vehicle is over two decades old, the 12‑V battery should be load‑tested, the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil should be flushed and replaced if they have not been serviced within the last 24 months, and the service book should be examined for evidence of regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) checks and suspension component renewals. Confirm that the anti‑lock braking system, air‑suspension (if fitted), and electronic traction aids are fully functional before committing to purchase.