2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · AO07 LAH

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport under evaluation successfully passed its most recent Ministry of Transport test in January 2026 after initially failing due to a dangerous defect involving exposed ply or cords on the nearside rear tyre, alongside multiple advisories noting that the remaining tyres were worn close to the legal limit or showing signs of perishing and cracking. Furthermore, the passing certificate included a minor notice regarding severe deterioration of the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover. Reviewing the historical test data reveals a generally clean maintenance record up to this point, with flawless passes recorded in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, punctuated only by standard rear tyre wear advisories in late 2020. This indicates that while the vehicle has historically enjoyed attentive care, the most recent inspection highlights a sudden cluster of rubber degradation and consumable wear that suggests a brief period of deferred attention immediately prior to the test. With a recorded mileage of 75,623 miles on a vehicle that is approximately ten years old, the annual usage averages out to roughly 7,562 miles per year, placing it comfortably within the typical mileage bracket for a luxury diesel or petrol sport utility vehicle of this vintage. This consistent, moderate annual mileage accumulation suggests the vehicle has been used for regular journeys rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which generally helps prevent the premature battery degradation, seized brake calipers, and perished fluid seals often associated with low-mileage garage queens. However, because heavy modern sport utility vehicles exert significant loads on their mechanical architecture even under normal driving conditions, this mileage total means vital drivetrain components, suspension bushes, and heavy braking systems have experienced a decade of active service and will require careful scrutiny. Addressing the specific advisories and minor defects noted on the recent MOT certificate requires a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and steering components before purchase. The reported severe deterioration of the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover means that road salt, moisture, and grit can easily penetrate the joint, leading to rapid internal wear, play, and eventual joint failure; you should inspect this area for any signs of grease leakage and listen closely during a test drive for knocking or clunking noises over speed bumps or rough tarmac. Given that the vehicle recently required a tyre replacement due to exposed cords and had three other tyres flagged for wear and perishing, you should verify the brand and condition of all four currently fitted tyres, checking the sidewalls for age-related cracking and ensuring the tread depth is well above the statutory legal limit of 1.6 millimetres. Beyond the specific MOT items, prospective buyers should conduct a comprehensive road test to evaluate the overall mechanical composure of this heavy four-wheel-drive platform. Pay close attention to the operation of the air suspension system, ensuring the vehicle rises and lowers smoothly across all height settings without listing to one side, which could indicate a failing compressor or leaky air struts. Listen for any vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal at motorway speeds, as warped brake discs or binding calipers are common on heavier vehicles that have accumulated over seventy thousand miles. Finally, request a fully stamped service history or digital printout to confirm that critical maintenance, such as engine oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and differential service intervals, has been performed strictly on schedule regardless of the vehicle passing its annual roadworthiness tests.