2005 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · AP55 FBA

The 2025‑12‑22 MOT at 86,270 miles confirmed the 2005 Land Rover Defender as roadworthy, with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend remains stable, showing consistent pass rates across all five annual tests. The mileage trajectory shows a gradual increase of roughly 5,000 miles per year since 2021, with no extended periods of zero mileage; the jump from 68,207 miles in December 2022 to 86,270 miles in December 2025 represents an average annual rise of about 4,700 miles, consistent with regular use rather than rapid accumulation. Given the vehicle’s age, a buyer should pay close attention to the condition of the suspension bushes, coil springs and ball joints, which often deteriorate on high‑mileage Defenders, as well as the integrity of the brake discs and calipers, which can develop binding or uneven wear despite the clean MOT history. Because the chassis and body panels are prone to rust in older Defenders, a thorough visual inspection of the wheel arches, sills and underbody for corrosion, plus a check of the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, is essential; the absence of recorded faults does not guarantee the absence of hidden wear, so a physical examination of these components is strongly advised.