2007 Land Rover Discovery 2.7L Diesel · AX56 BYR

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 September 2025, was passed with only a minor windscreen damage advisory, but the preceding twelve‑month period shows a pattern of serious failures – exposed tyre ply, a dangerous brake‑pipe leak, an ABS warning lamp fault and split CV boots – indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance record is currently on a deteriorating trajectory rather than stabilising. At 171 222 miles for a 2007 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9 000 mi, which sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would suggest severe wear, but the relatively modest yearly run‑off does imply long spells of inactivity, a condition that can accelerate rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of brake and suspension components. A prospective buyer should treat the tyre condition as the most immediate safety concern. The MOT history records multiple instances of ply or cord exposure and tyres worn close to the legal limit on the inner edges, so all four tyres must be inspected for sidewall cracks, dry rot and uniform tread depth; any tyre with exposed cords must be replaced outright. The brake system warrants a thorough check – the near‑side rear pipe was noted as leaking and later as corroded, and the ABS warning lamp was flagged as a major fault. Verify that there is no fluid seepage around the pipe, that the brake discs are free of scoring or excessive rust, and that pad thickness exceeds the 1.5 mm minimum. An active ABS fault should be diagnosed with a scan tool to confirm whether the issue stems from a sensor, wiring harness or the hydraulic modulator, as a latent fault can cause uneven braking or loss of stability control. Equally important are the drivetrain and suspension elements highlighted by the MOT failures. Inspect both front CV boots for cracks, dried‑out grease or dirt ingress, and listen for a whining or vibration at cruising speed that would indicate joint degradation. The rear‑inner brake pipe corrosion noted in 2022 suggests that other metalwork may be suffering from moisture exposure; examine the chassis for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and check the lower control‑arm bushes and ball joints for excessive play or knocking when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill. Given the vehicle’s age, a load‑test of the 12 V battery, a check of coolant, gearbox and differential oil condition, and confirmation that the service book contains timely oil and filter changes will help to gauge whether the mechanical wear is being managed proactively or merely deferred.