2002 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · AY52 FHS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy with no recorded defects in its most recent MOT test at 27,691 miles on 2025-09-30. Maintenance history shows consistent passes since 2022-05-10, with no recurring mechanical issues flagged. The trend appears stable, as the car has maintained compliance over three years without advisories, suggesting diligent upkeep or minimal wear from low usage. Mileage progression reveals minimal annual accumulation: 26,230 miles in May 2022 rising to 27,691 by September 2025—a gain of 1,461 miles over 34 months (43 miles/month). This aligns with the vehicle’s age (24 years) and suggests infrequent use, possibly with extended periods of inactivity. The near-identical mileage between the 2022-05-06 failure (26,230 miles) and the subsequent 2022-05-10 pass (26,232 miles) indicates the car may have been stationary or driven very lightly during that interval. No structural or mechanical advisories appear in the MOT record, but the absence of recorded faults does not guarantee absence of wear. Given the vehicle’s age, a buyer should inspect suspension components (bushes, coil springs) for brittleness or corrosion, as low mileage may correlate with stagnation. Brake discs and calipers should be checked for rust-induced binding, particularly if the car has been stored outdoors. Tyre tread depth and condition warrant scrutiny, as low-mileage vehicles often develop uneven wear from prolonged parking. Exhaust emissions and corrosion checks are critical for a 2002 Defender. The MOT record shows no emissions advisories, but the age of the vehicle increases the likelihood of catalytic converter degradation or exhaust leaks. Structural integrity should be verified for rust patches, especially in wheel arches and sills, which are common failure points in older Land Rovers. A compression test and oil analysis could reveal hidden engine wear, as low mileage does not preclude internal component fatigue from infrequent use.