2010 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0L Diesel · B19 RAM

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 March 2026 resulted in a pass, although the previous day the vehicle failed on two major items that were evidently rectified to allow the subsequent pass. Those majors were a significant leak at the central rear exhaust joint and an illuminated electronic stability control warning lamp, both of which were cured prior to the pass. The overall maintenance trend over the past four MOT cycles is one of gradual deterioration rather than stability, with an increasing catalogue of advisories relating to coil spring corrosion, rear anti-roll bar bushes, rear brake pad wear, and exhaust integrity. The transition from a clean record in 2021 through 2023 to a series of advisories and a failed test in 2026 is consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage entering a phase where corrosion and wear-related components are demanding replacement. A prospective buyer should therefore treat this as a car that is still roadworthy but is accumulating pending maintenance items at an accelerating rate. The recorded mileage of 148,137 miles over sixteen years equates to an annual average of approximately 9,259 miles, which is broadly typical for a working utility vehicle of this type and is neither worryingly low nor exceptionally high. The MOT history shows tests roughly twelve months apart with no obvious extended gaps in road use, indicating that the vehicle has been in regular service throughout its life rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Mechanically, this level of consistent use is generally favourable as it tends to keep seals, brakes, and drivetrain components exercised, but at 148,000 miles the major service items such as timing belt replacement on the diesel engine, turbocharger inspection, injector servicing, and gearbox fluid changes will have been or are due to be addressed. The absence of any advisories relating to engine oil leaks, driveshaft wear, or clutch slippage in the MOT history is reassuring, though the MOT test does not cover engine internals and a physical inspection of underbonnet condition remains essential. The recurring advisories across multiple tests warrant close attention from a buyer, particularly the coil spring corrosion noted on all four springs. Spring corrosion is progressive and, once the protective coating is breached, will eventually weaken the material leading to fracture, which on a heavy vehicle like a Land Cruiser would be a serious safety concern. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over uneven road surfaces and observe whether the vehicle sits level or has begun to sag at one corner. The worn rear anti-roll bar pin or bushes, noted on both nearside and offside, will manifest as reduced body control in cornering and a general looseness in the rear suspension; replacement bushes are relatively inexpensive but the labour to access them on a live axle can be significant. The rear brake pad advisory should be confirmed by direct inspection of pad material thickness, and the discs themselves checked for scoring, lipping, or corrosion pitting given the high mileage and the likelihood of original or long-standing discs still being fitted. The exhaust system has been flagged in three of the last four MOTs, progressing from a minor leak in 2024 and 2025 to a major leak in 2026, indicating that the rear silencer or connecting pipework is deteriorating actively. A buyer should inspect the central rear section for visible rust, hangers failing, and any blowing sounds on startup or acceleration. Beyond the MOT record, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires thorough physical inspection including tyre sidewalls for cracking and perishing from age rather than just tread depth, the condition of the 12V battery which may be original or near-original specification, brake calipers for binding or seized pistons following any period of standing, and confirmation of all fluid services particularly engine coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid which degrade on a calendar basis. The electronic stability control warning lamp that was previously illuminated should be confirmed as rectified and the fault cleared, and a diagnostic scan undertaken to confirm no stored codes remain. Service history stamps verifying timing belt replacement, ideally within the last five years or at 100,000 miles whichever came first, are essential given the consequences of failure on the diesel engine.