2016 Land Rover Range Rover 4.4L Diesel · B19 TAC

The roadworthiness record shows consistent passes but is interrupted by a significant testing gap between April 2022 and March 2024, with the latest inspection highlighting developing suspension wear and tyre alignment issues. The vehicle passed its test on 12 March 2026, yet the examiner recorded a severely deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and noted the nearside rear tyre is wearing on the inner edge. These findings indicate that suspension geometry or linkage integrity may be compromised, as inner edge wear is frequently associated with altered camber angles or degraded control arm bushes. While the vehicle has not failed any recorded tests, the absence of an annual inspection for over a year combined with the specific suspension advisory requires verification that component wear has not progressed beyond safe limits during the period of reduced activity. Recorded mileage stands at 48,732 miles over a ten-year period, equating to an annual usage of approximately 4,873 miles, which is well below average for a vehicle of this age. This low accumulation rate, reinforced by the missing 2023 test, suggests the vehicle has experienced long periods of standing or infrequent operation. On a Land Rover Range Rover, low mileage does not mitigate age-related degradation of rubber and plastic components; suspension bushes, brake pipes, and seals are prone to hardening, cracking, and failure due to calendar age regardless of distance travelled. The buyer must recognise that consumables and structural rubber items may be nearing the end of their service life due to time rather than wear, and the testing gap necessitates confirmation that the vehicle has not been off the road for unrecorded mechanical reasons. Mechanical inspection must focus on the nearside front suspension assembly, particularly the lower arm ball joint where the dust cover failure has been noted. A compromised dust cover exposes the joint to moisture and contaminants, accelerating wear and potentially resulting in play within the ball joint. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds from the nearside front wheel arch when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces, and assess the steering for vague feedback or excessive wander at low speeds. A static check should involve levering the wheel to detect any movement in the ball joint, and the surrounding suspension bushes should be examined for splits, collapses, or excessive deflection that could be contributing to the handling characteristics and tyre wear. The inner edge wear on the nearside rear tyre requires a professional alignment assessment and a detailed check of the rear suspension geometry to rule out excessive negative camber or worn rear control arm components. Uneven tyre wear can affect braking stability and cornering grip, so the test drive should include firm braking from moderate speeds to check for steering pull or instability. The vehicle's history also includes tyre cuts recorded on the nearside front wheel in 2026 and the offside front wheel in 2022; inspect all tyres for further damage, ensure track width and alignment are within specification, and verify that wheel bearings are free from play. Confirm that all tyres are within their safe service life and that no further structural defects exist in the rubber or sidewalls.