2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · B5 GTW

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2026-03-26, just four months ago at 90,163 miles, confirms it passed without defects, though it failed the prior test on 2026-03-19 at 90,154 miles—an unusual back-to-back scenario with no recorded issues. This suggests either a minor procedural oversight in the first failure (common in high-mileage vehicles where testers may overlook marginal conditions) or a brief, isolated mechanical anomaly that resolved itself. The preceding tests in December 2024 and December 2023 also show identical mileage for pass/fail pairs, reinforcing a pattern of near-identical mileage at each test window. While no defects were logged, the repeated failures at identical mileages warrant scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the tester’s focus was inconsistent. The mileage progression of approximately 6,000 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and type, though the lack of intermediate tests between December 2023 and March 2026—nearly 16 months—raises questions about maintenance consistency. The identical mileage at paired tests (e.g., 87,836 miles in December 2024) implies the vehicle may not have been driven between those dates, which could indicate prolonged storage or limited use. If the vehicle was stored, components like tyres, suspension bushes, and battery health may require closer inspection for degradation. Given the absence of defects in the MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear items that aren’t routinely tested. The suspension—particularly coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—should be examined for uneven wear or corrosion, as these are critical for handling and ride quality in a vehicle of this type. Brake discs and pads, while not flagged in tests, may show uneven wear due to the vehicle’s weight and off-road tendencies; check for lateral grooving or excessive thickness variation. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, must be assessed for corrosion, as Land Rover models of this era are prone to rust progression over time. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or damage, as catalytic converter failures are common in higher-mileage diesel models. The battery and electrical connections should also be tested, as prolonged storage can lead to sulfation or corrosion.