2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2.7L Diesel · BV55 DBO

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 22 December 2025 at 228,223 miles, but this follows a clear pattern of recurring and worsening failures in the preceding months. The December 2025 test was the first pass in three attempts, yet it still carried an advisory for corrosion under the vehicle—same as the prior failed test—indicating no meaningful repair or mitigation of structural decay. The immediate prior failure, just nine days earlier, revealed multiple critical faults: damaged brake cables, severely worn tyres on both front and rear, and persistent corrosion. This suggests the vehicle was driven in a compromised state between tests, and the recent pass may reflect only minimal remediation rather than comprehensive restoration. The recorded mileage shows a significant and unexplained drop from 232,630 miles in December 2024 to 228,223 miles in December 2025—a reduction of over 4,400 miles in one year. This is impossible under normal operation and strongly implies either a faulty odometer, a clerical error, or a deliberate rollback. The prior year showed a typical 1,700-mile increase from November 2023 to December 2024, aligning with average annual use. The inconsistency casts doubt on the accuracy of the mileage log and raises concerns about hidden wear or undocumented repairs. A buyer must inspect the underbody for advanced structural corrosion, particularly around suspension mounts, axle housings, and floor pans, as this has been flagged in every test since at least 2023. The repeated failure of tyre condition—ply exposure and tread depth below legal limits on both front and rear axles—indicates chronic neglect of basic maintenance and possible use of substandard or second-hand replacements. The constant velocity joint boots have failed twice consecutively, and the nearside rear wheel bearing showed play in two separate tests; these are not isolated issues but symptoms of deferred servicing. The brake cable damage in December 2025 is a serious safety concern and suggests either physical damage from road debris or improper installation during prior repairs. Any purchase should be contingent on a full mechanical inspection by a specialist familiar with early Range Rover Sports, with particular attention to the rear brake system, suspension integrity, and confirmed odometer accuracy.