2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · CE52 RES

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but four advisories were issued, which collectively suggest that some of the vehicle's key consumable components are approaching the threshold for replacement. The trend across the recorded MOT history is one of gradual deterioration rather than outright failure, with the earlier tests from 2017 through 2022 recording no advisories at all, and the more recent tests showing an accumulating list of wear-related notes. The presence of tyre wear advisories on both the front and rear axles across multiple tests, combined with brake-related advisories on the rear discs and pads in 2026, indicates that the rate of component degradation is increasing as the vehicle accumulates mileage, which is consistent with a fourteen-year-old vehicle. While none of these items constituted test failures, a prospective buyer should treat this pattern as evidence that proactive maintenance on the braking system and tyre renewals is imminent. The recorded mileage of 133,714 miles against a fourteen-year vehicle age equates to an annual average of approximately 9,551 miles, which is broadly typical for a UK-registered vehicle of this type and indicates consistent usage rather than extended periods of standing. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the mileage record between successive tests, suggesting that the odometer reading is likely continuous and representative. For a diesel Range Rover Sport of this vintage and mileage, the mechanical implications centre on wear within the engine, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel, automatic transmission, transfer box, and the air suspension system, all of which are known to require attention at higher mileages. Diesel-specific components such as the diesel particulate filter, EGR valve, and injectors are also areas where age and mileage converge to demand closer scrutiny, particularly given the diesel fluid leak advisory noted at the 2023 test. Given the recurring tyre wear advisories on both the front and rear axles over successive tests, a buyer should look beyond simple tread depth and inspect for uneven shoulder wear patterns, which on this model commonly point to worn suspension bushes, tired shock absorbers, or geometry misalignment resulting from the air suspension. On a test drive, listen for clonks or thuds from the front and rear suspension over uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to any momentary warning messages or uneven cornering stance that may suggest the air suspension struts or compressor are failing, a known and recurring issue on this platform. The rear brake disc and pad advisories from the 2026 test warrant a physical inspection of pad material thickness and a measurement of disc wear, including checking for any lipping on the disc edges or signs of binding calipers that may have developed through standing periods or infrequent use. Beyond the advisories, the age and mileage profile demand several calendar-based checks that would not necessarily be highlighted on an MOT. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing or cracking from age, even where tread depth remains legal, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of mileage. The 12V battery should be load-tested, since battery failure is a common cause of non-starts and electronic faults on complex vehicles of this age. Brake fluid, coolant, and the diesel fuel system should be considered for renewal on a time-based schedule rather than purely by mileage, particularly given the diesel fluid leak advisory recorded in 2023, which warrants a thorough inspection of the engine bay for residual staining around injector pipes, the fuel rail, and the high-pressure pump area. Finally, verify the service book history for evidence of regular oil and filter changes, transmission fluid renewals, and any recorded replacement of the air suspension compressor or struts, as these are the items most likely to influence both the mechanical integrity and the ongoing cost of ownership of this particular vehicle.