2003 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · CV03 XTW

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, evidenced by the most recent test on 16 August 2025 at 72,584 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. Prior tests show the same clean pattern. The May 2024 entry lists both a fail and a pass on the same day at 65,974 miles with no defects noted, which points to an administrative or process anomaly at the test centre rather than a mechanical fault. The recorded mileage sits at 72,584 against a 2003 build, averaging roughly 3,156 miles per year. The vehicle covered 4,231 miles between the April 2023 test at 60,743 miles and the May 2024 test at 65,974 miles, then 6,610 miles to the August 2025 pass. Low annual use over 23 years suggests extended standing periods, which on a Defender chassis raises the risk of corrosion and perished rubber components even where the MOT shows no advisories. A buyer should physically inspect the chassis rails, bulkhead, and outriggers for structural rust, as the MOT record never logged corrosion advisories despite the vehicle's age and low-use profile. Check suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers for stiffness from inactivity. Verify the May 2024 dual entry with DVSA to confirm no suppressed defect. Given the clean test history and low mileage, previous owners appear to have stored the vehicle rather than neglected it, but standing time hides faults a short test drive will not reveal. Commission a underneath inspection before purchase.