2005 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D90 JKD

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, evidenced by the most recent test on 29 October 2025 at 128,441 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. Across the five available annual tests from September 2021 to October 2025, the vehicle cleared every examination without a single advisory or failure. This unbroken clean record indicates the previous keeper maintained the 4x4 to a standard that satisfied DVSA testers on each occasion. The odometer advanced from 115,696 miles at the 3 September 2021 test to 128,441 miles by October 2025, an accumulation of 12,745 miles over four years. That equates to roughly 3,186 miles per year, well below the 6,116 miles per year lifetime average implied by the age and total mileage. The sparse but clean history shows no rapid accumulation bursts or unexplained gaps; the low recent annual use suggests the vehicle spent periods standing, a pattern that can mask perished seals or corrosion not visible during a brief test drive. A buyer should still commission an independent inspection of chassis outriggers, bulkhead, and rear crossmember for structural rust, as Defenders of this 2005 era commonly suffer hidden corrosion even when MOT tests record no advisories. The lack of flagged suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake disc wear in the record does not exempt the purchaser from checking those items, given the off-road pedigree and low yearly mileage that allows rubber components to crack through age rather than abrasion. Verify the documented mileages against service stamps and V5C before purchase. The clean MOT trail implies conscientious ownership, yet the 21-year-old drivetrain and 128,441 miles warrant a cold-start assessment of the 2.4 litre diesel for smoke and a check of transfer box and axle oil condition.