2004 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · DA04 TSX

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 6 January 2026, resulted in a pass, indicating that the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements at the time of examination. However, the test record includes an advisory concerning the rear integral body structure, noting that corrosion is present but that structural rigidity is not yet significantly reduced. With only this single advisory on file, the overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable, though the presence of any corrosion advisory on a vehicle of this age warrants careful attention. Given that no prior MOT entries are available in the supplied history, it is not possible to compare year-on-year progression, but a single corroded structural point is a common finding on a 22-year-old Land Rover Discovery and should be viewed as an early indicator rather than an immediate failure point. In terms of usage, the Discovery has covered approximately 5,366 miles per year over its 22-year life, which is notably below average for the model and considerably lower than the typical 8,000 to 10,000 miles many Land Rovers accumulate annually. Such low mileage may reflect either genuinely light use or, more commonly, extended periods of standing or limited seasonal use. While lower running mileage generally preserves mechanical components, prolonged standing can accelerate deterioration of certain items, including brake discs through surface corrosion, brake calipers that may seize or bind due to lack of use, rubber components such as bushes, hoses, and drive belts that degrade with age rather than mileage, and the 12-volt battery, which suffers reduced capacity from chronic partial discharge. The combination of age and relatively low recorded mileage means a buyer should anticipate age-related deterioration even though the odometer reading appears modest. A prospective buyer should begin with a thorough physical inspection, paying particular attention to the rear body structure referenced in the advisory. Examine the rear chassis rails, cross members, and around the spare wheel well and tow bar mounting area for advanced corrosion, flaking rust, or perforation, as Land Rover Discoveries of this generation are well known for structural rust in these zones. During a test drive, listen carefully for suspension clunks or knocking noises over bumps, which would suggest worn bushes, degraded shock absorbers, or fatigued coil springs, all common on a vehicle of this vintage. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inside or outside edges, can indicate suspension misalignment or worn wishbone bushes. The steering should be checked for play or vagueness, and the transmission, whether manual or automatic, should be observed for smooth engagement and any clunks when selecting drive or reverse, as transfer box and gearbox wear is a recognised concern on this model. Given the low annual mileage, the buyer should also verify the timing and regularity of time-based fluid and component servicing independently of the MOT record. Check the service book or history for evidence of recent replacement of brake fluid, engine coolant, and automatic transmission fluid, all of which degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as a battery over five or six years old is likely nearing the end of its service life and may cause starting or electrical issues. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, ensuring the DOT date codes confirm they are within a sensible age bracket regardless of tread depth. Finally, examine the brake discs for lipping and surface rust that does not clear after a few applications, and confirm that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, since seized rear caliper mechanisms are a frequent finding on vehicles that have stood for extended periods. These checks, combined with a structural survey of the corrosion advisory area, will provide a clear picture of the vehicle's true condition beyond the MOT pass certificate.