2002 Land Rover Range Rover 4.4L Petrol · DA52 RUD

A consistent record of clean MOT passes across the most recent three tests (2023, 2025, and 2026) presents this Range Rover as having a stable roadworthiness profile, with no advisories or component defects recorded on file. The only blemish is a failure on 2024-01-31, which is unusual because it carries no associated defect text; this strongly suggests a retest scenario where the vehicle initially failed but the specific reasons are not captured in the recorded data, and a subsequent pass on 2024-02-09 confirms the issues were rectified. For a vehicle of this vintage and breed, a clean advisory record over consecutive tests is noteworthy, as chassis components, brake pipes, and suspension linkages on early 2000s Range Rovers are prone to corrosion and wear. The absence of recorded advisories means the vehicle has either been conscientiously maintained or that the MOT inspector did not flag borderline wear items during examination. Against an age of approximately 24 years, the recorded 117,072 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,878 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this type and era. There are no substantial gaps between test dates spanning more than a year, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-stress components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, it raises separate concerns regarding standing-related degradation. Rubber components, including coolant hoses, driveshaft gaiters, air suspension lines, and various seals, are susceptible to perishing when a vehicle sees only short, infrequent journeys. Corrosion protection on the underside can also deteriorate when moisture is not regularly burned off through longer running cycles. The current odometer reading should be physically verified against the dashboard display to confirm consistency with the MOT-recorded mileages. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisories on the recent MOT history means there is no documented guidance from the examining tester regarding wear trends. However, given the known mechanical characteristics of the L322-generation model, a thorough physical inspection should focus on the air suspension compressor and struts, checking for sagging at the rear or uneven ride height, as well as listening for the compressor running excessively on startup. The condition of the brake discs and pads should be physically examined for lipping, corrosion, and remaining friction material, while a test drive should confirm smooth, even braking and no pulling to either side. Underneath, close attention should be paid to the front and rear subframe mounting points, outriggers, and jacking points for bubbling or perforation corrosion, particularly around the suspension turrets and sills, which are recognised weak points on this model. The vehicle's age also warrants close attention to oil leaks from the cam carriers, timing cover, and sump gasket, along with any signs of coolant weepage from the radiator, expansion tank, or auxiliary hoses. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which may highlight worn anti-roll bar drop links, bushes, or ball joints. The transfer box and gearbox should be assessed for smooth operation and any whining noises from the driveline, while the engine should be observed for excessive smoke on startup and during warm-up. Given the recorded low mileage, verifying that the cambelt and timing chain service intervals have been observed is essential, and inspecting the condition and age of the battery is prudent if the original unit remains fitted.