2004 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · DF04 AFU

A pattern of seal and joint deterioration sits at the centre of this Discovery's MOT record, evidenced by the November 2025 test which passed but recorded an engine oil leak alongside worn inner front brake discs. The most recent pass follows a 2021 fail that flagged the same oil leak at major severity, together with a split nearside front CV boot and a missing brake pedal anti-slip. The oil leak was apparently rectified in the intervening period, as the 2022 test recorded no defects, only for it to reappear as an advisory in 2025. This recurrence, combined with the CV boot failure, points to a vehicle where ageing rubber seals and gaiters are reaching the end of their service life and are likely to require ongoing attention. Mileage accumulation is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage, with 121,179 recorded miles over approximately 22 years working out at roughly 5,500 miles per year. The test history reflects this with three-year gaps between the 2021 tests and the 2022 pass, and a further three-year gap before the 2025 pass, suggesting periods of irregular use rather than continuous daily driving. Lower annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, turbo and bulkhead-mounted wear items, but it does place greater demand on rubber seals, gaskets, driveshaft boots and brake components that deteriorate through age rather than use, which is consistent with the defects recorded on this vehicle. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the engine oil leak that has now appeared across two separate test cycles. On inspection, look for fresh oil residue on the sump, rocker cover, front and rear crankshaft seals and the timing cover, and check the underside of the engine and bellhousing for oil misting that would suggest rear main seal seepage. The nearside front CV boot failure from 2021 also warrants close attention; feel for any vibration or clicking from the front drivetrain under load, and inspect the boot gaiters for tears, perished rubber or fresh grease deposits, as replacements commonly fail again within a few years on Land Rover drive shafts. The missing brake pedal anti-slip rubber should be checked visually, as this is a straightforward but frequently overlooked item that would be flagged again at the next test. The front brake disc advisories recorded in 2025 indicate that inner disc wear is advancing and replacement is likely to be required in the near term. During a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding or pulsation through the brake pedal under firm application, and check for steering pull or uneven stopping that might indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad transfer. Given the three-year gap between the 2022 and 2025 tests, it would also be prudent to inspect all brake pipes, flexible hoses and the underbody for corrosion, particularly around the chassis rails, suspension mounting points and subframe, as these components degrade with age even on low-mileage vehicles. A thorough underside inspection on a ramp is strongly recommended to establish the current condition of the engine seals, drivetrain gaiters and brake system before purchase.