2004 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · DF04 AFV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 29 October 2025, although two advisories were noted at that examination: an oil leak which was not considered excessive, and an observation that the chassis is starting to corrode. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but shows a gradually escalating pattern of minor structural and wear-related issues. In 2022, the front and rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin alongside deteriorated lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers, which is typical wear for a vehicle of this age and mileage. By 2023, the focus had moved to localised chassis corrosion within 30cm of mounting points on both front chassis legs, and the 2025 test has now noted that chassis corrosion is becoming more generalised. This progression from component wear to chassis condition suggests the vehicle should be inspected with particular attention to its structural integrity, while acknowledging that no test has resulted in a failure and no items have been categorised as dangerous or major defects. The recorded mileage of 131,746 miles on a 22 year old vehicle equates to an average annual usage of approximately 5,988 miles, which is notably low for a Land Rover Discovery of this vintage. This level of usage typically reflects either a second or recreational vehicle, gentle motorway cruising, or extended periods of standing between uses. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-load drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox and main engine bearings, it also introduces several calendar-based degradation risks. Standing periods encourage brake disc surface corrosion, brake caliper slide pin seizure, and deterioration of rubber and polymer components through age rather than use. It is therefore worth verifying that the vehicle has been regularly serviced regardless of mileage, as time-based items such as coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid still require replacement on a calendar basis. Given the advisories recorded, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough underbody inspection, ideally on a ramp, to assess the extent and severity of the chassis corrosion noted in 2023 and 2025. Particular attention should be paid to the front chassis legs, mounting points for the suspension and engine, and the rear crossmember, which is a known corrosion concern on the Discovery 2 platform. Any remedial work already undertaken should be evidenced with invoices, and any untreated corrosion should be evaluated for structural significance. The oil leak observed in 2025 warrants a careful check of the engine and gearbox sump, rocker cover gasket, and front and rear main seals, with a road test to determine whether drips are appearing on the driveway or garage floor. On a test drive, listen for any suspension knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, which may indicate worn bushes, tired coil springs, or play in the ball joints whose protective dust covers were noted as severely deteriorated in 2022. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and standing profile requires several practical checks that may not be fully reflected in the MOT history. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, even if the tread depth remains adequate, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of mileage. The braking system should be inspected for seized calipers and corroded brake discs, which commonly occur on lightly used vehicles, and a firm brake pedal with no juddering under heavy application will confirm the discs are not significantly lipped or warped. The 12V battery should be load tested, as a battery fitted many years ago may no longer hold sufficient charge, particularly on a vehicle with complex electronic systems. Finally, verify that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals and that essential time-based items such as the timing belt replacement, coolant, brake fluid, and transfer box and differential oils have been attended to in line with manufacturer schedules, ensuring the vehicle has been properly maintained as much by time as by distance travelled.