2022 Land Rover Defender SE D Mhev Auto 3.0L Diesel · DM02 TES

A 2022 Land Rover Defender fitted with the mild-hybrid D engine presents an unusually clean MOT history across the three tests recorded so far, with no advisories or failures documented at any point. The most recent test on 28 July 2026 was a pass with no defects recorded, following further clean passes on 13 March 2026 and 24 October 2025, indicating that no wear items, corrosion concerns, or lighting or visibility issues have been flagged during the official test cycle to date. For a vehicle of this age and specification, the absence of recorded advisories is notable, though it should be remembered that the MOT test is a point-in-time check and does not confirm internal mechanical condition, service history quality, or component life remaining between tests. What the record does demonstrate is that the items strictly examined under DVSA standards have remained within tolerance each time the vehicle has been presented. With 50,046 miles recorded on a 2022 model, this Defender has accumulated around 12,500 miles per year over its life, which is a higher than typical annual figure for a passenger car and even moderately high for a premium SUV of this class. This kind of sustained mileage generally accelerates wear on consumable items such as brake pads and discs, tyres, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts, even though none of these were recorded as defective at the time of testing. The pattern of testing in 2025 and 2026 at roughly six-monthly intervals, with no extended gaps, is consistent with a vehicle in regular active service rather than one that has been laid up or stored for prolonged periods. Prospective buyers should interpret the high annual mileage as a prompt to scrutinise service documentation closely, as the MOT record itself cannot verify whether routine maintenance such as oil changes, filter renewals, or brake fluid exchanges has been carried out at the correct intervals. Because the MOT history is clean and no specific components have been flagged, test-drive guidance should focus on the areas most likely to show wear under high-mileage use on this particular model. Listen and feel for any clonks, knocks, or rattles from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and the coil spring assemblies, all of which are known wear points on the L663 Defender. During low-speed manoeuvring, pay close attention to steering precision and any vibration or pull, which could indicate wear in the steering rack, tie rods, or front hub bearings rather than a tracking issue. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no excessive judder under heavy braking, which on a high-mileage Defender can point to warped front discs rather than simple pad wear. The MHEV mild-hybrid system and automatic gearbox deserve specific attention during any road test. Confirm that the engine stops and restarts cleanly under the start-stop system and that the integrated starter-generator functions as expected, as faults here can be costly and would not necessarily be detected during an MOT. The automatic transmission should shift smoothly through all ratios with no hesitation, flare, or harsh engagement, particularly when cold, and any fluid leak from the sump or cooler lines should be inspected on the underside. Finally, examine the underside, wheel arches, and structural members carefully for early signs of corrosion, as the Defender's aluminium body panels can mask underlying steel subframe and suspension component corrosion, and given the absence of any corrosion advisories in the MOT record, any fresh surface rust visible during a pre-purchase inspection would warrant closer investigation before committing to purchase.