2020 Land Rover Defender First Edition D Auto 2.0L Diesel · DM11 LER

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, but it followed a failure three days earlier that highlighted a dangerous condition on the off‑side front inner brake pad and several advisories concerning front and rear brake discs and rear pads. This pattern suggests that while the vehicle is currently road‑worthy, the brake system required remedial attention between the two tests and the recent pass likely reflects corrective work. Over the last three years the MOT record has otherwise been clean, indicating a generally stable maintenance regime, but the recent brake findings merit close scrutiny before purchase. At 52 027 miles recorded in September 2026 the Defender First Edition averages roughly 8 700 miles per annum since its 2020 registration. This usage rate sits comfortably within the typical range for a vehicle of this age and does not point to any period of unusually high mileage accumulation. The relatively modest annual mileage may also imply that the car has spent extended periods stationary, a factor that can accelerate age‑related deterioration of rubber components, corrosion of metal parts, and fluid degradation, all of which should be examined during a pre‑purchase inspection. The brake system should be the primary focus. The front inner pad measured less than 1.5 mm at the last test, a condition that is unsafe and requires immediate replacement; the accompanying advisory that the front discs are worn, pitted or scored, although not yet critically weakened, suggests that the discs may soon need resurfacing or replacement, especially if scoring is evident. The rear discs carry a similar advisory and the rear pads were already down to about 2 mm, indicating they are approaching the end of their service life. On a test drive the buyer should listen for any squealing, grinding or pulsation through the pedal, feel for a soft or spongy pedal that may indicate fluid contamination, and check that the vehicle pulls straight under braking. A thorough visual inspection of the discs for deep scoring, rust, or uneven wear, and of the calipers for signs of leaking fluid or sticking pistons, is essential before committing to purchase. Beyond the brakes, the relatively low annual mileage combined with the vehicle’s six‑year age calls for age‑related checks. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulging, and verify tread depth is even across all four wheels, as age can degrade rubber even on low‑mileage tyres. Inspect the suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for any looseness, clunking or uneven tyre wear that could indicate wear beyond what mileage alone would suggest. The 12‑volt battery should be tested for cranking amperage and checked for any signs of sulfation, especially if the car has been stored for long periods. Verify that engine oil, brake fluid and coolant have been changed in accordance with calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, looking for milky brake fluid or discoloured coolant as signs of contamination. Finally, confirm that the service book contains recent stamps for major services and that the chassis and under‑body are free from rust, particularly in wheel arches and sills, to ensure the Defender’s structural integrity remains sound.