2002 Land Rover Range Rover 2.9L Diesel · FA52 WCJ

This Range Rover’s most recent MOT, conducted on 2024-10-12 at 159,621 miles, shows a rare but critical anomaly: the vehicle was tested twice on the same day, once passing and once failing, with no recorded defects in either instance. While the lack of advisories or fail items in the 2023 and prior tests suggests the vehicle has avoided obvious mechanical neglect, the duplicate test raises questions about undocumented issues or administrative irregularities. Without explicit fault codes or advisories, there is no evidence of worsening structural or drivetrain problems, but the inconsistency warrants further scrutiny of components prone to silent failure in this model—particularly the air suspension system, transfer case, and differential seals—given its age and mileage. The mileage progression of 159,621 miles today indicates an average of approximately 6,651 miles annually over the past five years, a rate consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in testing, with the most recent MOT occurring just under a year ago, well within the legal 12-month window. The slight increase in mileage between the 2022 and 2023 tests—from 153,681 to 144,561 miles—appears to be an error in the record, as the vehicle should have accumulated additional miles rather than regressing. Assuming the data is otherwise accurate, the steady mileage suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme wear from high mileage or prolonged inactivity, though the lack of pre-MOT servicing records means hidden corrosion or fluid degradation cannot be ruled out. Given the absence of advisories or fail items in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the air suspension system, which is notorious in this model for gradual degradation of seals and springs. The dual MOT tests imply either a minor oversight or a component nearing failure, so visual checks for leaks, uneven ride height, or spongy suspension response are essential. The drivetrain—particularly the transfer case and differential—should be examined for fluid leaks or unusual noises, as these are common failure points in high-mileage Land Rover models. Additionally, the underbody and wheel arches should be thoroughly inspected for corrosion, especially around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system, where rust can compromise structural integrity without immediate MOT failure. The brakes, while not flagged, warrant attention to binding calipers or uneven wear, given the vehicle’s age and off-road tendencies.