2008 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · FD08 HWM

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than preventative mechanical care. The most recent test in June 2025 at 135,711 miles saw a failure due to dangerously thin front brake pads and a corroded rear rear brake pipe. While the vehicle passed immediately following these repairs, the presence of corrosion and material-related failure suggests that critical components are only addressed once they reach a point of legal failure. At 135,711 miles over 18 years, the Defender has averaged approximately 7,540 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The data shows a steady rate of travel, with 11,434 miles covered between June 2024 and June 2025. This consistent mileage indicates the vehicle is not left stationary for long periods, yet the low annual mileage relative to modern vehicles does not negate the inherent age of the chassis, which often leaves rubber components and metal surfaces vulnerable to environmental degradation despite low mileage-based wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and underbody. The corroded offside rear brake pipe noted in 2025 is a sign of potential systemic rust throughout the hydraulic lines, requiring a close check for thinning metal or weeping joints elsewhere. Furthermore, the 2023 advisory regarding three tyres worn to the limit suggests possible alignment issues or worn suspension bushes that have been neglected. Given the Defender's construction, the inspection should also focus heavily on the mounting points and structural integrity of the chassis rails to ensure that corrosion which the MOT record does not fully capture has not compromised the frame.