2005 Land Rover Range Rover 2.9L Diesel · FE55 WVT

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-08-18 confirms it remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded. However, the history reveals an inconsistent pattern: two consecutive failures in July 2023 and August 2024, both rectified before retesting, followed by two clean passes. The lack of recurring advisories or defects in the most recent tests suggests the vehicle was brought up to standard after each failure, though the repeated need for retesting indicates underlying issues were not fully resolved proactively. Buyers should treat this as a vehicle with a history of last-minute compliance rather than consistent preventive maintenance. The recorded mileage of 175,961 miles over 21 years averages approximately 8,379 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and type. There are no obvious gaps or spikes in usage, though the MOT record only spans five tests over three years, leaving earlier maintenance patterns unclear. The most notable interval is the 17-day gap between the 2023 failures (July 20 and July 24), which suggests the vehicle was driven briefly between tests. Without a full service history, it’s impossible to confirm whether critical components like the differential, transfer case, or suspension bushes have been serviced at the recommended intervals. Given the repeated MOT failures, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, as these were likely the cause of the 2023 and 2024 retests. Binding brakes or uneven wear would have triggered those failures, so thorough checking of the hydraulic system, brake fluid condition, and caliper pivot points is essential. The suspension should also be examined for worn bushes, corroded coil springs, or excessive play in the ball joints—common issues in a vehicle of this age and mileage. Structural integrity, especially around the wheel arches and sills, should be assessed for corrosion, as this is a critical risk for Land Rover models exposed to UK conditions. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions should be verified for leaks or excessive smoke, as these are frequently flagged in MOT tests for older vehicles.