2013 Land Rover Freelander 2.2L Diesel · FH62 AAE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 October 2025, returned a pass but was accompanied by a series of advisories covering the rear sub‑frame, rear brake pads, rear suspension arm, steering rack inner joint and rear brake disc. Over the previous four years the vehicle has consistently shown the same advisory themes, with the only additional note being a front‑disc advisory in 2023. This pattern indicates a stable but unresolved set of wear items rather than a deteriorating condition; the MOT results have not escalated to outright failures, yet the recurring nature of the advisories suggests that corrective work has either not been undertaken or has not fully rectified the underlying issues. At 119 814 miles recorded for a 2013 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 9 200 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious large mileage gaps in the history that would imply prolonged periods of storage, but the relatively modest annual run‑off means that wear on high‑stress components such as the suspension bushings, brake discs and steering rack may be more a function of age and exposure than of mileage alone. Consequently, age‑related degradation – corrosion, rubber hardening and fluid breakdown – should be expected alongside any mileage‑related wear. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear sub‑frame corrosion noted on each MOT. While the advisory states it is not yet seriously weakened, visual inspection for rust spalling, especially around mounting points and the rear cross‑member, is essential. Any audible clunk or excessive flex when applying throttle or braking could indicate that the corrosion is progressing toward structural compromise. The rear brake pads have been flagged as thin; the pads should be measured for remaining thickness (typically a minimum of 2 mm) and the pads’ friction material inspected for glazing. On a test drive the rear brakes may exhibit reduced bite, increased pedal travel or a pulsating feel if the disc surface is pitted. The rear brake disc itself was described as worn, pitted or scored – a condition that can lead to brake judder and uneven pad wear; resurfacing may be possible if the disc depth remains above the minimum, otherwise replacement is advisable. The near‑side rear suspension arm pin or bush has been reported as worn, and the steering rack inner joint shows play. Both items can manifest as vague clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps, and as vague steering wander or a vague “dead zone” before the wheel responds. A thorough visual check of the rear trailing arm bush for cracks, oil leakage or excessive movement, and a hands‑on test of steering rack tightness (checking for lateral play when the wheel is rocked at full lock) are prudent. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, verify battery voltage and cranking performance, and confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended calendar intervals, as fluids can degrade even on low‑mileage cars. A full service history, particularly evidence of recent suspension, brake and steering component work, will greatly aid confidence in the vehicle’s roadworthiness.