2012 Land Rover Range Rover 4.4L Diesel · FN12 CDK

This 2012 Range Rover presents a notably clean MOT record, with three consecutive pass certificates at the 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests, and crucially, not a single advisory or defect recorded across any of those examinations. For a vehicle now fourteen years old, the absence of recorded advisories relating to suspension components, brake wear, corrosion, or exhaust integrity is unusual and suggests the car has been well-maintained to MOT standard in the recent past. It is worth noting, however, that this model year Range Rover is known for complexity in its air suspension, electronic dampers, and drivetrain systems, and the MOT inspection regime does not delve into the deeper mechanical health of these items. A pristine pass record should therefore be regarded as a positive baseline rather than a complete guarantee of mechanical soundness, particularly given the inherent engineering challenges associated with this platform as it ages. The recorded mileage of 114,998 miles accumulated over fourteen years equates to an annual average of approximately 8,214 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and aligns with mixed usage patterns including urban, motorway, and likely some off-road or towing applications common to the model. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing history that would suggest extended periods off the road, nor are there any sudden mileage jumps between tests that might indicate clocking or inconsistent usage. This steady accumulation is mechanically favourable, as it implies the drivetrain, suspension, and brake components have been worked regularly rather than subjected to long static periods that can accelerate degradation of rubber seals, fluid systems, and electronic modules. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisory history means there are no specific flagged components to target, but the inherent vulnerabilities of this Range Rover generation warrant particular attention during inspection. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, as the front upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar links, and the complex air spring assemblies are prone to wear that can develop rapidly between tests. Pay close attention to the vehicle's ride height behaviour; any failure to maintain level stance, slow sagging overnight, or compressor noise that runs excessively should be investigated as these are hallmark signs of the air suspension system beginning to require repair, which can be a costly undertaking. Steering should feel precise without vibration or pulling, and any sense of wandering or delay may indicate wear in the steering rack or tie rod assemblies. The braking system should be evaluated for firmness of pedal feel and any tendency for the vehicle to pull under heavy application, as binding calipers and warped front discs are common on heavier vehicles of this age and mileage. Inspect the underside carefully for any signs of fluid seepage from the engine, transfer box, or differential units, as these drivetrain components can develop slow leaks that rarely trigger an MOT advisory but are important for long-term reliability. Finally, verify the full operation of the Terrain Response system, electronic height adjustment, and air suspension fault memory using a diagnostic tool prior to purchase, as intermittent electronic faults on the air suspension and related modules are a known concern on this generation and may not be captured during a standard road test. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the Range Rover platform is strongly advisable given the vehicle's age and the complexity of its systems.