2012 Land Rover Range Rover 2.2L Diesel · GJ12 HHW

A recent trend of mechanical deterioration is emerging in the vehicle's MOT history, moving from several years of clean certificates to failures and advisories in late 2025. While the vehicle maintained a defect-free record from 2019 through 2024, the most recent testing cycle on 21 November 2025 resulted in a pass but left the vehicle with specific mechanical concerns. These include a defective rear exhaust mounting and a severely deteriorated offside rear outer drive shaft constant velocity boot with a slight leak at the outer clip, both of which were noted as minor or advisory issues following a failure for a deep cut in the offside front tyre on 18 November 2025. The recorded mileage of 135,295 miles over approximately 14 years represents an average annual accumulation of roughly 9,664 miles. This usage pattern is typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests consistent, moderate road use rather than long periods of stationary storage or heavy commercial application. From a mechanical standpoint, this level of mileage implies that components such as suspension bushes, drivetrain seals, and exhaust hangers have reached a stage of life where wear and fatigue are expected, which is consistent with the specific defects appearing in the latest MOT results. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the drivetrain and exhaust systems during a physical inspection and test drive. The advisory regarding the offside rear outer drive shaft constant velocity boot suggests that grease may be escaping the joint, which can lead to premature failure of the shaft if not addressed. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic clicking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or under acceleration, as these are common symptoms of a failing CV joint. Additionally, the defective rear exhaust mounting could lead to excessive vibration or an uneven exhaust note; check for undue movement or rattling from the rear of the vehicle when idling or traversing uneven surfaces. The previous failure involving a tyre with a cut reaching the cords indicates that the vehicle's consumables are currently in a phase of active replacement. Beyond the specific CV boot and exhaust mounting issues, the transition from a clean record to these recent defects warrants a thorough check of the wider suspension and drivetrain integrity. Ensure there is no excessive play in the steering or any pulling to one side, which could indicate that other rubber components or linkages are beginning to degrade in a similar manner to the recorded drive shaft boot.