2021 Land Rover Defender S D Auto 2.0L Diesel · HD07 DEV

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2021 Land Rover Defender was conducted on 26 September 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. This continues a consistently clean pattern, with the previous tests on 19 February 2025 and 23 February 2024 also resulting in passes and no advisories or failures noted. Such an unbroken run of defect-free assessments strongly indicates that the owner has maintained the vehicle to a high standard, with no immediate structural, braking, suspension, or emissions concerns flagged by the official examiner. From a maintenance trend perspective, this represents the most stable and reassuring pattern a prospective buyer could hope to see, suggesting the vehicle has likely benefited from regular servicing and attentive care rather than being neglected or run until components fail. With a recorded mileage of 32,828 miles over approximately five years, this Defender has covered around 6,566 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and class. There are no apparent voids or significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged standing, nor is there evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would typically accelerate wear on major drivetrain components, brakes, or suspension. This moderate usage profile is generally favourable for a modern complex vehicle such as the Defender, as it avoids the extremes of both motorway-driven high-mileage wear and the issues associated with long-term standing. Nonetheless, given the substantial on-board technology and four-wheel-drive hardware, even average annual mileage will have introduced wear to consumables and drivetrain fluids that require calendar-based servicing regardless of distance covered. Although the MOT history is exceptionally clean, a prospective buyer should not become complacent, as the Defender features complex air suspension, electronic damping, and heavy-duty braking systems that can develop issues between tests. On a thorough inspection, pay particular attention to the condition of the tyres, looking not only for tread depth but for signs of sidewall perishing, uneven wear patterns that may suggest suspension misalignment, and any bulges or cracking consistent with age rather than mileage. Given that the vehicle is approaching five years of service, the 12V battery should be load-tested, as modern vehicles with extensive infotainment and electronic systems are particularly vulnerable to battery degradation. Additionally, examine the brake discs for any signs of corrosion around the outer edges or lipping, as these can indicate binding calipers or infrequent use despite the recorded mileage. The buyer should also verify the full service history documentation, ensuring that all scheduled maintenance items have been addressed at the correct intervals, particularly the transfer box, differential, and automatic transmission fluid changes that Land Rover specifies on a calendar basis. During the test drive, listen carefully for suspension noises over uneven surfaces, as air spring failures and worn bushes are known issues on this model and may not yet have manifested during previous MOT assessments. Check that the air suspension rises and levels correctly from cold, and ensure there are no warning messages present on the instrument cluster relating to the drivetrain, emissions, or stability control systems. Finally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for any signs of corrosion, particularly around the chassis rails and suspension mounting points, as early Defenders of this generation can be susceptible to surface oxidation despite their aluminium body panels, and confirm that all fluid levels are at their correct marks and free from discolouration that would indicate overdue servicing.