2005 Land Rover Range Rover 2.9L Diesel · IW 4724

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 30 March 2026 at 121,892 miles passed without defects, confirming current roadworthiness. However, the preceding history reveals a concerning pattern of recurring tyre and structural issues, particularly between 2023 and 2024. The failure in May 2023 for tyre damage, rear suspension bush wear, and significant corrosion in the sub-frame and wheel arches suggests a vehicle that was either poorly maintained or subjected to harsh conditions. While the 2024 February failure was rectified before the April 2024 test, the repeated tyre failures—now spanning over three years—indicate a lack of proactive care, as such defects often escalate if ignored. The absence of defects in the last two tests does not negate the need for thorough scrutiny of components that previously failed. The recorded mileage of 121,892 miles over 21 years equates to approximately 5,800 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and type. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate deterioration in tyres, suspension components, and structural integrity. Notably, the mileage remained static at around 107,600 miles between February 2024 and May 2023, a gap of 15 months with no movement—an anomaly that could imply the vehicle was stored or rarely used. Such stagnation exacerbates risks like tyre degradation and corrosion, as seen in the MOT failures. The consistency of low mileage also raises questions about whether critical maintenance was deferred due to infrequent use. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the tyres, focusing on the near-side front and rear, where previous structural failures occurred. The 2023 MOT highlighted worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes, so the condition of these components—particularly for excessive play or cracking—must be verified. Corrosion in the rear sub-frame and wheel arches was flagged as a concern, so structural integrity should be assessed, including welds and potential weakening. The rear seat belt anchorage was also deemed compromised, warranting inspection for rust or damage to the sills. Given the history of tyre failures, the tread depth and internal integrity of all tyres should be scrutinised, with particular attention to signs of separation or perishing. While the vehicle passed its last MOT, these recurring issues suggest it has not been consistently maintained, and further investigation is essential.