2020 Land Rover Discovery Landmark SD6 Auto 3.0L Diesel · KB20 KAB

A solitary advisory sits against an otherwise clean MOT record for this Discovery SD6, but it is the nature of that advisory rather than the absence of failures that warrants attention. Across four recorded tests spanning 2023 to early January 2026, the vehicle has passed every examination, with the most recent test on 2026-01-07, 2024-12-21, and 2024-01-13 all returning clean pass markers and no advisories at all. The single note recorded, concerning front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear on both sides, was issued at the latest test and represents a relatively new observation. Because it is a bilateral advisory appearing on a heavy, complex SUV platform, it is worth treating as an early indicator of progressive component degradation rather than an isolated anomaly, particularly given that the previous two tests returned completely clean records, suggesting the wear has developed within roughly the last twelve months. With 60,394 miles recorded against a six-year build, this Discovery is averaging approximately 10,000 miles per year, which sits firmly within the typical usage band for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual tests consistently recorded in January of each year, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods off the road. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than abrupt, which is consistent with regular driving rather than commercial or high-mileage exploitation. That said, the SD6 is a sizeable and heavy diesel vehicle, and even moderate annual mileage places meaningful cyclical load on suspension, drivetrain mounts, and braking components, so the wear implied by the latest advisory is not inconsistent with this rate of accumulation. For a prospective buyer, the immediate focus should be the front lower suspension arms and their associated bushes or pins, since this is the only mechanical item specifically flagged in the MOT record. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly over speed humps, potholes, or uneven B-roads, as worn bushes and joint pins on Land Rover suspension frequently present as audible impacts rather than as discernible through the steering wheel. Pay attention to any vagueness or delay in steering response at low speed, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which can develop quickly once the geometry is compromised by worn linkage components. Given that the advisory was noted on both sides simultaneously, replacement of both arms and bushes in a matched pair would be the prudent approach to restore correct geometry and avoid asymmetric handling. Beyond the flagged suspension items, this generation of Discovery SD6 is worth inspecting thoroughly for issues that may not yet have surfaced as advisories but are consistent with the vehicle's age and mileage. The test drive should include a thorough check of the auto transmission for any shunt, hesitation, or delayed engagement when cold, as the ZF eight-speed unit fitted to these vehicles is sensitive to fluid condition and can exhibit harsh downshifts if neglected. Brake feel should be assessed for judder under firm pedal pressure, which would suggest disc warping, a known concern on heavier Land Rover products. Finally, a low-speed pass over broken surfaces and a visual inspection underneath the vehicle for any signs of seepage from the transfer box, rear differential, or turbocharger oil lines would be worthwhile, given that these areas are common sources of slow deterioration on diesel Land Rovers approaching the 60,000-mile mark.