2004 Land Rover Range Rover 2.9L Diesel · LM04 HGG

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 November 2025 returned a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and this clean result is supported by an encouraging pattern across the last five annual tests. Between 2021 and 2025 the vehicle has passed every retrospective inspection without advisories, indicating that the remedial work carried out after the late 2020 advisory and the November 2021 failure has held firm. The single failure on 4 November 2021 cited excessive play in the nearside front outer track rod end ball joint, with a corresponding advisory on the offside side, suggesting the entire front steering linkage was attended to in one intervention rather than being a recurring weakness. Overall, the maintenance trajectory is stable rather than deteriorating, though the underlying history confirms the front suspension and steering components as the area that previously demanded attention. With 165,360 miles accumulated over roughly 22 years, the vehicle averages approximately 7,500 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a large luxury SUV of this era and falls within expectations for its age bracket. The MOT history does not reveal any anomalous gaps in recorded readings, nor does it suggest rapid accumulation that might point to motorway use or heavy towing duties. Mileage progression between tests is steady and consistent, implying regular if moderate use rather than long periods of standing or conversely intensive service. For a high-mileage four-wheel-drive vehicle of this vintage, the recorded figure is high in absolute terms, and one should reasonably expect commensurate wear on the engine, automatic transmission, transfer box, and final drive components irrespective of how the MOT results have read. That said, the clean advisory record over the past four years should not be taken as proof of mechanical perfection, particularly on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The earlier track rod end failure is a reminder that front suspension wear can progress rapidly and recur, so a thorough physical inspection of the entire front end is essential. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn suspension bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar components, and pay attention to any vagueness, wandering, or vibration through the steering wheel that could suggest renewed play in the steering rack, idler arm, or pitman arm. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which is a classic symptom of worn suspension geometry or bushes on these vehicles, and check that the rear tyres are not showing the same accelerated wear pattern that previously attracted an advisory. Given the age, it is also wise to look beyond the MOT record for components that degrade with time rather than mileage. The tyres, while not flagged recently, are over five years old in rubber terms and should be examined for sidewall perishing or cracking, particularly as standing or low-speed urban use can cause uneven shoulder wear. The 12V battery is unlikely to be original and should be load tested, while brake calipers, especially on the rear axle, are prone to seizing from corrosion when the vehicle is used predominantly for short journeys, leading to uneven brake disc wear or a dragging sensation. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil all degrade on a calendar basis and there is no MOT check for their condition, so verifying service history stamps for these items is important. Finally, given the propensity for chassis corrosion on this model, a careful inspection of the rear wheel arches, jacking points, and underbody seams is highly advisable before purchase.