2004 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · NL04 NTG

The 2004 Land Rover Discovery has maintained a clean MOT history with no recorded defects in the most recent tests, including the May 2025 pass at 141,842 miles. This suggests the vehicle has avoided major mechanical failures during the past year, though the lack of advisories or minor faults means critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers were not explicitly cleared. The June 2022 failure—though unusual for a Discovery—was recorded at 158,309 miles with no defects noted, implying either a technical error or a non-mechanical issue (e.g., administrative oversight). The subsequent July 2022 pass at 158,310 miles confirms the vehicle was roadworthy shortly after, but the narrow margin between tests raises curiosity about what prompted the initial failure. Overall, the trend is stable, with no evidence of worsening mechanical issues, but the sparse defect data leaves some critical components untested. The mileage progression reveals inconsistent usage patterns. Between May 2024 (134,816 miles) and May 2025 (141,842 miles), the vehicle accumulated just 7,026 miles—less than 300 miles per month—suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity. This could accelerate corrosion in suspension components, wheel arches, or underbody panels if the vehicle was stored without protection. The jump from 158,310 miles in July 2022 to 134,816 miles by May 2024 (a 23,494-mile reduction) indicates either a reset or a significant gap in recorded history, complicating mileage verification. The average annual mileage of 6,447 miles aligns with typical usage for its age, but the irregularity in movement may have contributed to uneven wear on consumables like tyres or brake pads. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear trailing arms and subframe mounts, as these are common failure points in Land Rovers of this era. The lack of advisories does not preclude deterioration in coil springs, shock absorbers, or steering rack seals, which often develop leaks or binding without triggering MOT failures. Exhaust emissions should be monitored for excessive smoke or catalytic converter degradation, as older Diesels can develop hidden faults. Structural integrity is another concern—check for rust penetration in the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, especially if the vehicle was stored outdoors during the low-mileage periods. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for uneven wear or binding, as the 2022 failure (if mechanical) might have been related to these systems. Finally, verify the condition of the differential and transfer case seals, as fluid leaks can lead to catastrophic failure in high-mileage Land Rovers.