2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4.4L Petrol · OE55 HLR

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 October 2025 resulted in a PASS, with five advisories recorded against the suspension and braking system. Reviewing the four-year test history, the overall trend shows a vehicle that has consistently passed once initial faults have been remedied, but one whose advisory list has lengthened noticeably with every annual visit. Recurring advisories for offside front suspension arm ball joint play, offside front brake hose ferrule corrosion, and nearside rear anti-roll bar ball joint play have now appeared at multiple consecutive tests, confirming progressive wear rather than isolated observations. Two failures within the recorded period, both involving an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, plus a 2022 dangerous failure for nearside front brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, point to a vehicle that has required recurring mechanical intervention but has otherwise been kept roadworthy. The pattern is best described as stable in terms of pass/fail outcome but steadily worsening in component condition, which is consistent with a high-mileage sporting utility vehicle entering its twentieth year of operation. With 179,493 miles recorded on a 2006 model, this Range Rover Sport has averaged roughly 8,975 miles annually, a figure broadly in line with typical UK usage for its age. The annual MOT intervals show mileage accumulating steadily rather than in large irregular jumps, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing or sudden long-distance trips. That said, the cumulative wear implied by nearly 180,000 miles on a vehicle of this complexity is substantial, particularly for the engine, automatic transmission, transfer box, and air suspension components which are known wear items on this chassis. Continual annual mileage of this nature means that consumables and major mechanical items will have been replaced multiple times, but buyers should be alert to the cumulative cost of ownership that comes with a high-mileage premium SUV. The recurring advisories deserve close scrutiny during any pre-purchase inspection. The persistent offside front lower suspension arm ball joint play, noted in 2022, 2023, and 2025, suggests the joint is approaching the threshold where it would fail an MOT, so a physical check for vertical or rotational play by rocking the wheel at the lower arm is worthwhile, listening for clonks over speed humps and uneven tyre wear across the offside front tread. The nearside rear anti-roll bar ball joint play, present since at least 2024, and the nearside rear upper arm pin or bush wear noted in 2021 and 2025, indicate rear suspension bushes that are progressively deteriorating; expect a slight rear-end vagueness on cornering and listen for knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces. Brake hose ferrule corrosion has been flagged on both front hoses in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and although slight, this corrosion progresses towards cracking and fluid leakage under braking pressure, so the hoses warrant a visual inspection for surface rust, deformation, or weeping. The nearside rear wheel bearing slight play flagged in 2024 should be checked for any humming or rumbling that increases with speed, and the rear brake disc shield corrosion noted at the same test may point to disc surface corrosion that could cause brake shudder on the first firm application after rain or washing. Beyond the recorded advisories, a buyer should carry out the additional checks expected of any twenty-year-old high-mileage 4x4. Confirm the age and condition of all four tyres by inspecting the DOT date codes on the sidewalls, as rubber perishes regardless of tread depth and tyres over six years old should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. Verify a recent timing belt or timing chain service on the engine, as neglected timing components on a high-mileage unit can lead to catastrophic failure, and confirm the history of the automatic gearbox fluid, transfer box oil, and air suspension reservoir and strut condition if fitted. On the test drive, listen for any suspension hesitation, clunks, or uneven ride height behaviour, check for binding brakes or pulling under firm pedal pressure, and observe the instrument cluster for any residual engine management or airbag warning lamps that may relate to the previously flagged MIL and SRS faults. Finally, ensure the service book demonstrates regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, as consistent servicing is the strongest indicator of long-term mechanical durability in a vehicle of this age and mileage.