2011 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · OO07 BBG

The vehicle achieved a clean pass at its most recent MOT test on 2 September 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which is the most encouraging indicator on the file. The previous test in February 2025 also returned a pass with no advisories, suggesting that the issues flagged in early 2024 were addressed rather than left to deteriorate. The 2024 record is the main point of interest, as the February 2024 test produced three major failures relating to a non-functioning nearside front direction indicator, an insufficient windscreen washer supply, and a damaged or missing rear seat belt cover, alongside an advisory for a seeping nearside front swivel joint seal. The fact that the swivel joint advisory has not recurred at either subsequent test implies it was either rectified or has remained stable, but it remains a component worth monitoring given Defender susceptibility to swivel housing and driveshaft wear. The recorded mileage of 100,177 miles over approximately fifteen years equates to an average of around 6,678 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working or leisure Defender of this generation. There is a notable gap between the February 2021 test and the July 2022 test, and again between July 2022 and November 2019, but no mileage figures are recorded against the older entries, so it is difficult to assess whether the vehicle has covered ground steadily or experienced periods of standing. For a Defender of this age and presumed mixed-use character, even moderate annual mileage will have placed cumulative load on the suspension, driveline, steering and braking components, so prospective buyers should not assume that lower-than-average mileage alone equates to a lightly worn vehicle, particularly given the agricultural duties these vehicles often perform off-road. The most significant item for a buyer to investigate physically is the nearside front swivel joint seal, as Defenders are well known for grease loss at the front swivel housings, leading to accelerated wear of the universal joints and potential water ingress. On a test drive, listen for clicking or grumbling from the front axle on full lock, check for fresh grease around the swivel ball housing, and inspect the CV gaiters and driveshaft condition underneath. The 2024 seat belt cover failure also warrants inspection of all seat belt webbings and retractor mechanisms, as frayed or damaged belts are a safety-critical issue. Although the direction indicator and washer faults are minor in isolation, their simultaneous appearance suggests the vehicle may have been stored or neglected for a period prior to that test, so a thorough check of general electrical function, lighting, and ancillary equipment is worthwhile. Given the age of the vehicle, even with a clean current MOT, several time-based service items deserve direct scrutiny. Brake discs and pads should be inspected for wear, surface corrosion, and binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods, as standing can cause caliper slide pins to seize and pads to corrode into the caliper carriers. Check all tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking from age rather than just tread depth, as fifteen-year-old tyres may require replacement regardless of remaining tread. Verify the age and condition of the 12V battery, examine coolant and brake fluid for service history, and inspect all suspension bushes, shock absorbers, anti-roll bar links, and the chassis for corrosion, as Defenders are particularly vulnerable to structural oxidation in the chassis rails, outriggers, and footwell areas. Finally, confirm the service book stamps or digital service history to ensure the timing belt, fuel filter, and transfer box and gearbox oils have been changed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals appropriate to this mileage.