2009 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · OO09 BET

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its most recent MOT on 6 March 2026 at 142,062 miles. The maintenance trend shows a concerning pattern of recurring corrosion and fluid leaks, with no significant improvement in the underlying issues despite consistent annual testing. While the latest test recorded only minor advisories—specifically a defective wiper blade, a non-impairing windscreen damage, and slight play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage—the history reveals a persistent degradation in critical components, particularly around the suspension and braking systems. The fact that multiple corrosion-related defects have reappeared across several tests indicates an ongoing issue with environmental exposure or inadequate preventative maintenance. The mileage accumulation over the past three years has been steady and typical for the vehicle’s age: from 131,349 miles in March 2023 to 142,062 miles in March 2026, representing approximately 8,700 miles per year. This reflects consistent use without major gaps, suggesting the vehicle has not been left idle for extended periods. However, the lack of any substantial repair records between tests raises questions about whether underlying faults were addressed or merely tolerated. The repeated coolant and oil leaks, combined with corrosion on front and rear coil springs and brake pipes, point to a vehicle that has likely experienced prolonged exposure to moisture and road salt, especially given the severity of the corrosion noted in 2025. A buyer must conduct a thorough in-person inspection focusing on the suspension system, particularly the coil springs and ball joints, as both have shown progressive corrosion and wear. The brake pipes on both axles have been flagged multiple times, with one offside front pipe failing in 2023 and others showing corrosion covered in grease—this suggests a risk of sudden failure if not replaced. The presence of coolant and oil leaks, even when described as non-excessive, warrants checking for signs of overheating, engine damage, or transmission issues. Additionally, the windscreen damage and wiper blade failures indicate potential neglect in routine checks; these should be verified for safety and visibility compliance. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially around the chassis rails and underbody, where rust could compromise long-term durability.