2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0L Petrol · OW14 ASH

The most recent DVSA examination recorded a Pass on 23 January 2026 with no defects or advisories noted, which on the surface presents a positive picture. However, the immediate prior entry only two days earlier shows a Fail on identical Major defects concerning excessive wear to the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm front bushes, indicating that rectification work was carried out between the two tests. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle has accumulated a steady run of clean Passes from 2021 through 2025 with no recorded advisories, save for a Fail in September 2021 relating to excessively corroded rear brake flexible pipes. The combination of long advisory-free stretches followed by isolated component failures suggests a maintenance pattern that is broadly stable but punctuated by age-related degradation rather than a continuous worsening trend. The absence of advisories on otherwise clean tests is worth noting in itself, as many advisories on a vehicle of this age and complexity would be entirely normal; their absence may simply mean components had not yet reached advisory thresholds rather than confirming exceptional condition. Against a ten-year build date, the recorded 58,126 miles equates to an average annual mileage of roughly 5,800 miles, well below the national average and considerably lower than typical for a Range Rover Sport of this vintage. This low usage profile has dual implications: mechanical components such as the engine, transmission and drivetrain will have experienced comparatively limited wear from distance, but prolonged standing periods accelerate degradation in unrelated areas. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion when a vehicle is used only intermittently, and flexible hydraulic lines such as those which previously failed on this vehicle are known to deteriorate from external surface corrosion even on low-mileage examples. The 2021 brake pipe failure is consistent with calendar-age-related corrosion rather than mileage-driven wear, and a buyer should anticipate that similar hidden corrosion issues may be developing elsewhere on the underbody and chassis components. Given the low annual mileage and ten-year age, particular attention should be paid during physical inspection to age-related deterioration that MOT testing may not fully reveal. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread depth, and any tyres fitted before 2022 should be regarded as due for replacement purely on age grounds. Brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers checked for binding or seized slider pins, both common consequences of infrequent use, with symptoms including juddering on initial application and uneven pad wear. The 12V battery is highly likely to be approaching the end of its service life given its age and the demands of the vehicle's electrical systems, and a load test or evidence of recent replacement should be sought. Coolant, brake fluid and transmission oil all degrade over calendar years, so verification of recent fluid services through the main dealer or specialist history is essential, as is a check for any coolant or oil leaks from the seams of the timing chain cover, valve cover gaskets, and transfer box, all of which are recognised weak points on this model. On a test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the newly replaced front arm bushes to confirm correct fitment and torque, as premature failure of polyurethane aftermarket bushes is not unknown. Any vagueness in steering response, uneven tyre wear across an axle, or vibration through the brake pedal would warrant further investigation. The air suspension system, if fitted, should be observed for level correction on startup and any warning messages on the instrument cluster, as compressor and valve block failures are common on these vehicles regardless of mileage. A thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points, outriggers, and the areas where the brake lines were previously renewed, is strongly advisable. Finally, confirmation of a complete main dealer or Land Rover specialist service history, with evidence of recent timing chain, differential and transfer case fluid changes, will be central to validating the mechanical integrity of what is otherwise a low-mileage but age-complex prestige SUV.