2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · OY12 OTP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 9 May 2024 with no failures or major defects recorded, only two advisory items relating to tyre condition. While the test result itself is satisfactory and the vehicle is therefore roadworthy as of that date, the absence of a more recent MOT certificate means any prospective buyer must ensure the test remains current and should be alert to the advisories raised, as tyres are time-sensitive safety components that may have deteriorated further in the intervening period. The MOT history is limited but consistent, with a pass at the previous test on 12 April 2023 and an identical advisory for an offside front tyre cut, suggesting that this particular defect has persisted across two consecutive examinations and warrants close inspection. Overall the maintenance trend appears stable, with no structural, braking, suspension, or lighting failures recorded, although the recurrence of the same advisory indicates a wear point that has not been rectified. With 97,164 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,940 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular but not exhaustive use. There is no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation or significant standing periods that would drastically alter the mechanical prognosis. However, it is worth noting that a Range Rover Sport of this vintage and mileage will have experienced considerable wear on major drivetrain, suspension, and braking components regardless of annual average, and the MOT history alone does not capture service intervals, timing chain condition, or other internal engine work. A comprehensive service history review is therefore essential alongside the MOT data. Given the recurring advisories concerning the offside front tyre, the buyer should closely inspect all four tyres for cuts, cracking, perishing, and uneven tread wear, paying particular attention to the nearside rear which was flagged in 2024 for slight damage and perishing. Rubber compounds degrade with age as well as mileage, and a 14-year-old vehicle may exhibit sidewall cracking even where tread depth remains legal. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which on a Range Rover Sport often indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, air suspension struts, or coil spring failure, and observe whether the vehicle sits level at all four corners when stationary. Steering should respond without vagueness, and braking should be progressive without shudder or pulling, as these symptoms can reveal warped discs or binding calipers, the latter being a frequent issue on vehicles that have stood unused. Beyond the advisory items, the buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection appropriate to the vehicle's age and mileage. Check for evidence of fluid leaks beneath the engine and around the transfer box and differentials, examine all coolant hoses for perishing, and verify the condition and age of the 12V battery, which on a 2012 vehicle is almost certainly due for replacement if not already renewed. Brake discs should be examined for corrosion ridges around the perimeter, particularly if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, and caliper slide pins checked for seizing. All time-based services should be confirmed, including engine oil, brake fluid (typically biennial), coolant, and automatic transmission fluid, as calendar degradation of fluids occurs regardless of mileage. Finally, inspect the underside for corrosion, examine the exhaust system for blowing joints or hanging sections, and ensure all warning lights extinguish promptly on ignition, as Range Rover Sport electrical systems of this era are known for sensor and module faults that may not always be flagged during a standard MOT.