1996 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · P291 AGR

The 1996 Land Rover Discovery’s most recent MOT test on 17 June 2023 at 155,017 miles resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, indicating a stable roadworthiness status at that time. However, this test occurred over three years ago, and the vehicle has not undergone an official inspection since. The preceding test in December 2021 also passed, though a failure was noted just three days earlier at 154,693 miles, which presented no recorded defects. This inconsistency suggests either a data entry error or an unresolved issue that was temporarily resolved without documentation. The overall trend in the available records is stable, with no recurring faults flagged in the passing tests. The mileage accumulation of 155,017 miles over approximately 30 years equates to an average of 5,167 miles per year, which is unusually low for the vehicle’s age. The increase between the December 2021 pass (154,714 miles) and the June 2023 test (155,017 miles) was minimal, at 303 miles over 18 months. This slow progression implies the vehicle was either used sparingly or experienced extended periods of inactivity. The significant gap since the last MOT raises concerns about potential deterioration of critical systems during storage, particularly rubber components such as suspension bushes, tyres, and seals, which degrade even without use. The absence of recent mileage data prevents confirmation of whether the engine and transmission have been operated sufficiently to maintain their condition. Given the limited recent data, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough in-person inspection focusing on structural integrity, particularly for corrosion around the sills, wheel arches, and undercarriage, common in older Land Rovers. The braking system warrants scrutiny, especially if the 2021 failure involved unrecorded issues; inspect for binding calipers, uneven brake disc wear, or faded brake lines. The exhaust system should be checked for rust or damage, and the engine should be started to assess for excessive smoke, unusual noises, or irregular idle, which could indicate issues arising from prolonged inactivity. Additionally, verify the functionality of the four-wheel-drive system and transfer case, as infrequent use can lead to seized components. A professional pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised to uncover any latent faults not evident in the MOT history.