2005 Land Rover Range Rover 4.2L Petrol · PA05 TAN

Corrosion of the suspension mounting areas and recurring issues with the braking system define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, which most recently passed its MOT on 20 December 2025. While the latest test was successful, the record shows a recent period of instability, specifically a failure in September 2025 involving a dangerous deficiency in parking brake efficiency and a major defect regarding excessive play in the offside track rod end. The trend indicates a shift from a clean record between 2015 and 2018 toward more frequent structural and component-based advisories and failures in more recent years, particularly concerning the rear suspension and braking infrastructure. The vehicle has covered 136,054 miles over its 21-year lifespan, averaging approximately 6,479 miles per year. This represents a relatively low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age and type, which can often result in components such as suspension bushes and braking mechanisms being subject to more environmental degradation and stasis-related issues rather than high-frequency mechanical wear. The testing history shows a notable gap between 2018 and 2022, which may correlate with periods where the vehicle was not in regular use, potentially contributing to the subsequent appearance of corrosion on brake pipes and subframe components. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the structural integrity of the rear suspension, as the 2025 MOT recorded corrosion on both the offside and nearside rear suspension component mounting areas. Although currently described as not excessive, this is a progressive issue. During a test drive, listen for any knocking, clunking, or irregular thudding sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the corrosion is affecting the rigidity of the mountings or the condition of the underlying subframe. The previous advisory regarding worn rear subframe pins and bushes also warrants a thorough inspection of the rear end for any lateral movement or instability. The braking system requires specific scrutiny given the history of excessively corroded front brake pipes and a dangerous failure regarding parking brake efficiency. It is essential to verify that the parking brake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline and does not feel overly long or loose in its travel. Additionally, the presence of corroded brake pipes covered in grease suggests a need to ensure that the lines are not just visually obscured but are structurally sound. On the road, check for any pedal sponginess, uneven braking force, or pulling to one side, which could signal that the previously flagged corrosion or the track rod end play is impacting the vehicle's steering and stopping performance.