2022 Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic S D Mhev A 3.0L Diesel · PL72 XDA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 August 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, but it follows a failure recorded two days earlier on 26 August 2026 where the off‑side rear tyre was noted as worn close to the legal limit and the near‑side rear tyre was deemed dangerous because of a bulge in the sidewall. The earlier test in October 2025 also carried an advisory for the near‑side front tyre being close to the wear limit. This pattern shows a clear deterioration in tyre condition over the past twelve months, moving from advisory‑only findings to a dangerous defect, indicating that the tyre wear trend is worsening and requires immediate remedial action. At 22 350 miles on a 2022 Defender, the vehicle averages roughly 5 600 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this class. The low utilisation suggests periods of limited use or prolonged standing, which can be as consequential as high mileage for certain components. While reduced wear on drivetrain and brake wear items is likely, the low mileage does not mitigate the need to inspect age‑related degradation such as rubber hardening, corrosion of brake components, and battery health. The modest mileage also means that any wear observed is likely the result of the vehicle’s operating conditions rather than sheer distance covered. Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough tyre inspection. The near‑side rear tyre bulge is a structural failure that can progress rapidly, potentially leading to a sudden loss of air pressure, vibration, or a catastrophic blow‑out, especially at higher speeds. The off‑side rear tyre, being close to the legal tread depth, may already be unevenly worn; check for cupping, sidewall cracking, or feather‑edge wear that could indicate mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes, or improper tyre pressure. A test drive should be attentive to any thumping, side‑to‑side vibration, or pulling to one side, which would suggest underlying suspension or steering issues that may have contributed to the tyre wear pattern. Replacement of both rear tyres is advisable, and the front tyres should be measured for tread depth and inspected for any signs of age‑related cracking before deciding whether they also require replacement. Beyond the tyres, the low‑usage profile warrants checks for age‑related deterioration. Examine the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and verify its charge holding capacity, as batteries can lose capacity when a vehicle sits for extended periods. Inspect the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing, or uneven wear that can arise from infrequent use, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. Look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and underbody, and confirm that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid) have been serviced according to the manufacturer’s calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. A full service history, including any recent fluid changes, will give further confidence that the Defender has been maintained appropriately despite its low mileage.