2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · RE10 AAY

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 May 2026 resulted in a Pass, but with two advisories retained from the previous year, namely a minor oil leak and corroded side steps. Reviewing the sequence of tests, the overall maintenance trend cannot be described as stable or improving. The 19 May 2025 attempt recorded a Fail with three Major defects concerning exhaust emissions, two excessively corroded brake pipes, and a split nearside front inner CV boot, all of which were evidently rectified to allow a same-day Pass. While the vehicle is presently roadworthy, the presence of recurring advisories alongside a recent failure suggests an owner who is addressing issues reactively rather than preventatively, and a prospective buyer should not interpret the current Pass as evidence of consistent mechanical upkeep. The recorded mileage of 117,776 miles over a 16-year life equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 7,361 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage between tests, indicating either regular use or consistent MOT attendance. For a Range Rover Sport of this vintage and mileage, this level of usage generally means that major mechanical consumables such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, and drivetrain mounts are likely to be approaching the second or third cycle of replacement. Higher-mileage examples of this model are particularly prone to wear in the air suspension system, transfer box, and electronic stability control components, all of which merit scrutiny irrespective of the present MOT status. Given the recurring oil leak advisory, a buyer should physically inspect the underside of the engine and transmission for fresh seepage, particularly around the sump gasket, valve cover gaskets, and any oil cooler lines. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic tapping from the engine bay that could indicate a worsening leak onto hot components, and check the oil level on the dipstick to confirm it sits within the marked range. The split CV boot recorded in 2024 and 2025 is a critical item; on inspection, the replacement boot should be examined for splits or grease loss, and the test drive should be conducted in tight circles to listen for clicking or knocking from the front drivetrain, which would indicate joint wear following contamination. The exhaust emissions failure warrants verification that any catalytic converter or lambda sensor work has been completed properly, as persistent over-limit emissions may suggest underlying engine management or fuelling faults. The brake pipe corrosion Majors are particularly concerning on a vehicle of this age and body style, as Range Rover Sport underbodies are notoriously vulnerable to corrosion through road salt exposure. A prospective buyer should arrange for the vehicle to be placed on a ramp to inspect the entire brake line run, including the rear pipes that were flagged, and to confirm that any replacement sections meet OEM specification. The side step and underbody corrosion advisories indicate that corrosion protection may be compromised, so a thorough examination of structural integrity, sills, and chassis rails is advisable. Beyond the MOT record, age-appropriate checks should include a full inspection of tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, brake discs for corrosion pitting or binding calipers from standing, 12V battery health given the vehicle's age, and confirmation that brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with this model is strongly recommended, given the combination of a recent failure, recurring advisories, and the known complexity of the vehicle's systems.