2001 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · RF51 ARZ

The 2001 Land Rover Defender is currently not roadworthy after its December 2025 MOT failure. Repeated corrosion of brake pipes, persistent suspension bush wear, and ongoing oil and exhaust defects show a worsening rather than improving trend. Mileage has risen from 147,248 miles in August 2019 to 172,196 miles by December 2025, an average increase of roughly 4,000 miles per year, which aligns with the vehicle’s 25‑year age and indicates continuous use without long standing periods. Recurring faults include excessively worn rear and front suspension bushes, corroded coil springs affecting all corners, brake pipes covered in grease or corrosion, pitted front brake discs, and intermittent ABS and ESC warning lamps, while structural outrigger corrosion was noted in 2021 and 2022 tests. A buyer should therefore examine the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs, inspect brake pipes and discs for corrosion and wear, verify steering box oil leakage, check for structural rust on the outrigger and chassis, test wiper operation and tyre tread, and confirm that no ABS or ESC fault lights remain illuminated.