2011 Land Rover Range Rover SP HSE TDV6 A 3.0L Diesel · RG53 CMS

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT pass certificate dated 26 August 2026, issued shortly after a previous test on the 7 August 2026 that was recorded as a failure. The DVSA record shows no advisories or defect details for either test, which means any reasons for the earlier failure were either rectified on the same day, a refusal was issued for administrative reasons, or the failure was repaired and immediately re-presented without items being logged against the advisory section. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has alternated between pass and fail outcomes across its recorded history, with passes in November 2021, February 2023, July 2024, July 2025, and August 2026, interspersed with failures in January 2023, June 2024, and August 2026. The current clean pass is a positive sign, but the recurring fail-and-re-pass pattern suggests the vehicle may benefit from a pre-purchase inspection to verify that previous repair work has been carried out to a satisfactory standard, as repeated minor advisories or failures on the same systems can indicate persistent underlying wear. The recorded mileage of 74,695 miles on a 2011 model equates to an average annual usage of roughly 4,980 miles, which is substantially below the national average and indicates either limited regular use, significant periods of standing, or potentially inconsistent driving patterns. There are notable gaps in the MOT record, with no tests visible between November 2021 and January 2023, and again a relatively long interval between February 2023 and June 2024. Combined with the low annual figure, this strongly suggests the vehicle may have spent considerable time stationary, which on a complex four-wheel-drive SUV such as the Range Rover Sport can lead to a specific set of mechanical concerns. Low-mileage vehicles do not necessarily benefit from reduced wear on all components; in fact, prolonged standing often accelerates degradation of rubber seals, driveshaft gaiters, brake components, and certain drivetrain elements. For a prospective buyer, the clean DVSA record is encouraging but should not replace a thorough physical inspection, particularly given the vehicle's age and low usage profile. Tyres fitted to a low-mileage vehicle of this age are often original or several years old, and the sidewalls should be carefully examined for perishing, cracking, and any bulging, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth. The braking system warrants particular scrutiny: brake discs that have sat idle are prone to surface corrosion and pitting, and calipers can seize or bind due to corroded slider pins, which may manifest as uneven braking pull to one side, a low or spongy pedal, or scraping noises on the first application. The handbrake mechanism, particularly on a vehicle with an electronic park brake, should be tested for full engagement and release, while the underbody and wheel arch liners should be inspected for corrosion, paying close attention to suspension components, subframes, and exhaust mounting points. Additional checks should focus on age-related degradation rather than mileage wear alone. The 12V battery health is critical on a Range Rover Sport, as vehicles with complex electronic systems suffer when standing, and a load test or voltage check is advisable, along with inspection of the battery tray for acid corrosion. All fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and especially the AdBlue system and diesel particulate filter should be verified for condition and service history, as calendar-based servicing is essential even when mileage is low; brake fluid in particular absorbs moisture and should be replaced regardless of mileage, typically every two years. On the test drive, listen for suspension clonks over uneven surfaces which may indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar links, and check for any hesitation, excessive smoke, or transmission irregularities which can arise from prolonged inactivity. Finally, verify the full service book stamping record to confirm that time-based services have been carried out, as low annual mileage does not exempt the vehicle from manufacturer-scheduled maintenance intervals.