2009 Land Rover Discovery 3.0L Diesel · RG59 RSG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend regarding age-related degradation and recurring structural issues. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 176,181 miles passed, it noted a persistent oil leak that has appeared consistently since late 2021. The failure in November 2024 was particularly significant, revealing multiple critical defects across the braking, suspension, and safety systems, which suggests that maintenance is often reactive to MOT failures rather than performed on a proactive preventative schedule. At 176,181 miles over 17 years, the Discovery has covered a consistent average of approximately 10,300 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There is a notable surge in usage between December 2020 and December 2021, where the vehicle covered over 14,000 miles in just fourteen months. This period of heavy use coincides with the onset of recurring mechanical issues, including wear on brake components and suspension bushes, indicating that the heavier components are now reaching the end of their high-mileage lifespan. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, as the 2025 test flagged corrosion on the vehicle structure near the lower arm drain holes. Although structural rigidity was not compromised at that time, rust on Land Rover chassis points tends to progress rapidly if not treated. The suspension also shows a clear history of wear, with the upper arm inner bushes being flagged in 2021, 2022, and 2024. These components should be checked for play or noise which would indicate further impending failure. The braking system requires close attention due to a history of binding rear brakes, corroded brake pipes, and thin pads. The 2024 failure specifically highlighted a corroded brake hose ferrule and a corroded rear pipe, which are safety-critical items if allowed to degrade. Given the persistent oil leak and the previous reports of distorted road wheels in 2024 and 2025, the buyer should verify that the leak is not increasing and that the wheels are free of lateral run or impact damage.