2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.6L Diesel · RO09 KWH

A recurring theme throughout the MOT record is progressive wear in the rear anti‑roll bar linkage, rear and front lower suspension arm ball joints and the rear brake pipe corrosion, with each test since 2020 adding new advisories in these areas. The most recent 2025 test was passed, yet it still flagged slight play in the nearside rear anti‑roll bar linkage and both front and rear lower suspension arm ball joints, alongside a nearside rear brake pipe showing corrosion and grease build‑up. Earlier years show a similar pattern, culminating in a 2021 failure for a nearside front position lamp and a dangerous off‑side front inner tyre with exposed ply, while a 2022 failure added an engine MIL fault. The trend suggests a vehicle that has remained road‑worthy but is accumulating wear on key suspension and braking components rather than showing a sudden deterioration. At 152,342 mi on a 2009 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 9,000 mi, which sits comfortably within normal usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history is continuous with no multi‑year gaps, indicating the car has been regularly tested and thus likely driven consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This mileage level means consumables such as bushings, ball joints, brake lines and tyres are approaching the point where replacement is common, especially on a vehicle that has already logged advisory wear on several suspension points and brake pipe corrosion. When inspecting the suspension, pay particular attention to any clunking or knocking noises when traversing bumps, a vague looseness in the steering wheel, or uneven tyre wear that could indicate the slight play noted in the ball joints and anti‑roll bar linkage. A test drive should include a gentle left‑right sweep at low speed to feel for any wandering or excessive play, and a check for any vibration that may be transmitted through the chassis. Given the repeated advisories, a thorough visual inspection of the ball joint boots for cracks or fluid leakage, and a measurement of the clearance in the anti‑roll bar bushings, would be prudent before committing to purchase. The brake system warrants close scrutiny because the rear brake pipe corrosion has been recorded on multiple occasions and has persisted despite passing the most recent test. Look for any soft or spongy pedal feel, especially under heavy braking, and listen for hissing or fluid leaks around the rear pipe connections. Verify that the front and rear brake lights illuminate fully, as a failed position lamp was previously flagged. The 2022 engine MIL fault, although not repeated in later tests, suggests the need for a diagnostic scan to confirm that the engine control unit is currently fault‑free. Finally, the tyre wear advisories from 2022 and the dangerous tyre condition in 2021 mean the current tyre tread depth should be measured; any tyre approaching the legal limit or showing sidewall damage should be replaced immediately to maintain safe handling.