2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · RO11 NLD

A pattern of recent brake and drivetrain wear is beginning to emerge on this Range Rover Sport, even though the underlying test outcomes remain favourable. The most recent examination on 21 January 2026 recorded a pass alongside an advisory for front brake disc wear on both inner sides, plus a minor defect for a severely deteriorated nearside front constant velocity joint boot. The 2025 test had similarly returned a pass but with an advisory for rear brake disc wear, suggesting that the braking system has been steadily accumulating wear across both axles over the last twelve months. Three prior tests in 2023, 2022 and 2021 returned clean passes with no advisories, so the recent entries represent a clear shift in the pattern of recorded defects. There have been no failures, but the trend warrants attention given the vehicle's age and the cumulative advisory count now standing at three across the most recent two tests. The recorded mileage of 78,287 miles over approximately nine years equates to around 8,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this type and age. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2020 onwards, indicating regular use rather than long periods off the road. This level of usage is consistent with a mix of motorway and urban driving, which on a heavy SUV of this class places predictable demands on the braking system, suspension components and drivetrain. The recent advisories on the brake discs align with what would be expected at this mileage on a vehicle of this weight, particularly if predominantly used in stop-start conditions, though the inner-side disc wear noted on the 2026 test can sometimes indicate sticking caliper slides or uneven pad contact that is worth investigating. Given the advisory for front brake disc wear and the rear disc advisory from the previous year, a prospective buyer should carry out a measured brake test from around 30 mph to confirm straight-line stability, listen for any pulsation through the pedal indicative of disc runout, and check for pulling to one side which could point to a binding caliper. With the front discs already flagged as worn, it would be prudent to measure remaining disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification and inspect the pad material for uneven wear across both inner and outer faces. A visual inspection behind the wheels should also confirm there is no scoring on the disc surface, and the handbrake should be tested on an incline to verify rear caliper function. The minor defect recorded for the nearside front CV boot deterioration is a more immediate concern, as a split boot will allow grease to escape and contaminants to enter the joint, leading to premature failure if not addressed. A physical inspection with the wheel turned should be carried out to assess whether the boot has been replaced or repaired, and the joint should be rotated by hand to check for any clicking or roughness that would indicate wear has already commenced. Additionally, given the vehicle's age and the recent advisory pattern, a thorough road test over varied surfaces is advisable to identify any knocking from the front suspension, knocking from the drivetrain under load, or vague steering response, all of which are common wear areas on this model. A hoist inspection to check for oil residue around the differentials, transfer box and engine sump would also be worthwhile, as these are areas not covered by the MOT test but frequently require attention on higher-mileage examples.