2009 Land Rover Freelander 2.2L Diesel · RO53 SAM

The most recent MOT on 9 March 2026 was passed, with only a minor advisory for a damaged windscreen that does not impair the driver’s view and a deteriorated rear registration plate. Over the preceding seven years the vehicle has shown a mixed picture: early in the series the tests were clean, but from 2020 onwards a pattern of tyre wear advisories and thin front‑brake‑pad warnings emerged, culminating in a dangerous failure in May 2022 when the front tyres were below the legal 1.6 mm tread depth. The subsequent pass that same month indicates the tyres were replaced, yet tyre‑wear advisories have persisted, and a 2025 advisory highlighted wear on a near‑side front suspension arm pin or bush. Overall the maintenance trend is stable but shows recurring wear items that have not been fully resolved. At 130,359 mi recorded for a 2009 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7,700 mi, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage range for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe component fatigue, nor are there long gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. The moderate annual run‑off points to a vehicle that has been driven regularly but not aggressively, meaning wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to age rather than excessive mileage. A prospective buyer should give the tyre set the most thorough inspection. Verify that all four tyres have at least 4 mm of tread depth, check the DOT code to confirm they are no older than six years, and look for sidewall cracking, bulging or uneven wear that could signal mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or a binding differential. On a test drive listen for clunks or knocks when turning over bumps, especially on the near‑side front where the suspension arm pin was previously noted as worn; excessive play or a loose feeling in the steering could indicate that the bush or pin needs replacement. Examine the front brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing and confirm that the pads have sufficient material – thin pads can cause reduced braking efficiency and a shuddering sensation under hard braking. The windscreen damage should be inspected for any cracks that could spread, and the rear registration plate should be replaced if the lettering is illegible. Given the vehicle’s age, also assess time‑related items irrespective of mileage. Check the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as batteries over ten years often fail unexpectedly. Inspect all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – and look for signs of contamination or old colour, remembering that many fluids degrade after five years even if the vehicle is not driven heavily. Examine the under‑carriage for corrosion, especially around the chassis rails and suspension mounting points, and ensure that any rust is surface‑level rather than structural. Finally, request the service book to confirm regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and any major repairs; a well‑documented service history will help mitigate the recurring wear items highlighted by the MOT records.