2012 Land Rover Range Rover 4.4L Diesel · RR12 MAB

Recurring oil leaks have become a persistent feature of this vehicle's recent inspection history, appearing as advisories in both the May 2025 and May 2026 tests. While the most recent pass on 2 May 2026 confirms the leak is not currently classified as excessive, the repetition of this advisory suggests a developing issue that has remained present for at least two consecutive testing cycles. This trend follows a period of relative stability, though the history also shows significant past failures regarding brake pipe corrosion and suspension component wear, indicating that while the vehicle is currently passing, there are specific areas of mechanical concern that have required attention or monitoring in the past. The recorded mileage of 81,157 miles over a fourteen-year period represents a relatively low annual average of approximately 5,797 miles. This usage pattern suggests the vehicle has not been subject to high-frequency long-distance driving, which can sometimes mean components are subjected to more frequent periods of inactivity rather than constant mechanical load. Mechanically, this lower accumulation can result in less wear on certain drivetrain components, but it can also coincide with the gradual degradation of rubber seals and gaskets, which may contribute to the oil leaks noted in the recent MOT records. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the engine bay and underbody during a physical inspection to identify the source of the noted oil leaks. During a test drive, it is essential to monitor for any changes in engine performance or unusual smells that might indicate the leak is progressing. Given the 2021 failure involving excessively corroded brake pipes and the 2023 minor defects regarding deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers, a thorough check of the braking system and front suspension linkages is necessary. You should listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate wear in the suspension bushes or ball joints, and check for any sponginess or unevenness in the brake pedal to ensure the integrity of the brake lines. The history of suspension arm pin and bush wear, alongside the previous major failure of the central and offside rear brake pipes, necessitates a close inspection of the vehicle's structural and hydraulic components. While the 2024 record showed no defects, the subsequent return of oil leak advisories and the prior history of corrosion suggest that the vehicle's underside requires careful scrutiny. Ensure there is no evidence of fluid weeping from the suspension components or the gearbox area, and verify that the steering remains precise and free from pulling to either side, which would be consistent with the suspension issues flagged in previous years.