2008 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · SO58 ADX

The Land Rover Defender passed its most recent MOT on 26 June 2026 at 106,543 miles, leaving it roadworthy with minor advisories. The maintenance trend is stable but shows a slow accumulation of corrosion and wear items rather than resolution. The June 2025 failure on a cut offside front seat belt and an inoperative plate lamp was corrected within a day and the vehicle passed on 25 June 2025, indicating prompt rectification once faults were flagged. Recorded mileage sits at 106,543 against an 18-year life, an average of roughly 5,900 miles per year. The log shows 97,331 miles in June 2023, 99,995 in June 2024, 102,944 in June 2025 and 106,543 in June 2026. Annual use held steady near 3,500 to 4,600 miles, with no gaps or sudden accumulation. Low yearly distance suggests extended standing periods, a known contributor to corrosion on older 4x4 chassis components. Recurring rear inner brake disc pitting appeared at both sides in June 2025 and persisted as worn faces at the 2026 test; the buyer should measure disc thickness and check caliper slide movement. The offside front seat belt progressed from slight fraying in 2024 to a significant cut and failure in June 2025, then only slight fraying again at the latest test, so verify the webbing for hidden cuts. Rear brake hose ferrule corrosion and rear crossmember corrosion were advised in 2026; inspect the crossmember and chassis rails for structural scaling. A child seat blocked full adult belt inspection in the last test. Confirm all belts retract and latch without obstruction. The stop lamp fault in 2023 and plate lamp in 2025 show intermittent lighting neglect; test all lamps and the high-level stop lamp before purchase.