2009 Land Rover Range Rover 3.6L Diesel · ST59 BHD

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 August 2025 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by a minor windscreen defect and two advisories relating to rear tyre wear and deterioration of braking, steering, and suspension components. Reviewing the trajectory across the recorded tests, the maintenance profile shows a clear and consistent pattern of front suspension wear. In October 2021 a nearside rear lower suspension component failed outright, and in October 2023 two major defects were recorded for excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joints, resulting in a failure before a same-day retest pass. Both 2023 and 2024 advisories then flagged worn suspension arm pins or bushes on the front axle, and the 2025 test noted general rust and deterioration in the brake, steering, and suspension assemblies. This is a worsening rather than stable trend, indicating that the vehicle is at the stage where its air suspension or coil spring assemblies, control arms, and related bushings are demanding close attention and likely partial or full replacement in the near term. The recorded mileage of 209,276 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 12,310 miles, which is notably above the typical figure for a vehicle of this age and suggests sustained, regular use rather than long periods of standing. There are no obvious discontinuities or major gaps in the MOT history to indicate long storage periods, which is mechanically favourable in some respects, as prolonged standing tends to encourage brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, and degradation of fluids. Conversely, this level of accumulated mileage means that high-wear consumables and major assemblies including the engine, automatic transmission, transfer box, propshafts, and differentials have all endured considerable service life and are approaching or have surpassed the point where major refurbishment or replacement becomes a realistic expectation. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front suspension advisories warrant particular scrutiny. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front axle over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock turns, and feel for vagueness or imprecise steering response, excessive body roll, or uneven tyre wear across the front pair. Given the 2025 advisory on rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on edge, all four tyres should be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing, as the vehicle has now reached an age where rubber compounds deteriorate regardless of tread depth. The ball joints, control arm bushes, and anti-roll bar links on this generation of Range Rover are known service items, and any renewal should be accompanied by a four-wheel alignment check to preserve tyre life and handling neutrality. Beyond the advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires broader age-related inspection regardless of MOT outcome. Check the condition of the 12V battery, as alkaline units commonly fail after seven to ten years and can cause erratic electronic behaviour. Examine all visible brake discs for lipping, hot spots, or surface corrosion that may indicate binding calipers, and verify that the brake fluid and coolant have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, since fluid degradation occurs with time as well as use. The timing belt or chain service interval, automatic transmission fluid and filter change history, transfer box and differential oil replacement, and the condition of the air suspension compressor, struts, and reservoir tank should all be verified through the service book, as these are high-cost items on this model. Finally, inspect the underside thoroughly for any structural corrosion around the outriggers, chassis rails, and suspension mounting points, given that the 2025 advisory already notes deterioration of braking, steering, and suspension components.