2011 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · SY60 XMS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test on October 24 2025 at 103,921 miles resulted in a pass only after a failure the previous day. This failure involved a damaged steering linkage ball joint and significant corrosion across all four coil springs. While the vehicle passed following these repairs, the recurrence of suspension issues suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical components once they reach the point of an MOT failure. At 103,921 miles over 15 years, the Defender averages approximately 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for an older utility vehicle. The data shows a steady rate of accumulation, with 6,337 miles covered between December 2023 and October 2025. However, the low mileage does not insulate the vehicle from age-related degradation. The presence of corrosion on all coil springs in 2025 indicates that environmental factors are affecting the structural integrity of suspension components despite the relatively low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the suspension and braking system. The record shows a clear history of brake wear, with significantly worn discs and fluctuating brakes noted in December 2023 which were not resolved until the following test. You should check for remaining signs of binding calipers and ensure the front exhaust leak mentioned previously has been properly rectified. Furthermore, the widespread corrosion reported on the coil springs in late 2025 necessitates a close look at the mounting points and the surrounding chassis, as surface rust here often precedes deeper structural rot on this model.