2021 Land Rover Defender D Auto 2.0L Diesel · WL21 EBV

The Land Rover Defender’s latest MOT record shows a stable but concerning pattern of compliance. The January 2026 test at 65,642 miles passed without defects, yet the preceding December 2025 test—also at the same mileage—failed for unspecified reasons, a rare anomaly given the lack of recorded faults. This suggests either a procedural error or an oversight in documentation, though the absence of defects in both tests implies no major mechanical or safety issues were present at inspection. The vehicle’s MOT history over the past two years has been clean, with no advisories or failures tied to wear items, which is unusual for a Defender covering over 11,000 miles annually. That said, the failure at identical mileage raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven immediately after the failed test or sat idle for months before retesting. The mileage accumulation is notably aggressive for a five-year-old vehicle, averaging around 13,128 miles per year—a rate that accelerates wear on suspension components, brake systems, and drivetrain seals. The gap between the 2024 and 2023 tests (10,685 miles over 12 months) aligns with this trend, while the identical mileage at the 2025 and 2026 tests (65,642 miles) hints at either a prolonged period of minimal use or a potential clerical error in mileage recording. Given the Defender’s reputation for robust build quality, such high mileage without documented faults is unusual and warrants closer scrutiny of service intervals, particularly for items like coil springs, anti-roll bar bushes, and brake binding—common failure points in high-mileage off-roaders. For a buyer, the lack of recorded defects is a positive starting point, but the vehicle’s history demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on the suspension: check for worn or perished bushes in the front and rear, as well as the condition of coil springs for sagging or corrosion. The brakes should be tested for binding or uneven wear, especially given the high mileage and the Defender’s propensity for heavy-duty use. Exhaust emissions and drivetrain seals should also be inspected, as these are often overlooked but critical for long-term reliability. While the MOT record offers no red flags, the combination of high mileage and an unexplained failure at identical mileage suggests the previous owner may have deferred routine maintenance or lacked meticulous record-keeping. A pre-purchase inspection by a Land Rover specialist is strongly advised to verify structural integrity and hidden wear.