2002 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · WM51 UMD

The vehicle is currently road‑worthy, having passed the 30 March 2026 MOT at 160,372 miles, with only a minor oil leak noted. The recent pattern shows a stable maintenance trajectory: a failure on 18 March 2026 was remedied before the subsequent pass, and earlier tests reveal recurring but non‑critical items such as shock‑bush wear and brake disc surface condition, suggesting that the owner has addressed defects promptly. At 24 years old the Defender has accumulated 160,372 miles, averaging roughly 6,700 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this vintage. The mileage rose from 152,471 miles on 18 September 2023 to 155,445 miles on 20 March 2025, an increase of just under 3,000 miles over 18 months, then to 160,372 miles by March 2026, indicating a consistent, moderate drive pattern without abrupt spikes or long dormant periods. A prospective buyer should verify the condition of the rear shock absorber bushings, given repeated advisories on excessive wear in March 2026 and a slightly worn bush in March 2025. Inspection of the rear brake discs and pads is advisable, as the 2020 test flagged thin pads and pitted discs, and the 2025 test noted similar disc wear. The off‑side rear anti‑roll bar linkage, flagged for slight play in 2016 and 2018, warrants a tactile check for any looseness. Confirm that the oil leak identified in multiple tests is limited to non‑excessive seepage and that the source—likely the engine or hub seals—is not progressing. Finally, ensure the windscreen washer system functions correctly, as it caused a failure in March 2026, and verify that headlamp lenses and the registration plate meet current specifications, issues that were previously recorded and presumably corrected. A visual assessment of the tow‑bar mounting area for corrosion, noted in 2014, will complete the due‑diligence checklist.