2004 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · WP04 DJX

The most recent MOT, conducted on 20 February 2026 at 196,549 miles, resulted in a fail, and the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. While the vehicle passed its previous two annual tests in 2025 and 2023, the 2026 failure list is the longest and most severe in the recorded history. Critical defects now include an ABS warning lamp, an electronic stability control fault, a parking brake operating at less than 50% efficiency, and rear brake imbalance. Structural advisories regarding corrosion at the front of both rear wheel arches have persisted since 2025, indicating an ongoing battle with corrosion rather than a one-off repair. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 2004 Discovery, averaging roughly 8,900 miles per year. A significant gap exists between the October 2023 pass at 161,989 miles and the February 2025 pass at 165,688 miles, covering only 3,699 miles in approximately 16 months. This suggests the vehicle saw very light use or possibly stood unused for extended periods during that timeframe. The subsequent jump to 196,549 miles by February 2026 is a data anomaly or a recording error, as it implies 30,861 miles were covered in 12 months, which contradicts the prior pattern and the vehicle's current state. A buyer must treat the 2026 failure list as a comprehensive repair manifesto. The braking system requires immediate diagnostic attention, specifically the parking brake efficiency and rear axle imbalance, which point to binding calipers, seized cables, or worn brake discs and pads. The illuminated ABS and stability control lamps suggest a wheel speed sensor fault or a failing hydraulic pump, common issues on high-mileage Discovery 2 models. The split offside front constant velocity boot and the likely-to-detach offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint are classic symptoms of neglected suspension joints, requiring replacement before catastrophic detachment occurs. Beyond the immediate fails, the persistent body mount corrosion at the front of both rear wheel arches demands a physical inspection. Although the tester noted structural rigidity was not significantly reduced in 2025, corrosion in these integral body structures can accelerate rapidly on off-road vehicles. The recurring oil leaks, noted in 2023, 2025, and 2026, likely stem from the engine rocker covers or crankshaft oil seals, which, while not yet excessive, will worsen with age. Any prospective buyer should compression-test the 2.7 TDV6 engine and closely inspect the chassis outracks for hidden corrosion beneath the mud and underseal.