2003 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · WR03 VBJ

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, though the maintenance trend shows a persistent failure to address recurring suspension defects. The most recent test in July 2025 at 72,611 miles passed despite noted leaks in both front swivels and worn bushes on both front shock absorbers. This follows a pattern established back to 2022, where rear shock absorber bushes and swivel leaks were first flagged, indicating that the owner is monitoring faults rather than performing preventative replacements. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 23-year-old Defender, averaging approximately 3,157 miles per year. The data shows consistent low-intensity usage, with only 1,803 miles covered between June 2022 and July 2024, and just 369 miles recorded in the year following the latest test. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain, such infrequent use often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals, which is consistent with the recurring reports of deteriorated gaiters and leaking swivel housings found in the record. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the front steering assembly and swivels. The record indicates leaks in the swivel housing have been present since 2022 and persisted into 2025, which can eventually lead to steering failure if the oil runs out. The steering box drop arm ball joint gaiter was noted as deteriorated in 2024 and should be checked for splits that allow ingress to the joint. Given the repeated advisories for worn shock absorber bushes across both axles, the entire suspension system likely contains rubber nearing the end of its functional life despite the low mileage.