2012 Land Rover Defender 2.2L Diesel · YC62 YHP

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a recent shift towards developing fluid leak issues. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 77,677 miles passed, it introduced new advisories that were absent in previous years. The tester flagged a light misting of oil on the nearside rear shock absorber alongside non-excessive oil leaks from both the front of the engine area and the front axle swivels. This indicates that while the vehicle is currently legal, the seals are beginning to show signs of age. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old Defender, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per year. There is a significant gap in records between October 2021 and July 2023, during which time the vehicle covered 5,985 miles. Since the August 2024 test, usage has remained steady, covering roughly 1,300 miles in the following year. This low annual mileage suggests light use but often leads to dry seals and rubber degradation, which aligns with the emerging oil leaks noted in the latest inspection. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front axle swivels and the engine oil seals, as the recurring leak advisories from 2023 and 2025 suggest these areas require monitoring to ensure they do not escalate into significant failures. The nearside rear shock absorber also requires close attention to ensure the misting does not progress to a full seal failure. Given the age and low mileage, a thorough check of the chassis for structural corrosion is essential, as the MOT record does not detail hidden structural integrity.