2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Chassis rust or damage3.1× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  9.8% All 2005 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Suspension arm2.5× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  8.9% All 2005 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.7× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  12% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 3.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Wheel bearings1.9× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  6.8% All 2005 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Prop shaft15× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  3% All 2005 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Driveshafts and joints
  12% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Fuel pump and front differential failures

  All engines

  The fuel pump and front differential can both fail without warning and leave the car stranded.

  At the viewing: Ask whether either has been replaced, with invoices.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Engine system fault warning

  All engines

  An 'engine system fault' message can mean expensive electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Make sure no warning messages show.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Recalls: brake servo, fuel pump, seatbelts, gearbox park

  Some cars

  Recalls covered rear seatbelts and the automatic's park function (built Aug to Sept 2005), wheel weights that could damage sensors and hoses (2006), and brake servo and fuel pump faults (2009).

  At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Steering wheel vibration

  All engines

  Some cars vibrate through the steering wheel. A Land Rover garage may be able to fit a damper.

  At the viewing: Feel for vibration at speed.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have the fuel pump and front differential been replaced?
2. Has it had any engine system fault warnings?
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?