1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Ball joint dust cover4.2× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  13.5% All 1997 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends3.1× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  12.4% All 1997 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.3% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-lock braking system6× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  5.4% All 1997 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.4× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  4.8% All 1997 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Windscreen2× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  7.1% All 1997 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  28% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Lights and electrics
  25% 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
  20% 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
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?