2001 Land Rover Range Rover diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Land Rover Range Rover diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Land Rover Range Rover diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Ball joint dust cover3.9× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  14.4% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 2001 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 ends2× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  10.1% All 2001 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2% of all 2001 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.

• Drag link end12.3× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  4.9% All 2001 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Transmission oil leaks3.2× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  6% All 2001 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-lock braking system3.6× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover

  5% All 2001 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.4% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Land Rover Range Rover diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 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
  30% 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
  26% 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
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 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 3.9× as often on the 2001 Land Rover Range Rover diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 Land Rover Range Rover diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drag link end? (Flagged at MOT 12.3× as often on the 2001 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?