1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D12 RBR
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 31 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 161,456 miles. MOT valid until 26 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 161,456 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
D12 RBR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/11/2025
- 161,456 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
D12 RBR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Defender (D12 RBR) between July 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 06 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
D12 RBR Mileage History
- 30/07/2022158,838 mi
- 06/07/2023160,025 mi+1,187 mi
- 08/07/2023160,094 mi+69 mi
- 27/11/2024160,214 mi+120 mi
- 06/11/2025161,456 mi+1,242 mi
Average of roughly 800 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Chassis and Bulkhead CorrosionSerious
The steel chassis and bulkhead rot from the inside out, often hidden by underseal or carpet.
- Oil Leaks from Gaskets and SealsModerate
Worn valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft seals cause persistent oil leaks. The rear main seal is particularly prone on later Puma models.
- Electrical Gremlins and Wiring DeteriorationModerate
Corroded bulkhead earthing points and deteriorating wiring harnesses cause intermittent electrical faults including flickering lights, false warnings, and central locking failures.
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