1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N123 ADS
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 30 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 183,449 miles. MOT expired on 07 Oct 2025.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 183,449 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.
N123 ADS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 26/11/2025
- 183,449 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N123 ADS 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 1996 Land Rover Defender (N123 ADS) between July 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 26 November 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
N123 ADS Mileage History
- 06/07/2023180,250 mi
- 04/09/2024182,591 mi+2,341 mi
- 08/10/2024182,592 mi+1 mi
- 17/10/2025183,413 mi+821 mi
- 26/11/2025183,449 mi+36 mi
Average of roughly 1,337 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Poor
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 1996 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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