1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N923 LAG
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 1996. Recorded mileage 125,299 miles. MOT expired on 05 Mar 2018. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Mar 2018
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 125,299 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.
N923 LAG Key Findings
- 20 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/02/2017
- 125,299 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N923 LAG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
20 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Land Rover Defender (N923 LAG) between February 2006 and February 2017.
The record contains 12 passes and 8 failures.
The most recent test on 20 February 2017 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 8 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (12 issues), Lighting (10 issues), Brakes (10 issues), Windscreen (6 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 24 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded outer chassis (2.4.A.3)”; “Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)”; “Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)”.
N923 LAG Mileage History
- 23/02/200696,945 mi
- 26/02/2007100,540 mi+3,595 mi
- 25/02/2008104,630 mi+4,090 mi
- 26/02/2008104,630 mi
- 11/02/2009107,470 mi+2,840 mi
- 11/02/2009107,470 mi
- 23/02/2010110,782 mi+3,312 mi
- 15/02/2011113,617 mi+2,835 mi
- 17/02/2011113,617 mi
- 10/02/2012117,348 mi+3,731 mi
- 18/02/2013119,746 mi+2,398 mi
- 18/02/2013119,746 mi
- 24/02/2014121,639 mi+1,893 mi
- 24/02/2014121,639 mi
- 24/02/2015123,346 mi+1,707 mi
- 06/03/2015123,346 mi
- 22/02/2016124,415 mi+1,069 mi
- 23/02/2016124,415 mi
- 20/02/2017125,299 mi+884 mi
- 20/02/2017125,299 mi
Average of roughly 2,579 miles per year across 20 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: Below Average
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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