LAND ROVER DEFENDER1997 · 2.5L Diesel

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, evidenced by the most recent test on 28 October 2025 at 203,551 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. Across the five consecutive annual tests from 31 October 2021 through to 202 latest examination, the vehicle cleared every inspection without a single advisory or failure. This unbroken clean record signals consistent upkeep rather than deferred repairs. Annual mileage sits close to the typical 7,019-mile average for a 29-year-old vehicle of this type. The tester logged 177,488 miles on 31 October 2021, rising to 183,334 by 30 October 2022, 189,459 by 28 October 2023, 196,352 by 24 October 2024, and 203,551 by 28 October 2025. The yearly increments of roughly 5,800 to 7,000 miles show steady, moderate use with no abrupt accumulation or standing gaps. The DVSA data itself is sparse on faults, carrying no advisories across the span, which limits forensic insight into wear patterns. A buyer should still commission a physical inspection of chassis outriggers, bulkhead, and footwells for structural corrosion, as a 1997 Defender at 203,551 miles is prone to hidden rust despite clean MOT sheets. The absence of recorded brake, suspension bush, or coil spring advisories does not exempt the axles, swivel housings, and trailing arm mounts from hands-on checks for fatigue and play. Given the vehicle's age and the lack of flagged defects, previous owners likely addressed consumables and mechanical items outside the test regime. Verify service history and inspect drivetrain components such as the transfer box and propshaft joints, which fall outside standard MOT scope but wear heavily on high-mileage off-road vehicles.