1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P378 GNN

The Land Rover Defender demonstrates a stable maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on January 19, 2026, at an unspecified mileage following a refusal on January 12, 2026. This clean pass, much like the successful tests on January 8, 2025, and January 29, 2024, followed an initial administrative or minor failure just days prior in both 2025 and 2026. Such a pattern suggests that the vehicle required minor rectifications or re-presentation to secure certification, though the specific defects were not logged on the digital record. With 224,418 miles accumulated over approximately twenty-nine years, the vehicle averages roughly 7,739 miles annually, representing typical usage for this class of utility vehicle. The MOT history shows a consistent annual testing cadence every January, reflecting a predictable maintenance schedule by previous keepers. The absence of logged advisories across these recent tests indicates that routine consumable items have been managed, though the lack of detailed tester notes requires a careful physical examination. Prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous hands-on inspection focusing on the structural integrity of the chassis, bulkhead, and crossmembers, which are prone to severe corrosion on this chassis architecture. You should thoroughly check the permanent four-wheel drive system, transfer box, and differentials for excessive play, oil leaks, and mechanical whining. Pay close attention to the suspension bushes, leaf or coil springs, and steering swivels, as high mileage inevitably accelerates wear on these heavy-duty mechanical components.