1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P493 EMS
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 81,321 miles. MOT expired on 07 Jun 2023.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Jun 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,321 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.
P493 EMS Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/06/2022
- 81,321 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P493 EMS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Defender (P493 EMS) between June 2022 and June 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 June 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
P493 EMS Mileage History
- 09/06/202281,321 mi
- 09/06/202281,321 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (P493 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as P493EMS.
TOYOTA
CELICA
FORD
FIESTA
VOLVO
900 Series
TOYOTA
HI-ACE
DAIHATSU
FOURTRAK
NISSAN
ALMERA
AUDI
CABRIOLET
YAMAHA
XTZ660
HONDA
CBR900RR
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
HONDA
VFR750F
RENAULT
CLIO
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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.