1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P524 DEJ
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Feb 1997. Recorded mileage 152,751 miles. MOT expired on 05 Aug 2022.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Aug 2022
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Nov 2021)
- Recorded Mileage
- 152,751 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.
P524 DEJ Key Findings
- 20 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/08/2021
- 152,751 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (19 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P524 DEJ 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 1997 Land Rover Defender (P524 DEJ) between November 2006 and August 2021.
The record contains 13 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 06 August 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (19 issues), Windscreen (10 issues), Bodywork (10 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Brakes (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 27 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 Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)”; “Nearside Rear Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)”; “Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountin”.
P524 DEJ Mileage History
- 24/11/2006130,594 mi
- 26/11/2007134,006 mi+3,412 mi
- 26/11/2007134,006 mi
- 03/12/2008136,400 mi+2,394 mi
- 16/12/2008136,403 mi+3 mi
- 24/11/2009140,704 mi+4,301 mi
- 28/10/2010140,791 mi+87 mi
- 11/10/2011143,247 mi+2,456 mi
- 12/10/2011143,250 mi+3 mi
- 26/10/2012144,075 mi+825 mi
- 05/11/2013145,361 mi+1,286 mi
- 07/11/2013145,364 mi+3 mi
- 26/11/2014146,155 mi+791 mi
- 23/02/2016146,413 mi+258 mi
- 26/02/2016146,413 mi
- 28/02/2017146,590 mi+177 mi
- 13/07/2017146,593 mi+3 mi
- 07/09/2018146,736 mi+143 mi
- 09/09/2019149,497 mi+2,761 mi
- 06/08/2021152,751 mi+3,254 mi
Average of roughly 1,507 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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DISCOVERY
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.
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