1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P576 GKM

The vehicle currently holds a valid roadworthiness status following a clean pass in October 2025 at 122,070 miles. The overall maintenance trend appears stable, though the abrupt failure recorded in September 2025 at just 28 miles prior warrants scrutiny. Since no specific defects were listed for that failure or subsequent pass, it suggests a minor component failure or a test-specific issue that was immediately rectified, rather than a systemic mechanical or structural decline. The usage pattern is notably low for a thirty-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,000 miles per year. There is a significant data gap in the official record between the November 2012 test at 118,793 miles and the September 2025 test at 122,070 miles. This thirteen-year interval indicates the vehicle sat stationary or was used sporadically without testing. While low mileage reduces wear on drivetrain components and brakes, prolonged inactivity often leads to degradation of rubber components, perished seals, and internal corrosion within the braking system. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and body rails, as the 1996 Defender is prone to hidden rust that MOT testing may not fully expose if obscured. Given the long gap between tests, check the condition of the suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and brake lines for cracking or per. Inspect the brake calipers for seizing and check the fluid for high moisture content, ensuring that the low mileage has not masked the effects of age and hydraulic stagnation during long periods of inactivity.