1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER2.5L Diesel

The MOT history for this Land Rover Defender reveals a concerning trend regarding structural integrity, specifically concerning the chassis. While the vehicle passed its test in November 2021 at 103,986 miles, the preceding years show significant failures related to severe corrosion. In October 2021 and again in November 2020, the vehicle failed due to excessive corrosion on suspension component mounting areas and the inner crossmember near the towbar. Although these issues were reportedly addressed to achieve the November 2021 pass, the presence of structural thinning across multiple mounting points suggests an ongoing issue with deep rust that requires constant monitoring to ensure it does not progress. The vehicle has covered 103,986 miles over 28 years, averaging approximately 3,714 miles per year. This low annual mileage suggests the vehicle may have been used sparingly or sat stationary for long periods, which can often lead to the degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of corrosion seen in the records. The most recent MOT entry is from November 2021, meaning the vehicle has not undergone an official inspection in nearly five years. This gap in testing, combined with the previous history of structural failures, indicates that the current roadworthiness of the chassis is unverified and potentially degraded. Mechanical records show recurring issues with the braking system and corrosion. The tester repeatedly flagged corroded brake pipes across multiple tests in 2019, 2020, and 2021, noting they were often covered in grease which masks the extent of the damage. Brake discs were noted as worn or pitted, though not yet critically compromised. A buyer should perform a thorough physical inspection of the entire chassis for fresh corrosion and verify that the structural repairs made in 2021 remain sound, as the history clearly indicates a vehicle prone to significant rust failure.