1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R62 MTA
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 24/06/1998. Recorded mileage 143,427 miles. MOT valid until 09/01/2027. Taxed until 01/06/2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09/01/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/06/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 143,427 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 2495cc
R62 MTA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/12/2025
- 143,427 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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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R62 MTA Mileage History
- 29/11/2021139,908 mi
- 10/01/2023141,416 mi+1,508 mi
- 04/01/2024142,930 mi+1,514 mi
- 10/12/2024143,233 mi+303 mi
- 16/12/2025143,427 mi+194 mi
Average of roughly 870 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R62 MTA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Land Rover Defender (R62 MTA) between November 2021 and December 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 3 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A solid option for enthusiasts, provided
When inspecting this blue Defender, pay close attention to the underside and braking system. Although the 2025 MOT recorded no defects, the 2021 record highlighted corroded brake pipes and a fluid leak at the nearside front hub. You should verify if these specific components were replaced or repaired following those advisories.
Ask the seller for evidence of any work carried out to address the offside front wheel bearing play noted in early 2024. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough check of the chassis for structural corrosion is essential, as 'corrosion' is a top failure reason for this model across the aggregate data.
As a 2495cc diesel, running costs will be influenced by the vehicle's weight and aerodynamic profile. Expect fuel economy to be relatively low compared to modern passenger cars, making it more suitable for utility or enthusiast use rather than daily commuting.
Tax and insurance will depend on the specific insurance group, but older Land Rovers often fall into moderate categories for enthusiasts. Maintenance costs for a 1998 model can be variable; while parts are widely available, regular upkeep of the 4x4 drivetrain and braking system is necessary to avoid the types of failures seen in its MOT history.
Focus your inspection on the braking system and wheel assemblies. The MOT history specifically flagged brake pipe corrosion in 2021 and wheel bearing play in 2024; ensure these areas are currently free of significant wear or movement.
Check the nearside front area for any signs of oil or fluid seepage, referencing the hub seal leak recorded in the 2021 MOT. Additionally, inspect the chassis and bodywork for signs of surface or structural corrosion, as this is a frequent failure point for Land Rover Defenders in the wider dataset.
This 1998 Land Rover Defender features a 2.5L diesel engine and has covered 143,427 miles as of its last test. While the mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 3,749 per year, the recent MOT history shows two consecutive years without defects. Historical records do indicate past issues with brake pipe corrosion and hub seal leaks, which are common for this era of vehicle.
The Land Rover Defender has an average MOT pass rate of 78.1%, with common failures involving headlamps, brake pipes, and corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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Batch Registration Neighbors (R62M Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R62MTA.