1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R665 BDU
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Nov 1997. Recorded mileage 192,927 miles. MOT valid until 27 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 192,927 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.
R665 BDU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/09/2026
- 192,927 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R665 BDU 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 1997 Land Rover Defender (R665 BDU) between May 2022 and September 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 8 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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.
R665 BDU Mileage History
- 21/05/2022182,919 mi
- 31/05/2023185,206 mi+2,287 mi
- 10/06/2024187,746 mi+2,540 mi
- 23/09/2025190,485 mi+2,739 mi
- 29/09/2026192,927 mi+2,442 mi
Average of roughly 2,296 miles per year across 5 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: 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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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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