1997 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · R811 VJW
1997 Land Rover Discovery (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 155,580 miles. MOT expired on 15 Feb 2016. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Feb 2016
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 155,580 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.
R811 VJW Key Findings
- 13 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/02/2015
- 155,580 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R811 VJW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
13 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Discovery (R811 VJW) between July 2006 and February 2015.
The record contains 8 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 16 February 2015 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)”; “Centre Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)”; “Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)”.
R811 VJW Mileage History
- 31/07/2006115,277 mi
- 01/08/2006115,277 mi
- 30/01/2009120,075 mi+4,798 mi
- 10/02/2009120,076 mi+1 mi
- 09/02/2010131,621 mi+11,545 mi
- 07/02/2011136,883 mi+5,262 mi
- 07/02/2011136,883 mi
- 06/02/2012142,161 mi+5,278 mi
- 06/02/2012142,161 mi
- 13/02/2013147,030 mi+4,869 mi
- 08/02/2014150,783 mi+3,753 mi
- 16/02/2015155,580 mi+4,797 mi
- 16/02/2015155,580 mi
Average of roughly 4,715 miles per year across 13 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Discovery 1 (LSE)
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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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 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.
- Bodywork and Structural RustSerious
Inner front wings, wheel arches, sills, footwells and boot floor are highly prone to corrosion. The aluminium body panels hide steel underneath that rots badly.
- 300TDi Timing Belt FailureSerious
The 300TDi is an interference engine and timing belt failure causes valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. Some belts have failed as early as 40,000 miles.
- Sunroof Leaks and Headlining SagModerate
Blocked sunroof drain tubes cause water to pour into the cabin, damaging electrics and causing rust. The headlining sags on later (1994+) models.
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