1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R890 DNG
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/05/1998. Recorded mileage 149,720 miles. MOT valid until 19/05/2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19/05/2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 149,720 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
R890 DNG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/05/2026
- 149,720 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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R890 DNG Mileage History
- 31/01/2022142,668 mi
- 09/02/2023146,187 mi+3,519 mi
- 07/02/2024147,617 mi+1,430 mi
- 04/02/2025148,682 mi+1,065 mi
- 21/05/2026149,720 mi+1,038 mi
Average of roughly 1,640 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R890 DNG 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 (R890 DNG) between January 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 19 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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
This 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel is a usable classic with a consistent MOT pass record, but recurring corrosion and suspension wear mean it needs careful inspection before purchase. Budget for ongoing maintenance, as the MOT history shows long-standing issues that are typical of a 28-year-old off-roader.
When considering this Defender, prioritise a pre-purchase inspection focused on the items flagged in the MOT history. The 2026 test noted corroded brake pipes front and rear, an oil leak, scored rear brake discs, and a severely deteriorated A-frame dust cover, while earlier tests from 2022 to 2024 show the same rear axle stabiliser ball joint and shock bush issues recurring annually. These are not failures but advisories that have persisted, so confirm they have been monitored or repaired.
As a 1998 diesel Defender with a 2495cc engine, expect modest fuel economy by modern standards, likely in the low 20s mpg, with Vehicle Excise Duty for pre-2001 cars based on engine size rather than emissions, keeping tax relatively low. Insurance group data is not provided, but classic 4x4s of this era typically fall into moderate groups with specialist policies available.
Inspect the brake pipes closely as the 2026 MOT recorded corrosion on near and offside front and rear pipes covered in grease, and the 2023 test noted all metal pipes corroded; surface treatment may be masking deeper rust. Check the rear A-frame suspension ball joint dust covers, severely deteriorated in 2026 and 2022, and confirm the stabiliser ball joint play from 2024 has not worsened.
R890DNG is a red 2.5-litre diesel Defender first registered in May 1998, now showing 149,720 miles on its most recent May 2026 MOT. The vehicle has passed every MOT in the available history from 2022 to 2026, but each test notes corrosion, oil leaks, and suspension bush wear. With no aggregate model reliability data available, the assessment rests solely on this vehicle's own record, which suggests a structurally sound but ageing example requiring attention to brake pipes and A-frame ball joints.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Land Rover Defender, so this guide relies entirely on the individual history of R890DNG.
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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