1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER2.5L Diesel

The MOT history for this Defender shows a consistent pattern of recurring suspension and safety failures despite the relatively low mileage. In the most recent test in November 2025 at 156,996 miles, the vehicle passed after a failure just two days prior. That failure highlighted significant mechanical concerns including inadequate brake efficiency, a split steering drop arm boot, and a failed rear fog lamp. While the vehicle eventually passed, the record noted perished front and rear suspension control arm bushes, as well as worn rear lower shock absorber bushes. These issues suggest that while repairs are being made, the rubber components throughout the chassis are reaching the end of their functional life simultaneously. With 156,996 miles recorded over 28 years, the vehicle averages roughly 5,600 miles per year. This low usage suggests the vehicle may have sat stationary for long periods at times, which often explains the degradation of rubber parts like bushes and seat belt webbing. In the 2022 test at 148,450 miles, the nearside front tyre was flagged for being cracked or perishing. The recurring presence of frayed seat belt webbing is a persistent issue, appearing in almost every test since 2021, indicating a lack of attention to minor but necessary interior safety consumables. Structural integrity remains a point of long-term observation. Tests in both 2023 and 2024 identified corrosion on the chassis mounting areas near the steering box and the rear shock absorber upper mounting. While the tester described these as not excessive at the time, the presence of rust on a vehicle of this age requires close monitoring. The major exhaust leak noted in late 2024 prevented an emissions test, though this was rectified prior to the subsequent pass. A buyer should specifically inspect the chassis for deep structural rot to ensure the reported surface corrosion has not progressed into structural failure.