1999 LAND ROVER DEFENDER2.5L Diesel

The vehicle currently holds a clean MOT certificate following its most recent test on 31 March 2026 at 170,767 miles. This indicates a positive shift in maintenance trends, as the tester recorded no defects, effectively resolving several mechanical issues that appeared in previous years. The vehicle has moved from a state of multiple advisories and a failure in 2024 to a fully compliant status, suggesting that the most recent owner has addressed the outstanding mechanical faults. The mileage profile shows a consistent and typical usage pattern for a 27-year-old Land Rover Defender. Between the November 2022 test at 168,942 miles and the March 2026 test at 170,767 miles, the vehicle covered 1,825 miles over roughly three and a half years. This low annual mileage suggests the vehicle is used sparingly or for short trips rather than heavy-duty long-distance work. The data shows no signs of rapid mileage accumulation or sudden, unexplained surges in usage. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the steering and suspension components. The record shows a recurring pattern of steering issues, including steering linkage ball joint play in December 2021 and steering rack inner joint play in May 2024. While the 2026 test was clear, these repeated faults suggest the steering system is a known wear point. Similarly, the shock absorber bushes flagged in November 2022 warrant a close inspection for play or rubber degradation. The history also highlights a persistent but non-excessive oil leak noted in both May 2022 and May 2024. Although the March 2026 test did not flag this, the recurring nature of the leak implies a slow seepage that may require monitoring. Finally, check the condition of the seat belt webbing and the integrity of the steering rack, as these were specific failure points in the 2024 inspection. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough check for structural corrosion remains standard practice regardless of the clean MOT status.