1983 Land Rover Series 2.5L Diesel · A638 LEG
1983 Land Rover Series (2.5L, diesel). First registered 11/08/1983. Recorded mileage 66,160 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1983 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29/08/2023
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,160 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1983
- Engine
- 2495cc
A638 LEG Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/08/2022
- 66,160 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
A638 LEG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1983 Land Rover Series (A638 LEG) between August 2022 and August 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 6 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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
A potentially strong option for a classic enthusiast, provided the mechanical history matches the clean MOT records. The low mileage and lack of recent defects make it a compelling candidate for further inspection.
When viewing this 2.5L diesel Series, your priority should be verifying the service history, as MOT records only confirm the vehicle met minimum safety standards at the time of testing. Given the age of the vehicle, check for any signs of corrosion in the chassis and bulkhead, which are common areas of concern for this era of Land Rover.
Negotiate based on the documented maintenance rather than the MOT status alone. Ask for evidence of any recent work on the braking system or suspension, as these are frequent failure points for this model type. Ensure the diesel engine starts easily when cold and that there are no excessive smoke emissions.
Running costs for a 1983 Land Rover Series are influenced by its age and utility. As a 2495cc diesel, fuel economy will be significantly lower than a modern vehicle, and you should budget for higher consumption during heavy use.
Insurance for a classic vehicle of this age is typically manageable through specialist classic car insurers, often falling into a lower group than modern equivalents. Tax and maintenance costs will be driven by the need for specialist parts and the periodic upkeep of a vintage mechanical system. Expect annual running costs to be higher than a standard hatchback due to fuel and specialist maintenance requirements.
Focus your inspection on the components identified in the model aggregate data. Specifically, check the condition of the headlamps, the coil springs, and the service brakes, as these are the most common reasons for failure among the 44 vehicles analysed in this model group.
Beyond the MOT data, inspect the underside for structural integrity. Even with a clean MOT history, a vehicle from 1983 requires a thorough check of the chassis for rust. Additionally, check the diesel fuel system for leaks and ensure the steering components feel tight and responsive.
This 1983 Land Rover Series, finished in green, presents with remarkably low mileage for its age, having covered just 66,160 miles according to its last MOT. The recent MOT history from 2021 and 2022 shows two consecutive passes with no defects recorded. While the model aggregate data shows a lower average pass rate of 72.5%, this specific vehicle has avoided the common failures seen in the wider group.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 72.5%, with common failures relating to headlamps, coil springs, and service brakes.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (A638 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as A638LEG.
FORD
SIERRA
MERCEDES
FORD
ESCORT
HONDA
CB 125RS
BMW
R SERIES
YAMAHA
UNKNOWN
VOLVO
S60
MITSUBISHI
L200
BMW
K SERIES
ROVER
MINI
YAMAHA
XT600
BEDFORD
CF 2.8