1988 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · E198 FOO
1988 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 19 Apr 1988. Recorded mileage 139,300 miles. MOT valid until 04 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,300 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.
E198 FOO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/08/2026
- 139,300 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E198 FOO 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 1988 Land Rover Defender (E198 FOO) between April 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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: “Rear Position lamp not working Both LED (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Position lamp not working LED (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
E198 FOO Mileage History
- 15/04/2024138,545 mi
- 05/08/2025139,011 mi+466 mi
- 06/08/2025139,012 mi+1 mi
- 05/08/2026139,300 mi+288 mi
- 05/08/2026139,300 mi
Average of roughly 328 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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