1988 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · E640 BAO
1988 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 15 Feb 1988. Recorded mileage 136,286 miles. MOT expired on 09 Aug 2026. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 09 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,286 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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E640 BAO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 22/07/2026
- 136,286 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 14 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E640 BAO 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 (E640 BAO) between August 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 July 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Steering (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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: “Front Tyre(s) of different sizes are fitted on the same axle. n/s is a different size to the others (5.2.3 (b))”; “Steering wheel spokes fractured (2.2.1 (c) (i))”; “Power steering fluid reservoir empty (2.1.5 (b) (ii))”.
E640 BAO Mileage History
- 02/08/2023122,743 mi
- 12/07/2024124,224 mi+1,481 mi
- 07/08/2025125,131 mi+907 mi
- 11/08/2025125,234 mi+103 mi
- 22/07/2026136,286 mi+11,052 mi
Average of roughly 4,559 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: Below 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.
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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