2001 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · EX51 AAJ
2001 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 14 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 284,101 miles. MOT valid until 04 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 284,101 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.
EX51 AAJ Key Findings
- 25 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/07/2026
- 284,101 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (22 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EX51 AAJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
25 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Land Rover Defender (EX51 AAJ) between March 2006 and July 2026.
The record contains 18 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 06 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (22 issues), Brakes (20 issues), Windscreen (14 issues), Tyres (14 issues), Suspension (8 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 78 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: “Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid Needs adjusting (3.5 (a))”; “Position lamp switch cannot be operated from the normal driving position Switch faulty, does not operate headlights eith”; “Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))”.
EX51 AAJ Mileage History
- 20/03/2006142,467 mi
- 26/04/2007174,269 mi+31,802 mi
- 01/09/2008184,942 mi+10,673 mi
- 05/08/2009193,000 mi+8,058 mi
- 30/08/2010204,072 mi+11,072 mi
- 19/08/2011213,334 mi+9,262 mi
- 19/08/2011213,334 mi
- 30/08/2012217,863 mi+4,529 mi
- 06/08/2013224,930 mi+7,067 mi
- 27/08/2013225,393 mi+463 mi
- 25/08/2014232,513 mi+7,120 mi
- 25/08/2014232,513 mi
- 25/08/2015240,041 mi+7,528 mi
- 28/09/2016247,901 mi+7,860 mi
- 23/08/2017254,853 mi+6,952 mi
- 24/08/2017254,855 mi+2 mi
- 28/08/2018261,323 mi+6,468 mi
- 25/04/2022267,983 mi+6,660 mi
- 25/04/2022267,983 mi
- 12/04/2023271,009 mi+3,026 mi
- 19/04/2023271,009 mi
- 23/04/2024273,734 mi+2,725 mi
- 23/04/2025279,489 mi+5,755 mi
- 23/04/2025279,489 mi
- 06/07/2026284,101 mi+4,612 mi
Average of roughly 6,978 miles per year across 25 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This is a high-mileage, working-class Defender that shows significant signs of ongoing structural corrosion and long-term maintenance neglect.
If you are looking for a pristine classic, this is not it. This vehicle is a high-mileage workhorse. Prioritize a professional chassis inspection; despite passing recent tests, the history shows a long-standing battle with corrosion, including a major failure in 2017 regarding excessive corrosion near body mountings.
Negotiate heavily based on the immediate maintenance required. The most recent MOT (July 2026) highlights worn front tyres, a defective rear exhaust mounting, and corroded brake pipes that are currently covered in grease—a common tactic to hide rust. Ensure the 'oil leak' mentioned in multiple tests is not a catastrophic seal failure, and verify that the catalytic converter issue noted in 2022 has been addressed to avoid emissions problems.
Running costs for this 2.5L diesel Defender will be high. Expect significant fuel consumption typical of a heavy, non-aerodynamic 4x4. Tax and insurance will depend on your specific profile, but given its age and utility, insurance groups are generally moderate for enthusiasts.
Maintenance costs are likely to be frequent. The MOT history shows a consistent cycle of replacing consumables like tyres, brake components, and addressing leaks. Budget for regular mechanical attention to address the ongoing oil leaks and suspension wear (such as the A-frame ball joints mentioned in 2022).
First and foremost, inspect the chassis and body mounting points. The vehicle has a history of 'excessive corrosion' (2017) and 'general corrosion' (2023). Check if the 'underbody coating' mentioned in 2025 is being used to mask deep-seated rust.
Secondly, examine the braking system. The 2026 MOT notes brake pipes are corroded and covered in grease; you must ensure these are replaced rather than just cleaned. Check the engine bay for the source of the persistent oil leaks noted in almost every MOT since 2014. Finally, inspect the lighting and electricals, as the vehicle has previously failed on faulty position lamp switches and missing catalytic converters.
This 2001 Land Rover Defender has covered a substantial 284,101 miles since its first registration in September 2001. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a pattern of recurring oil leaks, brake pipe corrosion, and serious structural issues. It appears to be a vehicle used heavily for work or off-road, evidenced by the frequent advisories regarding chassis and body integrity.
Defenders are renowned for mechanical toughness, but their longevity is heavily dependent on chassis maintenance and protection against rust.
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
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Chassis and Bulkhead CorrosionSerious
The steel chassis and bulkhead rot from the inside out, often hidden by underseal or carpet.
- Oil Leaks from Gaskets and SealsModerate
Worn valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft seals cause persistent oil leaks. The rear main seal is particularly prone on later Puma models.
- TD5 Injector Harness Oil MigrationSerious
Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug, causing rough running, misfires, and potential ECU damage.
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