1988 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · F316 GTA
1988 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 12 Sept 1988. Recorded mileage 211,624 miles. MOT expired on 21 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 211,624 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.
F316 GTA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/10/2025
- 211,624 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
F316 GTA 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 (F316 GTA) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 16 October 2025 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: Brakes (4 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (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.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Brake pad(s) contaminated OIL LEAKING FROM AXLE /STUB END (1.1.13 (b))”; “Offside Front Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture (1.1.11 (a))”.
F316 GTA Mileage History
- 21/10/2023207,388 mi
- 23/10/2023207,392 mi+4 mi
- 17/10/2024209,654 mi+2,262 mi
- 21/10/2024209,671 mi+17 mi
- 16/10/2025211,624 mi+1,953 mi
Average of roughly 2,131 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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.
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: Poor
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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (F316 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as F316GTA.
BMW
316
YAMAHA
PHAZER
VAUXHALL
NOVA
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
VESPA
T5
YAMAHA
XT350
AUSTIN
MINI THIRTY
PEUGEOT
205
MERCEDES-BENZ
200
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
MERCEDES-BENZ
230
NISSAN
SUNNY
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 1988 model year cars.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.