1991 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · H596 GEJ
1991 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Apr 1991. Recorded mileage 145,036 miles. MOT expired on 25 Aug 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1991 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 145,036 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.
H596 GEJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 21/08/2026
- 145,036 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 18 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
H596 GEJ 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 1991 Land Rover Defender (H596 GEJ) between August 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 21 August 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (17 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 28 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 Passenger compartment passenger compartment in such a condition that it permits the entry of exhaust fume”; “Nearside Rear Outer Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced ”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.
H596 GEJ Mileage History
- 05/08/2024143,129 mi
- 19/08/2024143,129 mi
- 20/08/2025144,482 mi+1,353 mi
- 27/08/2025144,482 mi
- 21/08/2026145,036 mi+554 mi
Average of roughly 934 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution. This vehicle p
A potential buyer should approach this vehicle as a major restoration project rather than a turnkey driver. The MOT history reveals a recurring theme of 'excessively corroded' components that reduce structural strength, specifically regarding the outriggers, shock turret, and coil spring mountings. You must determine if these structural issues are repairable or if the chassis is beyond economical repair.
If you proceed, negotiate heavily based on the cost of welding and structural repairs. Do not rely on a standard visual inspection; a professional inspection involving a hoist is essential to assess the extent of the corrosion on the underside, particularly the rear x-member and towbar mounting areas. Verify if the recent failures have been addressed, as the 2026 failure list is extensive and includes safety-critical items like brake hoses, drag link joints, and exhaust leaks.
Running costs for a 1991 Defender are typically higher than modern vehicles due to its age and mechanical simplicity. Fuel economy for the 2495cc diesel engine will be modest, and as a classic utility vehicle, insurance groups can vary widely depending on usage.
Maintenance costs are likely to be significant in the short term due to the volume of structural and mechanical defects identified in the MOT history. Expect high annual expenditure to address the ongoing corrosion and the various suspension and braking issues noted. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and necessary repairs, would likely exceed £2,500 given the current state of the vehicle.
The primary focus must be on the vehicle's structural integrity. Specifically, inspect the nearside and offside outriggers, the rear x-member, and the bulkhead, as these have been recorded as 'holed' or 'excessively corroded' in multiple tests. Pay close attention to the suspension component mountings, including the trailing arm and shock turret, which have shown significant strength reduction.
Additionally, examine the braking system and steering components. The MOT history notes issues with brake hoses, master cylinder mountings, and drag link ball joints. Check the condition of the exhaust system for leaks and ensure the fuel/exhaust separation is intact, as the 2026 test noted the passenger compartment could permit the entry of exhaust fumes. Finally, check the wheel bearings and suspension bushings, which have been flagged for play and excessive wear.
This 1991 Land Rover Defender, finished in blue with a 2.5L diesel engine, shows a pattern of severe structural deterioration. While the mileage of 145,036 is relatively consistent with its age, the recent MOT history is dominated by failures related to heavy corrosion in the outriggers, bulkhead, and suspension mountings. The most recent test in August 2026 resulted in a failure with numerous serious defects, including holes in the vehicle structure.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 78.1%, with corrosion and brake pipes being common failure reasons.
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
Vehicle & Plate History
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