Official DVLA Record

1991 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · J855 BVF

J855 BVF

1991 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/09/1991. Recorded mileage 156,663 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Year / Origin
1991
MOT Status
Valid until 13/02/2026
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
156,663 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 2.5L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 13/02/2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
1991
Engine
2495cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The Land Rover Defender presents a stable roadworthiness trend, with the most recent test on 14 February 2025 at 156,663 miles returning a pass and no defects recorded. Prior to that, the February 2024 test at 155,131 miles passed cleanly after an initial failure on 1 February 2024 with no defects logged, suggesting an administrative or presentation issue rather than a mechanical fault. The vehicle's upkeep appears consistent, with no advisories or worsening conditions across the available record. At roughly 35 years old, the Defender shows 156,663 recorded miles, equating to about 4,476 miles per year, which is low for its age. The record shows minimal annual use: 154,424 miles in January 2023, 155,131 in February 2024, and 156,663 in February 2025. That is under 1,250 miles added across two years. Such low accumulation alongside the clean passes implies light use or prolonged storage, though standing time on a 1991 chassis invites latent corrosion risk not captured by the tests. The MOT history flags no recurring suspension, brake, or exhaust faults, and the tester noted no structural integrity concerns at the last examination. A buyer should still inspect the chassis rails, bulkhead, and outriggers for hidden rust given the vehicle's age and likely periods off the road. Check the suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs for age-related perishing even though the record stayed clear. Verify the 1 February 2024 failure cause in person, as DVSA logged no defects yet the truck needed a retest three days later. Confirm the drivetrain and transfer box show no oil leaks or binding calipers from standing. The low mileage and clean sheet make this Defender a sound candidate, but age demands a physical underside survey.

J855 BVF Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 14/02/2025
  • 156,663 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
35
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
✗ 1 dangerous defects found recently
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Full History Report

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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J855 BVF Mileage History

  1. 10/01/2023154,424 mi
  2. 10/01/2023154,424 mi
  3. 01/02/2024155,131 mi+707 mi
  4. 08/02/2024155,131 mi
  5. 14/02/2025156,663 mi+1,532 mi

Average of roughly 1,068 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

J855 BVF MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 9 Sept 2026, 00:47
MOT Analysis

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 (J855 BVF) between January 2023 and February 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 14 February 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: Lighting (3 issues), Steering (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 1 advisory notice is 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 Power steering pipe/hose leaking (2.1.5 (a))”; “Rear Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY