1994 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · L598 BRY
1994 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 1994. Recorded mileage 170,968 miles. MOT valid until 29 Mar 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1994 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 170,968 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.
L598 BRY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/03/2026
- 170,968 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
L598 BRY 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 1994 Land Rover Defender (L598 BRY) between December 2021 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (7 issues), Steering (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). 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: “Brake performance unable to be tested Leak on system (1.2.1 (g))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn front arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn front arm rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
L598 BRY Mileage History
- 22/12/2021164,888 mi
- 02/03/2023168,793 mi+3,905 mi
- 03/03/2023168,793 mi
- 19/03/2025170,870 mi+2,077 mi
- 31/03/2026170,968 mi+98 mi
Average of roughly 1,424 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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 caution. While this Defende
Focus your attention on the mechanical repairs carried out following the March 2023 failure. Ensure there is documented evidence that the brake pipe leaks and suspension arm bushes were properly replaced rather than patched. Given the 2.5L diesel engine's age, the 'multiple oil leaks' noted in the 2026 MOT should be investigated to determine if they are minor seeps or signs of more significant gasket failures.
Negotiate based on the immediate need to address the frayed seat belt webbing and the oil leaks. Additionally, check if the offside front wheel bearing—which was flagged as having 'slight play' in both 2021 and 2023—has been fully replaced or if it remains a persisting issue.
Running costs for a 1994 Defender are typically higher than modern equivalents. The 2.5L diesel engine is known for modest fuel economy, and maintenance requirements are frequent due to the vehicle's age and mechanical design. Insurance groups for these classics are generally reasonable, but tax will depend on the specific registration date and emissions.
Expect higher-than-average annual spend on consumables and preventative maintenance to keep the vehicle roadworthy. Between fuel, tax, insurance, and the likely need for ongoing mechanical repairs, the annual cost is significant.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the brake lines and chassis, as brake pipe leaks are a common model weakness and were a specific cause of failure for this vehicle in 2023. Check the front suspension and steering linkage, specifically the bushes and ball joint dust covers, which were flagged in the 2023 records.
Inspect the engine bay and underside for the 'multiple oil leaks' mentioned in the March 2026 MOT. Finally, physically examine the front seat belt webbing for the fraying noted in the most recent test to assess the extent of the damage.
This 1994 Green Land Rover Defender has recorded 170,968 miles. Its MOT history includes a significant failure in 2023 involving brake pipe leaks and suspension bush wear, and a recurring advisory for offside front wheel bearing play dating back to 2021. The most recent test in March 2026 passed but noted multiple oil leaks and frayed seat belt webbing.
The Defender has an average MOT pass rate of 78.1%, with common failures typically involving headlamps, brake pipes, and corrosion.
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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