1996 Land Rover Range Rover 2.5L Diesel · M88 KAA
1996 Land Rover Range Rover (2.5L, diesel). First registered 16 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 126,224 miles. MOT valid until 03 Oct 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 126,224 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.
M88 KAA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/10/2026
- 126,224 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M88 KAA 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 1996 Land Rover Range Rover (M88 KAA) between September 2024 and October 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 October 2026 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: Suspension (8 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Bodywork (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 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 Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))”; “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”.
M88 KAA Mileage History
- 30/09/2024125,560 mi
- 15/09/2025126,075 mi+515 mi
- 26/09/2025126,075 mi
- 02/10/2026126,224 mi+149 mi
- 02/10/2026126,224 mi
Average of roughly 331 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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
Avoid this 1996 Land Rover Range Rover due to repeated MOT failures, significant corrosion, and high mileage for its age. The vehicle shows persistent mechanical and structural issues that suggest poor long-term reliability.
This vehicle requires extreme caution. Insist on a full mechanical inspection by a specialist with experience in classic Land Rovers. Check for rust under the chassis and in the sills, which are prone to corrosion. Verify service history for maintenance of the diesel engine and suspension system. Negotiate heavily due to the high risk of hidden repairs. Be wary of 'restoration' claims—many 1990s Range Rovers suffer from metal fatigue and poor rust protection.
As a 1996 diesel model, fuel economy is likely poor (around 20-25 mpg). Tax is likely zero (over 25 years old), but insurance group will be high due to the vehicle's value and parts cost. Maintenance expenses are significant: exhaust systems, brake hoses, and suspension components are prone to failure. Annual running costs could range from £1,500-£2,000, excluding major repairs.
Focus on the corrosion reported in the MOTs, particularly the sills and brake hoses. Check the exhaust system for leaks and the suspension bushes for wear. Inspect the steering system for play, as drag link issues were recorded. Look for rust in the underbody and wheel arches. Verify that the vehicle hasn't been involved in accidents (check VIN for accident reports). Test all lighting systems, as lamp failures were recorded.
This 1996 Range Rover has a high mileage of 126,075 miles and a MOT history marked by recurring brake, exhaust, and suspension issues. Corrosion on sills and repeated suspension bush wear indicate potential structural degradation. While the vehicle is a classic, its age and documented problems make it a high-risk purchase.
No aggregate data available for this specific model, but 1990s Land Rovers are known for corrosion issues, complex suspension systems, and high maintenance demands. Owners often report frequent repairs to exhausts, brakes, and bodywork.
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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