1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N116 BVR
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/04/1996. Recorded mileage 200,840 miles. MOT valid until 08/10/2026. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08/10/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 200,840 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1996
- Engine
- 2495cc
N116 BVR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/10/2025
- 200,840 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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N116 BVR Mileage History
- 23/08/2022182,769 mi
- 05/09/2023189,406 mi+6,637 mi
- 21/09/2023189,489 mi+83 mi
- 10/10/2024196,129 mi+6,640 mi
- 08/10/2025200,840 mi+4,711 mi
Average of roughly 5,779 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
N116 BVR 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 Defender (N116 BVR) between August 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 October 2025 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: Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 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: “Intermediate drop arm insecure from box (2.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure BOTH FRONTS (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Front Lower Axle swivel joint so worn or insecure in a stub axle that directional stability is impaired (5.1.2 (”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution before purchasi
A primary focus must be placed on the chassis and structural integrity. The MOT records from 2022, 2023, and 2024 all explicitly mention rust on the chassis rails, crossmembers, and suspension mounting areas. You should not rely on a recent MOT pass alone; a specialist inspection of the underside is essential to determine if the corrosion is superficial or structural.
Additionally, investigate the history of the oil leaks, which have been noted in multiple tests between 2022 and 2025. Given the high mileage of over 200,000 miles, check for evidence of recent work on the suspension components, specifically the panhard rod and swivel joints, which have been flagged for wear in previous years. Negotiate based on the potential cost of chassis repairs or replacement.
Running a 2.5L diesel Defender involves substantial costs. Fuel economy for this age and engine size is typically low, and as a heavy 4x4, fuel consumption will be a significant part of your budget. Insurance groups for classic Land Rovers can vary widely depending on your age and location, but expect moderate to high premiums.
Maintenance costs are likely to be high due to the vehicle's age and the specific mechanical issues noted in its history, such as suspension bushings, brake components, and potential oil leak repairs. The estimated annual running cost is higher than a standard passenger car due to these factors.
You must inspect the chassis rails and crossmembers thoroughly. The MOT history specifically cites 'chassis rails very rusty' (2023) and 'rear chassis and crossmember very rusty' (2022). Look for signs of welding or heavy protective coatings that might be masking deep-seated corrosion.
Check the suspension system in detail. The vehicle has a history of issues with coil springs, panhard rods, and axle swivel joints. Inspect the mounting areas for the suspension arms, as these were noted as corroded in 2024. Finally, check for any active oil leaks, as 'oil leak, but not excessive' has been a recurring advisory since at least 2022.
This 1996 Land Rover Defender has covered 200,840 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 3,736 miles per year. The MOT history is characterised by repeated failures and advisories related to chassis rust, suspension component wear, and oil leaks. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025, the history shows a pattern of structural degradation.
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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