1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N198 CHC
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Apr 1996. Recorded mileage 159,532 miles. MOT valid until 21 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 159,532 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.
N198 CHC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/04/2026
- 159,532 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N198 CHC 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 (N198 CHC) between May 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
N198 CHC Mileage History
- 24/05/2022149,915 mi
- 19/05/2023151,936 mi+2,021 mi
- 20/05/2024154,313 mi+2,377 mi
- 23/04/2025156,624 mi+2,311 mi
- 16/04/2026159,532 mi+2,908 mi
Average of roughly 2,468 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
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MERCEDES
NOT STATED
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1996 model year cars.
- Chassis and Bulkhead CorrosionSerious
The steel chassis and bulkhead rot from the inside out, often hidden by underseal or carpet.
- Oil Leaks from Gaskets and SealsModerate
Worn valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft seals cause persistent oil leaks. The rear main seal is particularly prone on later Puma models.
- Electrical Gremlins and Wiring DeteriorationModerate
Corroded bulkhead earthing points and deteriorating wiring harnesses cause intermittent electrical faults including flickering lights, false warnings, and central locking failures.
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