1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N285 AAW
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 29 May 1996. Recorded mileage 186,937 miles. MOT valid until 31 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 31 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 186,937 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.
N285 AAW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/04/2026
- 186,937 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N285 AAW 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 (N285 AAW) between May 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 April 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: Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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: “Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))”; “Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”.
N285 AAW Mileage History
- 18/05/2023182,103 mi
- 13/10/2023182,128 mi+25 mi
- 14/01/2025182,829 mi+701 mi
- 07/01/2026186,886 mi+4,057 mi
- 02/04/2026186,937 mi+51 mi
Average of roughly 1,681 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: 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.
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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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