1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N390 AEJ
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Jan 1996. Recorded mileage 193,028 miles. MOT expired on 24 Jan 2024.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 24 Jan 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (14 May 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 193,028 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.
N390 AEJ Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/01/2023
- 193,028 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N390 AEJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Land Rover Defender (N390 AEJ) between December 2021 and January 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 25 January 2023 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 (8 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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.
N390 AEJ Mileage History
- 14/12/2021192,607 mi
- 25/01/2023193,028 mi+421 mi
- 25/01/2023193,028 mi
Average of roughly 378 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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
Proceed with caution. This high-mileage
When viewing this Blue 2.5L diesel Defender, your primary focus should be on the drivetrain and safety equipment. The MOT history specifically notes wear in the front prop shaft joint and play in the nearside front wheel bearing; you should check if these specific issues were rectified following the 2023 test.
Negotiate based on the high mileage and the documented history of component wear. Ask for evidence of recent work regarding the seat belts, as both nearside and offside front belts were flagged as damaged in multiple tests. Ensure that the lighting system, specifically the rear position lamps mentioned in the 2023 failure, is fully operational.
Running costs for a 1996 2495cc diesel Defender are typically high compared to modern vehicles. While fuel economy will be modest, the primary costs will stem from maintenance of a high-mileage 4x4.
Insurance groups for older Defenders vary, but expect higher premiums due to the vehicle's age and utility profile. Maintenance costs should be budgeted for frequently, particularly for suspension, drivetrain, and braking components which are common areas of wear for this model.
A physical inspection must prioritise the drivetrain and chassis. Based on the 2023 MOT failure, check the condition of the front prop shaft joints for any signs of play or noise during a test drive. The 2021 record also highlighted nearside front wheel bearing play, so listen for any humming or grinding noises from the front wheels.
Additionally, inspect the interior safety equipment. The MOT history shows a pattern of damaged front seat belts (both nearside and offside) across 2021 and 2023. Finally, check for common model-wide issues like corrosion, which is a top failure reason for this model in aggregate data, and ensure all exterior lighting is functional to avoid the lamp failures seen in previous tests.
This 1996 Land Rover Defender shows significant usage with 193,028 miles recorded at its last MOT in early 2023. The MOT history reveals recurring issues with seat belt damage and mechanical wear, such as prop shaft and wheel bearing play. Given its age and mileage, any purchase should be heavily contingent on a professional mechanical assessment.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 78.1%, with common failures related to 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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