1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N616 DJC
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/02/1996. Recorded mileage 22,626 miles. MOT valid until 26/08/2027. Taxed until 01/09/2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26/08/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/09/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 22,626 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
N616 DJC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/08/2026
- 22,626 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 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
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N616 DJC Mileage History
- 13/07/202312,028 mi
- 21/08/202416,062 mi+4,034 mi
- 26/08/202520,316 mi+4,254 mi
- 28/08/202520,319 mi+3 mi
- 27/08/202622,626 mi+2,307 mi
Average of roughly 3,392 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
N616 DJC 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 (N616 DJC) between July 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 August 2026 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 (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Central Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))”; “Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.2.2 (e))”; “Nearside Front Brake disc contaminated (1.1.14 (b))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1996 Land Rover Defender presents a
When inspecting this Defender, examine the chassis and structural components thoroughly, as corrosion is a primary failure category for this model. Review the physical service record to cross-reference with the MOT history, specifically checking if the 2025 failure items—such as the offside rear shock absorber and front brake disc contamination—were professionally repaired.
Negotiate on the price by factoring in the current advisories from the August 2026 test, which notes a worn or pitted rear brake disc and an oil leak. Ensure all electrical functions, including reversing lamps and indicators that faulted in 2025, operate correctly during your viewing.
As a classic 2.5-litre diesel utility vehicle, fuel economy will vary depending on usage and gearing, though typical classic diesel costs apply. Insurance should be calculated using specialist classic or commercial vehicle policies, which may offer favourable rates given the low annual mileage pattern recorded.
Maintenance costs for older Land Rovers can be unpredictable due to age-related wear, as evidenced by recurring oil leaks and suspension advisories. Budget a reasonable contingency fund each year for ongoing repairs, bringing the estimated annual running cost to approximately £1,200-£1,600 inclusive of fuel, tax, insurance, and routine upkeep.
Pay close attention to the braking system, referencing the 2025 failure for brake fluid levels and contaminated front brake discs, as well as the 2026 advisory for worn, pitted, or scored rear brake discs. Inspect the suspension mounting points and shock absorbers closely, noting the serious fluid leak recorded on the offside rear in 2025 and the misting noted on the nearside.
Examine the engine bay and underside for oil leaks, building on the advisory noted in both the 2024 and 2026 tests. Check the exhaust system from the turbo area forward, referencing the 2025 failure for a turbo area exhaust leak and insecure central exhaust components, and test all exterior lighting thoroughly.
This green 1996 Land Rover Defender features a 2495cc diesel engine and has recorded 22,626 miles as of its August 2026 MOT. The vehicle's history includes a notable test failure in August 2025 involving multiple items such as brake contamination, suspension fluid leaks, and electrical faults, alongside recurring minor advisories for oil leaks.
The Land Rover Defender model has an average MOT pass rate of 78.1% across the UK fleet, with headlamps, brake pipes, and corrosion cited as top 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
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