1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P114 ARY
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1996. Recorded mileage 136,199 miles. MOT valid until 20 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,199 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.
P114 ARY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/01/2026
- 136,199 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring steering items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P114 ARY 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 (P114 ARY) between January 2024 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 13 January 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: Steering (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Steering linkage fouling track arm fouling guard (2.1.4 (a))”; “Steering linkage ball joint worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment drop link ball joint worn (2.1.3 (”; “Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ”.
P114 ARY Mileage History
- 03/01/2024133,257 mi
- 05/01/2024133,257 mi
- 08/01/2025134,519 mi+1,262 mi
- 21/01/2025134,519 mi
- 13/01/2026136,199 mi+1,680 mi
Average of roughly 1,450 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: 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.
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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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