1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P188 APH
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 02 Aug 1996. Recorded mileage 118,711 miles. MOT expired on 25 Feb 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Feb 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (07 Nov 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 118,711 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.
P188 APH Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/01/2025
- 118,711 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P188 APH 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 (P188 APH) between February 2022 and January 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 January 2025 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: Suspension (8 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 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: “Brake servo defective or ineffective cracked round master cylinder (1.1.10 (a) (i))”; “Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))”.
P188 APH Mileage History
- 18/02/2022117,113 mi
- 07/02/2023117,180 mi+67 mi
- 21/02/2023117,190 mi+10 mi
- 12/02/2024118,254 mi+1,064 mi
- 28/01/2025118,711 mi+457 mi
Average of roughly 543 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (P188 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as P188APH.
CITROEN
HYMER
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
TOYOTA
STARLET
LAVERDA
650
MAZDA
MX-5
SUZUKI
GSF600
DAIHATSU
FOURTRAK INDEPENDENT TDX
MAZDA
BONGO
VOLVO
900 Series
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
PEUGEOT
BOXER
CITROEN
XANTIA
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.