1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P228 ENP
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 22 May 1997. Recorded mileage 423,203 miles. MOT expired on 05 Apr 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 423,203 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.
P228 ENP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/04/2025
- 423,203 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P228 ENP 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 1997 Land Rover Defender (P228 ENP) between November 2021 and April 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 April 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: Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). 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: “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”.
P228 ENP Mileage History
- 26/11/2021420,008 mi
- 08/12/2022420,336 mi+328 mi
- 21/12/2023421,853 mi+1,517 mi
- 10/03/2025423,198 mi+1,345 mi
- 07/04/2025423,203 mi+5 mi
Average of roughly 950 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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (P228 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as P228ENP.
LEXUS
LS400
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
VAUXHALL
MOVANO
TVR
CHIMAERA
FORD
TRANSIT
APRILIA
RS125
ROVER
MINI
FORD
TRANSIT
BMW
728
VOLVO
900 Series
TOYOTA
COROLLA
FORD
TRANSIT
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 1997 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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.