1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P527 AFE
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 31 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 129,293 km. MOT expired on 19 Oct 2023.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Oct 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Odometer
- 129,293 km
- 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.
P527 AFE Key Findings
- 20 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/10/2022
- 129,293 km recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P527 AFE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
20 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Defender (P527 AFE) between June 2006 and October 2022.
The record contains 16 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 06 October 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)”; “Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)”; “Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)”.
P527 AFE Odometer History
- 12/06/200623,294 km
- 28/06/200723,768 mi
- 23/07/200828,404 mi+4,636 mi
- 28/07/200828,404 mi
- 09/07/200928,727 mi+323 mi
- 10/07/200928,727 mi
- 07/03/201129,840 km
- 10/03/201129,846 km+6 km
- 26/04/201255,752 km+25,906 km
- 25/04/201366,400 km+10,648 km
- 21/03/201480,666 mi
- 21/04/2015104,275 mi+23,609 mi
- 05/04/2016108,039 km
- 22/03/2017116,077 km+8,038 km
- 04/04/2018123,062 km+6,985 km
- 16/04/2019125,431 km+2,369 km
- 09/10/2020127,739 km+2,308 km
- 15/10/2021128,870 km+1,131 km
- 15/10/2021128,870 km
- 06/10/2022129,293 km+423 km
Average of roughly 6,496 km per year across 20 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
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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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.
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