1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P618 BUG
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 02 Jul 1997. Recorded mileage 104,470 miles. MOT valid until 12 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,470 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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P618 BUG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/03/2026
- 104,470 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P618 BUG 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 (P618 BUG) between April 2022 and March 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 7 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues). 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.
P618 BUG Mileage History
- 14/04/202289,392 mi
- 06/04/202394,692 mi+5,300 mi
- 12/04/202498,273 mi+3,581 mi
- 28/03/2025100,688 mi+2,415 mi
- 24/03/2026104,470 mi+3,782 mi
Average of roughly 3,823 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: Excellent
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 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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