1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P626 BAP
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 27 Jun 1997. Recorded mileage 103,151 miles. MOT expired on 12 Jun 2023.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Jun 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 103,151 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.
P626 BAP Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/06/2022
- 103,151 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P626 BAP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Defender (P626 BAP) between May 2022 and June 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 June 2022 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 (4 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Steering (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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: “Drag link end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Nearside Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prev”; “Nearside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))”.
P626 BAP Mileage History
- 11/05/2022103,147 mi
- 14/06/2022103,151 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 43 miles per year across 2 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: 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.
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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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