1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · P805 BCP
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1996. Recorded mileage 175,383 miles. MOT valid until 08 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 175,383 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.
P805 BCP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/07/2026
- 175,383 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (15 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P805 BCP 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 (P805 BCP) between March 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (15 issues), Steering (10 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Windscreen (5 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 39 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: “Indicator switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))”; “Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”.
P805 BCP Mileage History
- 18/03/2024175,305 mi
- 18/03/2024175,307 mi+2 mi
- 09/06/2025175,314 mi+7 mi
- 10/07/2026175,383 mi+69 mi
- 10/07/2026175,383 mi
Average of roughly 34 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: Good
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 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.
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