1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · Q843 VAB

The 2025‑11‑10 MOT at 165,006 miles resulted in a pass, confirming current roadworthiness despite a damaged windscreen and an exhaust that is noisy and emits excessive smoke. The vehicle has passed every test since the 2023 assessment at 156,261 miles, indicating a stable maintenance trend after earlier failures in 2018‑2019. Mileage has risen from 156,261 miles in May 2023 to 165,006 miles in November 2025, an increase of roughly 8,745 miles over 28 months, or about 3,125 miles per year, which is higher than the average 5,500 miles per year suggested by the total mileage but still modest for a 30‑year‑old Defender. The period from the 2015 test at 140,750 miles to the 2018 test at 154,119 miles shows only 13,369 miles accumulated over three years, suggesting extended periods of inactivity, while the jump from 159,199 miles in June 2024 to 165,006 miles in November 2025 reflects more active usage in the last year. A buyer should therefore focus on the recurring mechanical concerns highlighted throughout the record: extensive chassis and suspension corrosion at the rail mounting areas, particularly the near‑side rear and off‑side rear rails noted in 2018 and 2019; persistent brake wear and potential binding on the rear calipers as indicated by multiple pad‑thickness and disc‑condition advisories; and the condition of the steering linkage and wheel bearings, which have shown play or deformation in earlier tests. Inspection should include a close examination of the structural integrity of the chassis rails, the condition of suspension bushes and coil springs, the functional operation of the parking brake, and the current state of the exhaust system and tyre wear, as these items have repeatedly required remedial action.