1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R150 AAY
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 21 Oct 1997. Recorded mileage 125,265 miles. MOT valid until 04 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 125,265 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.
R150 AAY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/08/2026
- 125,265 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R150 AAY 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 (R150 AAY) between August 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 August 2026 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: Lighting (9 issues), Suspension (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))”.
R150 AAY Mileage History
- 01/08/2023118,832 mi
- 06/08/2024121,447 mi+2,615 mi
- 06/08/2024121,447 mi
- 31/07/2025123,133 mi+1,686 mi
- 03/08/2026125,265 mi+2,132 mi
Average of roughly 2,140 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this green Defender, prioritize a physical inspection of the front steering and suspension assembly. The MOT records from 2023, 2024, and 2025 all highlight deteriorating or perishing dust covers and slight free play in the nearside front, indicating these issues may persist despite passing tests. Ensure these have been fully rectified rather than just addressed as advisories.
Secondly, check the condition of all seat belts. The records consistently note damaged or frayed webbing on both front belts across multiple years. This is a safety-critical item that should be replaced. Finally, given the age and the model's tendency towards corrosion (a top failure reason for this model type), inspect the chassis and subframes thoroughly for structural integrity.
As a 2.5L diesel vehicle, running costs will be higher than a standard passenger car. Fuel economy is typically modest, reflecting its utilitarian design. Tax and insurance groups for a 1997 Defender are generally manageable, but insurance costs can vary significantly depending on the driver's profile and the vehicle's use.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age can be unpredictable. While the MOT history does not show major mechanical failures, the repeated steering and suspension advisories suggest that wear-and-tear parts will need regular replacement. Expect annual maintenance to be higher than average to keep a vintage 4x4 in roadworthy condition.
Focus heavily on the front suspension. The MOT history specifically identifies 'Front Steering/Suspension Dust Covers Deteriorating/Perishing' and 'Nearside Front slight free play' in three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025). You must verify if the dust covers have been replaced with new parts and if the 'free play' in the nearside front has been resolved.
Inspect the interior safety equipment, specifically the seat belt webbing. The records show a long-term issue with frayed or damaged webbing on both front belts. Additionally, although the stop lamp failure from 2024 was recorded as resolved, it is worth testing all exterior lighting, including brake lights and indicators, to ensure the electrical system is stable.
This 1997 Land Rover Defender features a 2.5L diesel engine and has covered 125,265 miles as of August 2026. The MOT history shows a pattern of recurring advisories regarding front steering/suspension dust covers and seat belt webbing damage. While it has passed its most recent test, the consistency of these issues suggests a need for closer scrutiny of the suspension and interior safety components.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78.1% MOT pass rate, with common failure points including headlamps, brake pipes, and corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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