1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R161 DNW

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT in February 2026, but this followed a failure earlier that month. The defects identified during that failure were significant, specifically a seriously weakened coil spring mounting due to corrosion and an excessively worn prop shaft joint. The overall condition trend appears to be worsening. While earlier entries in 2024 and 2025 noted minor issues such as slight play in track rod ends and worn suspension bushes, these have progressed into more serious structural and mechanical defects. There is also a persistent pattern of failures and advisories regarding seat belt buckles and webbing, suggesting a lack of consistent maintenance for interior safety components. The recorded mileage is typical for its age, which implies standard wear on the drivetrain, suspension, and other mechanical consumables. It has not been left to stand for long periods, but the high total mileage contributes to the general degradation of these components. The most important checks for a buyer are to inspect the chassis carefully for corrosion, especially around the coil spring mountings, and to check the prop shaft for excessive play. The safety and condition of all seat belts should also be thoroughly examined.