1997 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · R188 BAC
1997 Land Rover Discovery (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 176,550 miles. MOT valid until 28 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 176,550 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.
R188 BAC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/06/2026
- 176,550 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R188 BAC 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 Discovery (R188 BAC) between June 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 June 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: Bodywork (5 issues), Steering (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 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.
R188 BAC Mileage History
- 22/06/2023171,857 mi
- 12/06/2024173,600 mi+1,743 mi
- 30/06/2025175,173 mi+1,573 mi
- 30/06/2025175,173 mi
- 29/06/2026176,550 mi+1,377 mi
Average of roughly 1,554 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 Discovery 1 (LSE)
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 DISCOVERY 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.
- Bodywork and Structural RustSerious
Inner front wings, wheel arches, sills, footwells and boot floor are highly prone to corrosion. The aluminium body panels hide steel underneath that rots badly.
- 300TDi Timing Belt FailureSerious
The 300TDi is an interference engine and timing belt failure causes valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. Some belts have failed as early as 40,000 miles.
- Sunroof Leaks and Headlining SagModerate
Blocked sunroof drain tubes cause water to pour into the cabin, damaging electrics and causing rust. The headlining sags on later (1994+) models.
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