1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R337 BOK
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 11 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 164,563 miles. MOT expired on 22 Aug 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 164,563 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.
R337 BOK Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/08/2023
- 164,563 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R337 BOK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Defender (R337 BOK) between August 2022 and August 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 August 2023 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 (7 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Steering (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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: “Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bod”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”; “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
R337 BOK Mileage History
- 05/08/2022160,555 mi
- 17/08/2022160,560 mi+5 mi
- 17/08/2023164,508 mi+3,948 mi
- 24/08/2023164,563 mi+55 mi
Average of roughly 3,812 miles per year across 4 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: Below Average
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 1997 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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