1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R352 AGX
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 12 Sept 1997. Recorded mileage 119,127 miles. MOT expired on 30 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 119,127 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.
R352 AGX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/10/2025
- 119,127 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R352 AGX 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 (R352 AGX) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 October 2025 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: Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Steering (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: “Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive wear or play (2.2.2 (c))”; “Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”.
R352 AGX Mileage History
- 27/10/2022115,738 mi
- 31/10/2023116,309 mi+571 mi
- 30/10/2024117,419 mi+1,110 mi
- 28/10/2025119,127 mi+1,708 mi
- 28/10/2025119,127 mi
Average of roughly 1,128 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R352 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R352AGX.
AUDI
A4
FORD
TRANSIT
PIAGGIO
T5
VAUXHALL
TIGRA
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
DUCATI
SUPER SPORT
BMW
Z3
BMW
728
HONDA
CBR600F
FORD
MONDEO
BMW
Z3
CATERHAM
SEVEN (S3)
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.