1997 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · R701 DDW
1997 Land Rover Discovery (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Sept 1997. Recorded mileage 181,713 miles. MOT expired on 03 Feb 2012.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Feb 2012
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Aug 2011)
- Recorded Mileage
- 181,713 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.
R701 DDW Key Findings
- 9 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/02/2011
- 181,713 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (15 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R701 DDW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
9 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Land Rover Discovery (R701 DDW) between March 2006 and February 2011.
The record contains 5 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 04 February 2011 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (15 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 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: “Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)”; “Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)”; “Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)”.
R701 DDW Mileage History
- 09/03/2006132,899 mi
- 09/03/2006132,899 mi
- 13/11/2007151,081 mi+18,182 mi
- 09/01/2009164,502 mi+13,421 mi
- 16/01/2009164,695 mi+193 mi
- 25/11/2009174,748 mi+10,053 mi
- 02/12/2009174,750 mi+2 mi
- 17/01/2011181,711 mi+6,961 mi
- 04/02/2011181,713 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 9,944 miles per year across 9 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: 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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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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