1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R737 BBK
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Apr 1998. Recorded mileage 142,428 miles. MOT valid until 06 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,428 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.
R737 BBK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/07/2026
- 142,428 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring windscreen items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R737 BBK 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 1998 Land Rover Defender (R737 BBK) between August 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 July 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: Windscreen (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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.
R737 BBK Mileage History
- 01/08/2023139,370 mi
- 26/07/2024140,176 mi+806 mi
- 26/07/2024140,176 mi
- 01/08/2025141,426 mi+1,250 mi
- 21/07/2026142,428 mi+1,002 mi
Average of roughly 1,029 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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R737 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R737BBK.
VOLVO
V90
MERCEDES
SL
BMW
Z3
RENAULT
TRAFIC
TOYOTA
STARLET
BMW
740
BMW
Z3
TOYOTA
SUPRA
TOYOTA
COROLLA
YAMAHA
YZF600
PEUGEOT
PARTNER
BMW
Z3
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 1998 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.
- TD5 Injector Harness Oil MigrationSerious
Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug, causing rough running, misfires, and potential ECU damage.
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.