1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · R768 AMS
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 29 Jun 1998. Recorded mileage 145,067 miles. MOT valid until 09 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 145,067 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.
R768 AMS Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/02/2026
- 145,067 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (39 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R768 AMS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
17 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Land Rover Defender (R768 AMS) between August 2006 and February 2026.
The record contains 10 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 10 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (39 issues), Brakes (22 issues), Bodywork (7 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 76 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 Outer Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1”; “Nearside Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced close to su”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”.
R768 AMS Mileage History
- 08/08/2006113,044 mi
- 09/08/2006113,044 mi
- 26/07/2007125,003 mi+11,959 mi
- 26/07/2007125,003 mi
- 17/05/2017136,755 mi+11,752 mi
- 27/06/2018144,240 mi+7,485 mi
- 27/06/2018144,240 mi
- 16/08/2019145,067 mi+827 mi
- 15/09/2020145,067 mi
- 28/09/2021145,067 mi
- 01/11/2021145,067 mi
- 27/06/2023145,067 mi
- 19/07/2023145,067 mi
- 03/02/2025145,067 mi
- 07/02/2025145,067 mi
- 10/02/2026145,067 mi
- 10/02/2026145,067 mi
Average of roughly 1,641 miles per year across 17 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This vehic
Potential buyers should prioritise a professional inspection of the chassis and bodywork. The MOT history specifically notes corrosion near trailing arm mountings and previous failures where structural rigidity was significantly reduced. You must verify if the recent 'corroded within 30cm of a mounting' has been professionally repaired or merely monitored.
Negotiate based on the documented oil leaks and the steering box leak noted in 2025. Check the service history for evidence of chassis treatment or replacement. Given the age and the specific failures recorded, ensure all seat belt webbing and buckles have been replaced, as multiple advisories and failures were noted regarding seat belt integrity.
As a 2.5L diesel, running costs will be higher than a standard passenger car. Expect relatively low fuel economy typical of a 1998 Defender, and insurance groups for classic 4x4s can vary widely depending on driver profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be substantial. The MOT history indicates frequent needs for brake pads, wheel bearings, and prop shaft repairs. Annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and a contingency for mechanical repairs, are estimated to be high due to the vehicle's age and documented wear patterns.
A thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside is mandatory. Specifically, look at the areas near the trailing arm mountings and the chassis rails, as the MOT history has flagged corrosion in these locations multiple times. Check for any signs of recent welding or structural patches.
Examine the engine bay and steering assembly for active oil leaks, following the history of engine area leaks and a steering box leak. Additionally, inspect the front prop shaft for play in the UJ joints and check all four brake assemblies, as the history shows a recurring pattern of thin pads and wheel bearing play.
This 1998 Land Rover Defender has covered 145,067 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 3,749 miles per year. The MOT history reveals a pattern of structural corrosion, oil leaks, and brake wear. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026, the history shows repeated failures related to chassis integrity and steering components.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78.1% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being headlamps, brake pipes, and corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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