2001 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · RF51 ASU
2001 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 31 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 82,133 miles. MOT valid until 21 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 82,133 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.
RF51 ASU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/04/2026
- 82,133 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RF51 ASU 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 2001 Land Rover Defender (RF51 ASU) between March 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 April 2026 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 (8 issues), Steering (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Prop shaft joint excessively worn rear joint (6.1.7 (c) (i))”; “Dipswitch does not operate immediately when selected on main beam (4.1.3 (b))”.
RF51 ASU Mileage History
- 19/03/202477,436 mi
- 20/03/202477,436 mi
- 17/03/202579,510 mi+2,074 mi
- 23/04/202579,533 mi+23 mi
- 14/04/202682,133 mi+2,600 mi
Average of roughly 2,270 miles per year across 5 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 caution and a thorough mechanical inspection. While the mileage is impressively low for a 2001 model, the MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of neglected minor issues and persistent mechanical advisories.
When viewing this Defender, your primary focus should be on the mechanical integrity of the drivetrain and suspension. The history shows a major failure regarding a worn rear prop shaft joint in 2025, so you must verify that this has been fully rectified with high-quality parts. Additionally, the offside rear wheel bearing has been flagged with 'slight play' in multiple consecutive MOT tests (2024, 2025, and 2026); ensure this has actually been replaced rather than just monitored.
Negotiate based on the long-standing advisories. The offside front seat belt buckle casing has been missing or damaged since at least 2021, and there is a history of brake pipe corrosion and oil leaks. Ask for a comprehensive service history to confirm that the recurring issues with suspension bushes, steering linkage, and brake pipes have been addressed with more than just 'grease and cover-ups'.
As a 2.5L diesel, this Defender is built for utility rather than economy. Expect relatively high fuel consumption, typical for this era of heavy 4x4. Tax and insurance groups will be moderate, but maintenance costs on a Land Rover of this age can fluctuate significantly depending on whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts.
Annual running costs are estimated to be higher than a standard passenger car due to the specialized nature of parts and the potential for wear-and-tear items like suspension components and seals to require frequent attention. Budget for regular inspections of the chassis and braking system.
First, inspect the underside and braking system thoroughly. The MOT history shows a history of corroded brake pipes (noted in 2020 and 2023) and worn brake discs. Check that the brake lines are clean and free of heavy corrosion. You should also inspect the front hubs, as previous tests indicated they were leaking grease.
Second, examine the suspension and steering. Given the history of worn suspension rod pins, bushes, and steering linkage ball joints, look for any excessive movement or knocking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces. Finally, check the interior for the missing seat belt buckle casing noted in the most recent MOT, and verify the operation of the main beam dipswitch and windscreen wipers, which have been failure points in the past.
This 2001 Land Rover Defender, finished in Green, presents an attractive opportunity due to its relatively low mileage of 82,133 miles. However, the MOT history shows a vehicle that has frequently failed on items ranging from lighting and wipers to more significant mechanical components like the rear prop shaft joint. While recent tests have passed, several advisories regarding wheel bearings and seat belts have persisted for years, suggesting a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach.
Classic Defenders are known for their mechanical simplicity and durability, but they are highly susceptible to corrosion and require diligent maintenance of suspension and braking components.
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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