1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · S253 CHC
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 17 Nov 1998. Recorded mileage 214,038 miles. MOT expired on 30 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 214,038 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
S253 CHC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/09/2025
- 214,038 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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S253 CHC Mileage History
- 02/10/2023210,482 mi
- 30/09/2024211,708 mi+1,226 mi
- 30/09/2024211,713 mi+5 mi
- 22/09/2025214,038 mi+2,325 mi
- 29/09/2025214,038 mi
Average of roughly 1,784 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S253 CHC 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 (S253 CHC) between October 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 29 September 2025 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: Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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 Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Exhaust emissions test not completed because smoke levels are significantly in excess of the specified limit values (8.2”; “Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour likely to obscure the vision of other road users (8.2.2.2 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this 1998 Land Rover Defender due to repeated mechanical issues, high mileage, and significant emissions failures that suggest poor maintenance.
This vehicle requires extreme caution. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic specialising in classic vehicles. Focus on checking for internal engine damage from repeated oil leaks and assess the extent of exhaust system repairs. Be prepared to negotiate heavily due to the high risk of hidden faults. Verify if the vehicle has a full service history to confirm maintenance standards. Avoid purchasing unless you have extensive mechanical expertise and budget for major repairs.
As a 1998 diesel model, fuel economy is likely poor (est. 25-30 mpg). Road tax would be £240 annually (van rate). Insurance group 12-15 would cost £1,000-£1,500 yearly. Maintenance costs could exceed £2,000 annually for parts like the exhaust system, suspension components, and engine repairs. Total estimated annual running cost: £3,500-£5,000.
Thoroughly check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission, which have been recorded multiple times. Inspect the exhaust system for damage causing excessive smoke emissions. Test the offside front track rod end for play, which failed the MOT. Check suspension components for wear and assess the condition of the 2.5L diesel engine. Verify if the vehicle has been modified for emissions compliance. Review service records for any missed maintenance.
This 1998 Defender has accumulated 214,038 miles, far exceeding typical usage for its age. It shows persistent oil leaks, a failed emissions test with excessive exhaust smoke, and a suspension component failure. While the 2.5L diesel engine is robust, the vehicle's condition raises major concerns for a 28-year-old model.
No aggregate MOT data available for Land Rover Defender models, but this vehicle's frequent mechanical issues suggest poor maintenance rather than inherent design flaws.
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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