1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · S421 CDV
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 100,797 miles. MOT valid until 31 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 31 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 100,797 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.
S421 CDV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/10/2025
- 100,797 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S421 CDV 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 (S421 CDV) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 October 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: Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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: “Nearside Front passenger door does not latch securely closed (6.2.3 (a))”; “Nearside Front Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”; “Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”.
S421 CDV Mileage History
- 26/10/202390,281 mi
- 26/10/202390,321 mi+40 mi
- 31/10/202497,431 mi+7,110 mi
- 01/11/202497,442 mi+11 mi
- 23/10/2025100,797 mi+3,355 mi
Average of roughly 5,276 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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 budget for stru
When inspecting this specific red Defender, your primary focus must be the chassis. The 2025 MOT record explicitly notes corrosion on the front of the chassis legs; you should inspect this area thoroughly to determine if the corrosion is superficial or structural. Any significant rust on a Defender of this age can lead to expensive repairs or even necessitate a chassis replacement.
Additionally, check the integrity of the doors and latches, as the 2024 failure noted a nearside front passenger door that would not latch securely. Ensure all electrical components, particularly the indicators and rear fog lamps mentioned in previous failures, are functioning correctly. Given the age and the nature of the recorded issues, a comprehensive service history should be verified to see how the suspension and steering components have been maintained.
As a 2.5L diesel vehicle, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. You should expect moderate fuel economy typical of a heavy, non-aerodynamic 4x4. Tax and insurance groups for a 1998 Defender are generally manageable but can vary depending on your specific driver profile and the vehicle's usage.
Maintenance costs for this model can be unpredictable. While the MOT history shows issues like shock absorber bushes and steering damper bushes, these are standard wear items. However, the potential for chassis-related work or electrical repairs means you should maintain a healthy contingency fund for unexpected mechanical or structural maintenance.
The most critical inspection point is the chassis, specifically the front legs where corrosion was flagged in October 2025. Use a flashlight to look for deep scaling or holes. You should also inspect the suspension components, specifically the shock absorber bushes, as these have been a recurring failure point in the recent MOT history (2023).
Check the door mechanisms and latches to ensure the nearside front passenger door closes and stays secure. Finally, test all exterior lighting, including the rear fog lamp and direction indicators, to ensure the electrical issues noted in 2023 and 2024 have been fully rectified and are not indicative of a wider wiring problem.
This 1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L diesel shows a mixed MOT history with several failures recorded between 2023 and 2024. Although the current mileage of 100,797 is low compared to the age of the vehicle, the most recent test highlighted corrosion on the front chassis legs. The vehicle has experienced various minor electrical and mechanical failures, including indicator issues and shock absorber bush wear.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78.1% average MOT pass rate, with common failure points including 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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