1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · S572 BNT
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 245,406 km. MOT valid until 05 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Odometer
- 245,406 km
- 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.
S572 BNT Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/04/2026
- 245,406 km recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S572 BNT MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1998 Land Rover Defender (S572 BNT) between April 2026 and April 2026.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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.
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: Excellent
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. While the vehicle
The primary focus for any buyer should be the structural integrity of the chassis and bulkhead. The April 2026 MOT advisory specifically mentions a suspension mounting repair covered in underseal; you should investigate whether this underseal is masking further corrosion or if it was a professional repair.
Given the 245,406 miles on the 2.5L diesel engine, request a comprehensive service history to understand the timing of major component replacements. Negotiate the price based on the high mileage and the likely need for upcoming preventative maintenance to address the common wear-and-tear associated with a vehicle of this age.
Running costs for a 1998 Defender are typically high. The 2.5L diesel engine prioritises torque and utility over fuel economy, leading to higher fuel spend than modern diesel equivalents. Insurance groups for these vehicles can vary, but they often carry higher premiums due to their age and utility nature.
Maintenance costs are expected to be significant. With a recorded mileage of 245,406, the vehicle is likely to require more frequent repairs to suspension and braking systems. Typical annual expenditure will include fuel, road tax, and a budget for the frequent maintenance required to keep a high-mileage vintage 4x4 roadworthy.
Pay close attention to the suspension mounting points highlighted in the most recent MOT. Use a torch and a probe to check for softness or hidden rust beneath the underseal, as corrosion is one of the top failure reasons for this model across 126,031 analysed vehicles.
Additionally, inspect the brake pipes and headlamps, as these are identified as common failure points in the model's aggregate data. Check for any leaks around the engine and transmission, and ensure all 4x4 engagement mechanisms are functioning correctly given the high total mileage.
This 1998 Green Land Rover Defender has recorded 245,406 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average. The most recent MOT in April 2026 resulted in a pass, although it included an advisory regarding a suspension component mounting repair that has been covered in underseal. Given that corrosion is a primary failure point for this model, this specific detail is a critical point for potential buyers.
The Defender has an average MOT pass rate of 78.1%, with corrosion, brake pipes, and headlamps being the most frequent causes of failure.
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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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.
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