1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · S785 BLG
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 82,338 miles. MOT expired on 31 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 82,338 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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S785 BLG Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/10/2025
- 82,338 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S785 BLG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Land Rover Defender (S785 BLG) between November 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 14 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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.
S785 BLG Mileage History
- 01/11/202279,957 mi
- 24/10/202380,894 mi+937 mi
- 09/10/202481,958 mi+1,064 mi
- 23/10/202582,338 mi+380 mi
Average of roughly 800 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: 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.
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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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