1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · S821 HEC
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 13 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 132,711 miles. MOT valid until 18 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 132,711 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.
S821 HEC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/01/2026
- 132,711 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 15 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S821 HEC 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 (S821 HEC) between November 2022 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 19 January 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 (13 issues), Brakes (11 issues), Suspension (11 issues), Bodywork (11 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 34 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 Rear Brake pad(s) incorrectly mounted (1.1.13 (c))”; “Offside Headlamp light source and lamp not compatible (4.1.4 (c))”; “Nearside Headlamp light source and lamp not compatible (4.1.4 (c))”.
S821 HEC Mileage History
- 23/11/2022132,483 mi
- 01/10/2024132,607 mi+124 mi
- 06/11/2024132,629 mi+22 mi
- 06/01/2026132,689 mi+60 mi
- 19/01/2026132,711 mi+22 mi
Average of roughly 72 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are a willing buyer prepared for a significant structural restoration project. While the Defender is a classic, the MOT history reveals persistent structural corrosion and a pattern of neglected safety-related failures.
The primary concern for this vehicle is the chassis. The MOT records repeatedly flag 'excessive corrosion seriously affecting strength' on the suspension component mounts and inner sills. You must have a specialist perform a thorough underside inspection to determine if the rust is surface or if it requires extensive welding work. Pay close attention to the towbar mounting, which has previously been marked as 'dangerous' due to severe corrosion.
Mechanically, the vehicle shows signs of reactive maintenance. There is a history of items being ignored until they fail, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and seat belts. Ask for a full service history to see if the 2.5L diesel engine has been regularly timed and cared for. Negotiate significantly based on the immediate need to address the current advisories for wheel bearings, seat belts, and worn shock absorbers.
The 2.5L TDi engine is robust but not fuel efficient by modern standards; expect around 25-30 mpg depending on driving conditions. Tax bands for this era are relatively low, but insurance groups can be high due to the model's popularity.
Maintenance costs for older Defenders can be high as parts are plentiful but labour-intensive to fit. You should budget for an annual running cost of £2,500-£3,500, accounting for fuel, tax, insurance, and inevitable mechanical repairs.
Focus heavily on the chassis legs and inner sills. The MOT history consistently lists corrosion in the front inner wheel arches, bonnet area, and suspension mountings. Use a hammer to tap the metal; if it sounds dull or flakes, the structural integrity is compromised.
Inspect the braking system and suspension. The vehicle has a history of imbalanced brakes, worn discs, and worn shock absorber bushes. Check the front seat belt webbing, as the current pair is noted as frayed, which is a recurring safety failure. Also, check for oil leaks around the steering damper and engine, as noted in several MOT tests.
This 1998 Land Rover Defender sits at 132,711 miles, which is slightly above average for its age. The vehicle has a troubled MOT history marked by multiple major and dangerous failures, particularly regarding structural integrity in the chassis, sills, and mounting points. Although it passed its most recent test in January 2026, the recurring advisories for rust and mechanical wear suggest a vehicle that is struggling to maintain against decay.
The 2.5L diesel Defender engine is known for longevity if maintained, but the body is notoriously prone to structural rust over time.
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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