1998 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · S853 BDU
1998 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 21 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 117,390 miles. MOT expired on 10 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 117,390 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.
S853 BDU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/09/2025
- 117,390 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S853 BDU 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 (S853 BDU) between September 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 12 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: Suspension (7 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 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: “Steering locking device missing Drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (d))”; “Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”; “Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”.
S853 BDU Mileage History
- 06/09/2023112,847 mi
- 11/09/2023112,848 mi+1 mi
- 03/09/2024115,150 mi+2,302 mi
- 12/09/2025117,390 mi+2,240 mi
- 12/09/2025117,390 mi
Average of roughly 2,251 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
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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.
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