1999 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · V614 FCJ

The vehicle presents a high level of roadworthiness, evidenced by a string of clean MOT passes over the last five years. The most recent test in January 2026 at 289,991 miles resulted in no defects or advisories, indicating a stable maintenance trend. This lack of recorded failures suggests that the previous owners were proactive in addressing mechanical wear and safety concerns before they reached a failing point during the testing process. The mileage accumulation is consistent with the vehicle's 27-year age, averaging approximately 10,740 miles per annum. Between January 2022 at 281,888 miles and January 2026 at 289,991 miles, the vehicle covered 8,103 miles, showing a steady but moderate usage pattern. The gap between 2023 and 2024, where only 271 miles were recorded, indicates a period of lower use, which often leads to seal degradation or brake corrosion associated with long-term stationary vehicles. Despite the clean digital record, a buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on the structural vulnerabilities inherent to this era of Defender. The MOT test does not detect surface rust or minor structural thinning, so the chassis rails, crossmembers, and bulkhead areas must be checked for deep-seated perforation. Given the high mileage, the suspension components, including rubber bushes, coil springs, and dampers, should be scrutinized for signs of fatigue or excessive play that may not yet triggered an MOT advisory.