2001 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · VN51 ACV
2001 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 31 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 152,993 miles. MOT valid until 18 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 152,993 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
VN51 ACV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/07/2026
- 152,993 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (22 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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VN51 ACV Mileage History
- 01/08/2023133,497 mi
- 13/08/2024139,592 mi+6,095 mi
- 14/08/2024139,595 mi+3 mi
- 29/07/2025147,650 mi+8,055 mi
- 31/07/2026152,993 mi+5,343 mi
Average of roughly 6,503 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
VN51 ACV 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 2001 Land Rover Defender (VN51 ACV) between August 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (22 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 25 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 Front Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn tie rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution. This D
Given the high mileage and the nature of the 2024 MOT failure, any potential buyer should budget for immediate repairs. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the recurring issues noted in the records. You must verify if the major failures from August 2024—such as the exhaust leak, shock absorber leaks, and ABS fault—were fully rectified with documented proof.
Ask for a detailed service history to see if the oil leak noted in three consecutive MOT tests (2024, 2025, and 2026) has been addressed or merely monitored. Because this is an older diesel Defender, check the condition of the swivel pins and bushes, as these have appeared as points of wear in multiple tests.
Running a 2.5L diesel Defender involves relatively high fuel costs compared to modern SUVs, though parts for this model are widely available. Tax and insurance groups for a 2001 vehicle will vary based on your specific profile, but the engine size suggests a moderate tax band.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this vehicle due to the frequency of suspension, steering, and sealing issues identified in the MOT history. Expect to spend more on consumables like tyres and brake components, alongside the specialist attention required for the chassis and drivetrain components common to this model.
Focus heavily on the underside and steering components. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of issues with track rod ends, drag link ball joints, and anti-roll bar linkages. Inspect these for play or worn dust covers. You should also specifically check the shock absorbers, as the 2024 test recorded serious fluid leaks.
Additionally, inspect the interior for the condition of the seat belt webbing, as both nearside and offside belts have been flagged as damaged or frayed in every MOT since 2023. Finally, check for signs of the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 records to determine if it is worsening.
This 2001 blue Land Rover Defender 2.5L diesel has covered 152,993 miles, which is considerably higher than the model average of 3,722 miles per year. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a heavy concentration of failures, particularly in 2024, involving suspension, steering, and exhaust components. The vehicle also demonstrates persistent issues with seat belt webbing and ongoing oil leaks.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78.1% MOT pass rate, with common failures involving brake pipes, headlamps, and brake discs.
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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