2003 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · Y4 HLE
2003 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/03/2003. Recorded mileage 133,052 miles. MOT valid until 07/11/2026. Taxed until 01/02/2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Leeds
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07/11/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/02/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 133,052 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 2495cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Y4 HLE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/11/2025
- 133,052 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (15 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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Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Y4 HLE Mileage History
- 04/05/2022128,621 mi
- 05/05/2023130,394 mi+1,773 mi
- 06/11/2024131,680 mi+1,286 mi
- 08/11/2024131,685 mi+5 mi
- 04/11/2025133,052 mi+1,367 mi
Average of roughly 1,264 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Y4 HLE 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 2003 Land Rover Defender (Y4 HLE) between May 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 November 2025 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: Brakes (15 issues), Tyres (11 issues), Steering (6 issues), Lighting (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 41 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: “Nearside Front Stub axle has excessive vertical movement between stub axle and axle beam swivel pin/king pin (5.1.2 (c) ”; “Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingre”; “Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2003 Land Rover Defender is a solid candidate for a buyer seeking a classic utility vehicle with a relatively clean recent MOT record. While the mileage is significantly higher than the model average, the lack of recent defects is a positive indicator.
When inspecting this specific 2003 model, focus on the chassis and structural integrity, which are critical for older Defenders. Although the most recent MOTs in 2024 and 2025 show no defects, you should verify if any work was carried out following the failure in November 2024.
Ask the seller for any documented service history to supplement the MOT data. Given the 2495cc diesel engine, check for any signs of fluid leaks or excessive smoke, and ensure the 4x4 system engages smoothly. Because this vehicle has travelled much more than the average model mileage, a thorough inspection of the suspension components and drivetrain is highly recommended.
As a 2.5L diesel, running costs will be higher than a standard passenger car. You should expect moderate fuel economy typical of a heavy-duty utility vehicle. Tax and insurance groups for a 2003 Defender are generally predictable, but insurance can vary depending on the driver's profile and the vehicle's use.
Maintenance costs for Land Rover models can be higher due to the specialised nature of parts. While the MOT history shows no recent defects, you should budget for routine maintenance of heavy-use components like brakes and tyres. Estimated annual running costs are likely to be higher than a modern hatchback.
Based on the aggregate data for this model, pay close attention to the brake pipes, headlamps, and brake discs, as these are the most frequent failure points across the wider Defender population. Even though this specific vehicle passed its 2025 MOT with no defects, these components should be checked for wear or corrosion.
Additionally, inspect the underside for any signs of corrosion, a common issue with older Land Rovers. Check that all lights are functioning correctly to avoid the headlamp failures seen frequently in this model's history, and verify the condition of the braking system to ensure it meets the standards seen in the recent clean MOT results.
This blue 2.5L diesel Defender (Y4HLE) has covered 133,052 miles since its first registration in March 2003. Its MOT history shows a consistent pattern of passes, with only one recorded failure in November 2024 at 131,680 miles. Compared to the aggregate model data, this vehicle has covered substantially more mileage than the average annual figure of 3,723 miles.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 78.0% MOT pass rate, with common failures occurring in 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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