2001 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · YP51 AVO
2001 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 24/10/2001. Recorded mileage 224,960 miles. MOT valid until 30/10/2026. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Sheffield
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30/10/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 224,960 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 2495cc
YP51 AVO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/10/2025
- 224,960 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
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
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YP51 AVO Mileage History
- 13/10/2022208,001 mi
- 17/10/2022208,095 mi+94 mi
- 31/10/2023216,327 mi+8,232 mi
- 22/10/2024221,776 mi+5,449 mi
- 14/10/2025224,960 mi+3,184 mi
Average of roughly 5,647 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
YP51 AVO 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 (YP51 AVO) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 October 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: Bodywork (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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 Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm ”.
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 specialist buyer prepared for significant structural restoration. While the Defender is an icon, the major MOT failure regarding chassis corrosion and high mileage suggest this specific example is a high-risk investment.
The primary concern for this vehicle is the chassis integrity. The 2022 failure for a hole in the bulkhead/structure area is critical; you must verify if this was professionally repaired with welded steel rather than just patched or painted over. Inspect the entire length of the chassis rails for new rust bubbles, which are common given the previous advisories.
Check the service history meticulously for oil changes and gearbox maintenance. At over 220,000 miles, the 2.5L diesel engine is robust but requires constant care. Look for signs of wear in the steering box and wheel bearings, which have been flagged multiple times in the history. Ensure that any mentioned repairs have actually been replaced between MOT tests.
Running costs for an older 2.5L diesel Defender are high compared to modern standards. Expect roughly 20-25 mpg depending on load. Tax is relatively low for its age, but insurance groups can be high due to the vehicle's risk profile.
Maintenance costs are significant as parts are available but labour-intensive repairs are common. Estimate annual outgo including fuel, tax, and routine maintenance at £2,500-£3,500, depending on how much it is driven.
Focus heavily on the bulkhead and body-mounting points where the 2022 failure occurred. Use a small hammer to check for solid metal on the chassis. Also inspect the front and rear coil springs; the history shows they are consistently corroded and have needed replacement before.
Check the front wheel bearings for play, as 'slight play' has been noted in multiple consecutive years. Finally, investigate the recent front fluid leak noted in the October 2025 MOT to ensure it isn't a failing steering box seal or power pump leak.
This 2001 Land Rover Defender shows a high mileage of 224,960 miles and a documented history of severe structural issues. While it has passed its most recent MOT, it previously failed in 2022 due to excessive corrosion in the integral body structure near the bulkhead. The MOT history also reveals recurring issues with coil springs, wheel bearings, and suspension components, indicating a vehicle that is nearing the end of its cost-effective life.
The 2.5L TDi engine is known for longevity if maintained, but the chassis is prone to rust if not treated and treated regularly.
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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