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56 MPG

1997 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 Jun 2027
Tests34 (19 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate55.9%

Mileage

179,391 mi
Last recorded179,391 miles
Recorded on22 Jun 2026
Typical for 1997 Land Rover Defender117,879 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

Registration56 MPG
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1997
ColourRed
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,495cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 15 fail
Pass 22 Jun 2026 179,391 miles
Pass 17 Jun 2025 174,972 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fail 5 Jun 2025 174,917 miles

Fuel system component leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Pass 15 Jan 2024 170,888 miles

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

both front hub oil seals leaking

Fail 9 Jan 2024 170,855 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

both front hub oil seals leaking

Pass 11 Jan 2023 169,729 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front hub slight play

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

both front hub seals leaking

Fail 4 Jan 2023 169,714 miles

Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front hub slight play

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

both front hub seals leaking

Pass 11 Jan 2022 167,635 miles

Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced floor area - both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Front swivel housing seals weeping grease

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Slight play in front swivel bearings

Fail 7 Jan 2022 167,635 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced floor area - both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Front swivel housing seals weeping grease

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Slight play in front swivel bearings

Pass 8 Jan 2021 164,571 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

clutch pedal rubber wearing smoth

Fail 4 Jan 2021 164,571 miles

Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.4.3 (b))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

clutch pedal rubber wearing smoth

Pass 6 Jan 2020 163,384 miles

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Slight engine & gearbox oil leaks

Fail 3 Jan 2020 163,380 miles

Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases centre to rear join (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust emissions exceed level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (8.2.2.2 (b))

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play link arm ball joint marked in chalk (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Slight engine & gearbox oil leaks

Pass 3 Jan 2019 160,671 miles

Forward exhaust rubber mounting missing

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Seat belt slightly damaged nearside outer and drivers seatbelt webbing (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush offside front (5.3.2 (c))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive offside front and nearside front shock absorber mounting turret (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play offside front and nearside front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 31 Oct 2018 160,650 miles

Exhaust mounting defective one centre rubber mounting missing (6.1.2 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Seat belt slightly damaged drivers and nearside outer seatbelt webbing (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush offside front shock absorber lower mounting bush (5.3.2 (c))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive nearside front and offside front shock absorber mounting strut (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play nearside front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 29 Oct 2018 160,632 miles

Headlamp aim too high nearside (4.1.2 (a))

Headlamp insecure nearside (4.1.1 (c))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength centre offside chassis lower face (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Exhaust mounting defective one centre rubber mounting missing (6.1.2 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear footbrake performance low

Seat belt slightly damaged drivers and nearside outer seatbelt webbing (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush offside front shock absorber lower mounting bush (5.3.2 (c))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive nearside front and offside front shock absorber mounting strut (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play nearside front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 17 Sep 2018 160,613 miles

Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn nearside rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn offside rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Direction indicator not working nearside front (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Exhaust emissions exceed level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (8.2.2.2 (b))

Exhaust noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar vehicle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition (8.1.1 (a))

Headlamp aim too high nearside (4.1.2 (a))

Intermediate drop arm insecure steering box drop insecure (2.1.3 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever pivot worn to the extent that the brake may inadvertently release (1.1.6 (b) (ii))

Power steering component leaking steering box (2.1.5 (a))

Prop shaft joint excessively worn rear propshaft forward universal joint (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush offside front shock absorber lower mounting bush (5.3.2 (c))

Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush offside rear and nearside rear shock absorber lower mounting bush (5.3.2 (c))

Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt steering box drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength centre nearside crossmember (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength centre offside chassis inner face (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength centre offside chassis lower face (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength centre offside crossmember (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength nearside front outrigger (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength nearside rear chassis outer face (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength offside front chassis outer face behind outrigger (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength offside front outrigger (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength offside rear chassis lower face (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength offside rear chassis outer face (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting rear crossmember inner face (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt nearside (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Brake servo inoperative (1.1.10 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

All direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever defective but can be satisfactorily operated (1.1.6 (d))

Seat belt slightly damaged nearside (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive nearside front and offside front shock absorber mounting turret (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play nearside front and offside front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 13 Jun 2016 152,820 miles

Nearside Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 1 Jun 2015 143,787 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

hub seal leaking

Fail 1 Jun 2015 143,787 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

hub seal leaking

Pass 5 Jun 2014 135,329 miles
Fail 17 May 2014 135,149 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Offside Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 11 Oct 2013 130,027 miles
Pass 10 Jan 2012 128,962 miles

Coolant leak

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Nearside Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 3 Nov 2011 128,949 miles

Front Steering component deformed and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating over a large enough area to give an adequate view (8.2.1c)

Power steering component(s) leaking from a failed seal (2.3.3b)

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

corrosion to o/s rear brake disc inner face

o/s drag link end dust cover missing

rear bump stops corroded

Pass 28 Oct 2010 124,737 miles
Fail 27 Oct 2010 124,734 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 27 Oct 2009 120,747 miles

Offside Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Fail 26 Oct 2009 120,743 miles

Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 31 Oct 2008 117,283 miles

Oil leak

play in n.s front hub

Fail 22 Oct 2008 117,281 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

Pass 26 Oct 2007 112,125 miles
Fail 6 Sep 2007 112,125 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

Nearside Outer Front drive shaft coupling is excessively worn (2.5.C.1c)

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete (1.5.A1b)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front position lamp(s) excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Oil leak

Pass 5 Sep 2006 106,591 miles

Front Steering damper slightly corroded but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Rear brake disc slightly scored (3.5.1h)

oil leak on engine

How Reliable is the Land Rover Defender?

Based on 2,960,045 MOT tests across 181,953 vehicles.

72.3%
Pass Rate
3,550
Miles/Year
43
Year Lifespan
181,953
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 77,499
Brake pipe excessively corroded 77,229
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 57,749
position lamp(s) not working 53,914
Stop lamp not working 52,341
Full Land Rover Defender reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

56 MPG is a 1997 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.9%.

Across all 1997 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.5% with a typical mileage of 117,879 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Land Rover Defender fails its MOT is shock absorber has an excessively worn bush, accounting for 77,499 recorded failures. If you're considering buying 56 MPG, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Land Rover Defender typically stays on UK roads for around 43 years. At 29 years old, this Land Rover Defender is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of 56 MPG?

You can check the full history of 56 MPG by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was 56 MPG registered?

56 MPG is a 1997 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 13 February 1997.

Is 56 MPG safe to buy?

The MOT history for 56 MPG shows 34 tests with a 55.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does 56 MPG have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on 56 MPG. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.