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P251 SMX

1997 Land Rover Discovery

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires23 Feb 2026
Tests34 (18 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate52.9%

Mileage

200,778 mi
Last recorded200,778 miles
Recorded on24 Feb 2025
Typical for 1997 Land Rover Discovery124,978 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP251 SMX
MakeLand Rover
ModelDiscovery
Year1997
ColourGreen
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

18 pass 16 fail
Pass 24 Feb 2025 200,778 miles

Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Fail 21 Feb 2025 200,770 miles

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

Pass 11 Dec 2023 197,873 miles

Coil spring corroded all springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive rear diff leaking (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement trailing arm bushes o/s/r and n/s/r (5.3.4 (a) (i))

o/s/f and n/s/f steering swivel joints both leaking grease

underbody heavily undersealed preventing full inspection of welding repairs and body

Fail 29 Nov 2023 197,735 miles

Nearside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength wing (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn drop link (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength wing (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn drop link (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Bumper insecure (6.1.4 (a) (i))

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

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 1 Dec 2022 194,123 miles
Fail 28 Dec 2021 193,814 miles

Brake performance not tested flexi split (1.2.1 (g))

Front Body panel insecure Bonnet catches corroded (6.2.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner wing corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Body mounting fixings insecure corroded (6.2.2 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced body mount corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner arch corroded (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced floor corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner wing corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Body mounting fixings insecure corroded (6.2.2 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner arch corroded (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting rear chassis corroded (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Brake hose damaged and likely to fail flexi split (1.1.12 (a)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Brake hose damaged and likely to fail flexi split (1.1.12 (a)) DANGEROUS

Rear Body panel likely to become detached both rear quarter panels not securely attached (6.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour but not likely to obscure the vision of other road users (8.2.2.2 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Direction indicator flashing more than 120 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive front diff leaking oil (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 29 Dec 2020 188,264 miles
Fail 29 Dec 2020 188,261 miles

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

Fail 14 Dec 2020 188,037 miles

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner wing (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 13 Dec 2019 183,004 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 13 Dec 2019 183,004 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Pass 14 Dec 2018 175,631 miles

all brake discs corroded

Pass 10 May 2017 170,540 miles

Nearside Rear brake pipe corroded

Offside Front wheel bearing has play

exhaust has a blow

Fail 10 May 2017 170,540 miles

Nearside Rear brake pipe corroded

Offside Front wheel bearing has play

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

exhaust has a blow

Pass 22 Feb 2016 164,584 miles
Fail 22 Feb 2016 164,584 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Pass 20 Feb 2015 158,518 miles

Nearside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

exhaust clamp loose

Fail 13 Feb 2015 158,508 miles

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

Offside Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (3.6.C.3)

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

Nearside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

exhaust clamp loose

Pass 13 Feb 2014 156,076 miles

Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

brake servo unit area has slight corrosion

offside front wheel arch inner corroded

Fail 10 Feb 2014 156,067 miles

Driver's airbag missing (5.4.1)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

brake servo unit area has slight corrosion

offside front wheel arch inner corroded

Pass 22 Apr 2013 150,670 miles

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

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

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

Nail in nearside rear tyre

Nearside Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Fail 10 Apr 2013 150,472 miles

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Nearside Passenger's seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (3.6.C.3)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

Nail in nearside rear tyre

Nearside Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

rear boot floor corroded through, but not in any prescribed areas (no rear seats)

Pass 25 Apr 2012 147,579 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

all rear seats missing at time of test

small corrosion holes in offside outer sill

Pass 1 Apr 2011 140,727 miles

Oil leak

intermittant fault with nearside rear indicator

Fail 19 Mar 2011 140,429 miles

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Nearside Direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute (1.4.A.2g)

Nearside Rear Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

oil leak

Pass 15 Mar 2010 131,144 miles

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

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Oil leak

corrosion to front inner wheel arches

front registration plate deteriorated

offside front indicator partially insecure

sharp edges to all 4 outer wheel arches deliberate modification

surface corrosion to both outer sills and rear floors on both sides

Fail 15 Mar 2010 131,144 miles

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

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Oil leak

corrosion to front inner wheel arches

front registration plate deteriorated

offside front indicator partially insecure

sharp edges to all 4 outer wheel arches deliberate modification

surface corrosion to both outer sills and rear floors on both sides

Pass 3 Mar 2009 119,811 miles

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

Offside Front Track rod end deformed but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Oil leak

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

all rear seats removed at time of retest

nearside head lamp patern poor

nearside non obligatory mirror missing

nearside rear seat removed

slight damage to nearside front tyre

underside of vehicle and brake pipes undersealed

Fail 26 Feb 2009 119,810 miles

Centre Rear Rear passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.3)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Rear passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.3)

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

Offside Front Track rod end deformed but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Oil leak

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

nearside head lamp patern poor

nearside non obligatory mirror missing

nearside rear seat removed

slight damage to nearside front tyre

underside of vehicle and brake pipes undersealed

Pass 18 Feb 2008 109,103 miles

Offside Headlamp not in good working order but not adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Oil leak

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b)

offside wiper blade slightly deteriorated

Fail 13 Feb 2008 109,092 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Brake hose leaking (3.6.A.1) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Brake hose leaking (3.6.A.1) DANGEROUS

Offside Headlamp not in good working order but not adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Oil leak

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b)

offside wiper blade slightly deteriorated

Pass 14 Feb 2007 98,049 miles
Fail 14 Feb 2007 98,049 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Pass 13 Feb 2006 85,685 miles

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

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

advise cut in offside front tyre (outer edge)

How Reliable is the Land Rover Discovery?

Based on 4,388,972 MOT tests across 325,470 vehicles.

72.7%
Pass Rate
6,904
Miles/Year
36
Year Lifespan
325,470
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 153,632
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 141,712
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings 136,366
position lamp(s) not working 91,214
Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 88,089
Full Land Rover Discovery 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

P251 SMX is a 1997 Land Rover Discovery in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 52.9%.

Across all 1997 Land Rover Discovery models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.7% with a typical mileage of 124,978 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 Discovery fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 153,632 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P251 SMX, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Land Rover Discovery typically stays on UK roads for around 36 years. At 29 years old, this Land Rover Discovery is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P251 SMX?

You can check the full history of P251 SMX by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P251 SMX registered?

P251 SMX is a 1997 Land Rover Discovery, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is P251 SMX safe to buy?

The MOT history for P251 SMX shows 34 tests with a 52.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P251 SMX 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 P251 SMX. 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.