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R53 VLT

1997 Land Rover Discovery

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires7 Feb 2025
Tests27 (18 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate66.7%

Mileage

250,915 mi
Last recorded250,915 miles
Recorded on6 Feb 2024
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

RegistrationR53 VLT
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 9 fail
Pass 6 Feb 2024 250,915 miles

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

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

Fail 29 Jan 2024 250,880 miles

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 23 Jan 2023 249,277 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Both nearside and offside, inner and outer sill are covered.

Electrical wiring insecure (4.11 (a) (i))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Underbody corrosion with holes. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine and gearbox area. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Both nearside and offside. ()

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

Fail 16 Jan 2023 249,262 miles

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Both nearside and offside, inner and outer sill are covered.

Electrical wiring insecure (4.11 (a) (i))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Underbody corrosion with holes. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine and gearbox area. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Both nearside and offside. ()

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

Pass 8 Feb 2022 248,094 miles

Both nearside and offside, inner and outer sill are covered.

Electrical wiring insecure (4.11 (a) (i))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Underbody corrosion. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine /gearbox area. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Both nearside and offside. ()

Pass 3 Feb 2021 246,845 miles

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

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

both inner and outer sills covered

both rear bump stops missing

Fail 22 Jan 2021 246,836 miles

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner wheel arch and floor (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor and inner wheel arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Seat belt anchorage loose (7.1.1 (b))

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

both inner and outer sills covered

both rear bump stops missing

Pass 30 Jan 2020 245,191 miles

Rear bump stops missing

no rear seats fitted

outer/inner sills covered by side runners

Fail 27 Jan 2020 245,183 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis, forward of top shock mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Offside 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))

Rear bump stops missing

no rear seats fitted

outer/inner sills covered by side runners

Pass 26 Jan 2019 239,176 miles

Nearside Front driveshaft seal

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 21 Nov 2018 239,142 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

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

Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner arch (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded under arch (1.1.21 (e) (i))

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

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 1 Aug 2017 236,564 miles

Nearside Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower wishbone bearing (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion jacking point (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

Fail 15 Jul 2017 236,384 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Front suspension has slight movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion out rigger (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

Pass 1 Aug 2016 230,196 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Fail 1 Aug 2016 230,181 miles

Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Pass 19 Aug 2015 225,508 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to back (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Inner Vehicle structure has slight corrosion wheel arch near battery tray (6.1.B.2)

Offside Lower Vehicle structure has slight corrosion sill (6.1.B.2)

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

Pass 24 Sep 2013 217,197 miles

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

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

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

boot floor corroded

nearside front body mounting has slight corrosion

offside front body mounting has slight corrosion

Pass 3 Nov 2012 207,293 miles
Fail 3 Nov 2012 207,293 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 15 Nov 2011 201,883 miles

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

n/s/r bump stop missing.

Pass 26 Nov 2010 197,145 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 19 Nov 2010 197,134 miles

Brake performance not tested (3.7.A.1)

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

Nearside Front Upper Axle swivel joint has excessive play in a swivel pin (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Rear brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

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

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Lower Axle swivel joint has excessive play (2.5.A.3b)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 16 Nov 2009 191,678 miles
Pass 17 Nov 2008 186,300 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Pass 5 Nov 2007 179,336 miles
Pass 23 Nov 2006 172,931 miles
Pass 25 Nov 2005 163,779 miles

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

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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.

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R53 VLT is a 1997 Land Rover Discovery in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 27 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 66.7%.

Across all 1997 Land Rover Discovery models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.7% with a typical mileage of 124,978 miles. This vehicle is performing in line with others of the same year.

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 R53 VLT, 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 R53 VLT?

You can check the full history of R53 VLT by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R53 VLT registered?

R53 VLT is a 1997 Land Rover Discovery, first registered on 27 August 1997.

Is R53 VLT safe to buy?

The MOT history for R53 VLT shows 27 tests with a 66.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R53 VLT 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 R53 VLT. 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.