1998 Land Rover Defender diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  26.9% All 1998 cars

  15.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Seat belts6.2× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  12.4% All 1998 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.6% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Wheel bearings2.6× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  16% All 1998 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  11.7% All 1998 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  9% All 1998 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  37% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Brakes
  27% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Steering
  13% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Defender diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?