Land Rover Defender (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 10,516 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3528cc LPG

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 6 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Land Rover Defender

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

LPG3528cc28 years old10,516 tests137k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (LPG, 3528cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Land Rover brand average of 90%.

76% of MOT tests on Land Rover Defenders from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 10,516 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 136,993 miles.

Got a Land Rover Defender you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models131st of 325(top half)

Rank among Land Rover models568th of 599(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+1%(75% avg)

vs Land Rover average-14%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,993

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Land Rover Defender had 136,993 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Land Rover Defender?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Land Rover Defender by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	97%	180	42,929 mi
2020	97%	156	35,400 mi
2016	91%	3,316	35,776 mi
2015	89%	12,411	48,785 mi
2014	87%	10,525	59,995 mi
2013	84%	8,186	66,606 mi
2012	83%	7,139	71,959 mi
2011	81%	7,345	82,891 mi
2010	80%	7,290	85,020 mi
2009	79%	6,584	90,754 mi
2008	81%	7,024	98,525 mi
2007	79%	7,656	101,926 mi
2006	78%	6,868	109,686 mi
2005	77%	7,581	112,742 mi
2004	77%	7,976	120,020 mi
2003	77%	8,035	129,000 mi
2002	77%	6,870	132,092 mi
2001	75%	5,673	131,257 mi
2000	75%	5,304	134,243 mi
1999	75%	8,887	140,417 mi
1998	76%	10,516	136,993 mi
1997	76%	10,084	146,489 mi
1996	74%	10,767	153,542 mi
1995	74%	9,229	143,046 mi
1994	74%	7,092	141,555 mi
1993	76%	5,910	137,101 mi
1992	74%	4,530	143,915 mi
1991	76%	5,265	141,354 mi
1990	75%	5,027	142,154 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

2000 · 3400cc LPG

£2,738/year

86%

+10%

Jeep Cherokee Limited A

1998 · 3960cc LPG

£2,888/year

76%

same

Check a Specific Land Rover Defender

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1998 Land Rover Defender

The 1998 Land Rover Defender is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3528cc lpg engine, though engines vary between versions. 10,516 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 136,993 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Land Rover Defender owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Land Rover Defender Fuel Costs

The 3528cc lpg engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). This is a petrol-price estimate; running on lpg will change the cost.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Land Rover Defender?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Land Rover Defender Reliability Trend

Newer Land Rover Defenders pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Land Rover Defender

At 28 years old, the Land Rover Defender is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. With 10,516 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 137k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 Land Rover Defender stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Land Rover Defender(1998)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Porsche 911(2000)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jeep Cherokee Limited A(1998)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Land Rover Defender

Is the 1998 Land Rover Defender reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1998 Land Rover Defenders ended in a pass, from 10,516 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Land Rover Defender cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Land Rover Defender?

76% of 10,516 MOT tests on the 1998 Land Rover Defender ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 131st of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Land Rover Defender has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Land Rover Defender has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 1992 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Land Rover Defender?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Land Rover Defender is 136,993 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.