LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 10,516 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
10,516
Avg Mileage
136,993 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 26 years old, 76% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 10,516 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,993 miles.
How does the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 136,993 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a performance with a 3528cc petrol engine. 10,516 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 136,993 miles at 26 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs
The 3528cc petrol 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
At 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- PORSCHE 911 (2000) 86% pass rate (+10%) from 2,099 tests
- JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED A (1998) 76% pass rate (same) from 443 tests