LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,673 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
5,673
Avg Mileage
131,257 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 23 years old, 75% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,673 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 131,257 miles.
How does the 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 131,257 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2001 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 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a large car with a 2495cc diesel engine. 5,673 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 131,257 miles at 23 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs
The 2495cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
At 23 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 5,673 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2003) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 19,201 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2003) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 13,745 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2003) 77% pass rate (+2%) from 10,616 tests
- AUDI A4 (2003) 74% pass rate (-1%) from 7,402 tests