Land Rover Defender (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,024 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2401cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2401cc18 years old7,024 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2401cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Land Rover brand average of 90%.

81% of MOT tests on Land Rover Defenders from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 7,024 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,525 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models172nd of 566(top half)

Rank among Land Rover models520th of 599(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+8%(73% avg)

vs Land Rover average-9%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,525

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Land Rover Defender had 98,525 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2008 scores 81%. 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

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-7%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-9%

Audi A4

2008 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

-3%

Ford Mondeo

2010 · 1999cc Diesel

£2,227/year

75%

-6%

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About the 2008 Land Rover Defender

The 2008 Land Rover Defender is a large car. Our records list a 2401cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,024 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 98,525 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Land Rover Defender owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Land Rover Defender Fuel Costs

The 2401cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2008 Land Rover Defender?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2008 Land Rover Defender

At 18 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 7,024 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2008 Land Rover Defender Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 1,127 MOT tests on the 2008 Land Rover Defender that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics47%
Same age: 48%
Brakes31%
Same age: 26%
Suspension31%
Same age: 41% (fails on this less often)
Steering26%
Same age: 8.2% (fails on this more often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Land Rover Defender reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 99k 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.

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 2008 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(2008)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,491
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150
Audi A4(2008)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264
Ford Mondeo(2010)	75%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264

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 2008 Land Rover Defender

Is the 2008 Land Rover Defender reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2008 Land Rover Defenders ended in a pass, from 7,024 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Land Rover Defender cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Land Rover Defender?

81% of 7,024 MOT tests on the 2008 Land Rover Defender ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 172nd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (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 2008 Land Rover Defender?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Land Rover Defender is 98,525 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.