Land Rover Defender (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,186 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2492cc Diesel

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2492cc13 years old8,186 tests67k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2492cc)

~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

84% 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%.

84% of MOT tests on Land Rover Defenders from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 8,186 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,606 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models275th of 588(top half)

Rank among Land Rover models492nd of 599(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average+4%(80% avg)

vs Land Rover average-6%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

66,606

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Land Rover Defender had 66,606 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2013 scores 84%. 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

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+1%

Ford Kuga

2015 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+1%

Citroen C4

2015 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

-7%

Vauxhall Insignia

2014 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

-6%

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About the 2013 Land Rover Defender

The 2013 Land Rover Defender is a large car. Our records list a 2492cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,186 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 66,606 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Land Rover Defender owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 Land Rover Defender Fuel Costs

The 2492cc 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 2013 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 84% 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 2013 Land Rover Defender

At 13 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 8,186 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.

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.

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 2013 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(2013)	84%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,491
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414
Ford Kuga(2015)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£414
Citroen C4(2015)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264
Vauxhall Insignia(2014)	78%	£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 2013 Land Rover Defender

Is the 2013 Land Rover Defender reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2013 Land Rover Defenders ended in a pass, from 8,186 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 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 2013 Land Rover Defender?

84% of 8,186 MOT tests on the 2013 Land Rover Defender ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 275th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 Land Rover Defender?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Land Rover Defender is 66,606 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.