LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 62 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 12 points above average.
Check a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 6 years old, 94% of LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTOs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 62 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 35,938 miles.
Got a LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
35,938
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO has 35,938 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 94%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Land rover Defender auto
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 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO
The 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 62 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 35,938 miles at 6 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO Fuel Costs
The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO
At 6 years old, the LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 6 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO(2020) | 94% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| MINI COOPER(2018) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Land rover Models
Explore other Land rover cars or similar models in the same category.
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
2016 · 1999cc Diesel
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT
2016 · 1999cc Diesel
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2018 · 2995cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2019 · 1498cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
MINI COOPER
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Land rover Defender auto.
Cars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Buying GuideIs an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? UK Guide for 2026
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a LAND ROVER DEFENDER AUTO? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data