LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 499 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 14 points above average.
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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.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 6 years old, 96% of LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTOs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 499 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,606 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
36,606
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO has 36,606 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 96%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO
The 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 499 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2020 cars for reliability.
With an average of 36,606 miles at 6 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE 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 SE 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 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO
At 6 years old, the LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE AUTO offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER SE 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 SE 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 SE AUTO(2020) | 96% | £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.
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