1987 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · C23 CCT

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2025-05-06 at 133,421 miles recorded a pass with no defects, indicating a stable maintenance trend. However, the absence of subsequent tests since this date raises concerns, as the vehicle would now be over a year past its last inspection. The historical record shows consistent passes from 2018 to 2024, with no recurring mechanical issues flagged, suggesting the previous owner maintained the vehicle to meet legal standards. No advisories or critical faults were noted in the MOT history, which implies no urgent structural or safety risks were identified during these checks. The mileage pattern presents a discrepancy: the recorded 133,421 miles conflicts with earlier MOT entries showing 215,218 miles in 2024, a figure 81,797 miles higher. This inconsistency may indicate an error in mileage recording or a mix-up in data. If the 133,421 miles is accurate, the vehicle’s annual average of 3,421 miles suggests minimal use, potentially leading to component stiffness or corrosion from prolonged inactivity. Conversely, the higher mileage figures imply significant usage, which could accelerate wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. The lack of detailed defect reports in the MOTs does not confirm these assumptions but leaves room for unrecorded issues. A buyer should verify the vehicle’s actual mileage against the DVSA records and inspect for signs of long-term storage, such as dry-rotted rubber components, seized suspension bushes, or corrosion in the chassis. The absence of brake or exhaust-related advisories is positive, but the age of the vehicle necessitates a thorough check of the exhaust system for leaks and the suspension for worn coil springs or binding calipers. Structural integrity should also be assessed, as older Land Rovers are prone to rust in underbody areas. The MOT history provides no evidence of major faults, but the vehicle’s age and mileage anomalies warrant a professional mechanical inspection before purchase.