1987 LAND ROVER DEFENDER2.5L Diesel

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy following its most recent test on 2 April 2025 at 146,781 miles, where it passed with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend appears stable across the available history, with the prior pass dated 16 April 2024 at 146,228 miles also showing a clean sheet. A failed test logged on 2 April 2025 at the same mileage but with no defects recorded points to an administrative rejection rather than a mechanical fault, and the vehicle was subsequently certified the same day. At roughly 39 years old the Defender shows 146,781 recorded miles, an average of about 3,764 miles per year. The odometer moved only 553 miles between April 2024 and April 2025, confirming extremely light annual use for a working 4x4 of this era. Such low accumulation over a long lifespan often means prolonged standing periods, which typically accelerate rubber perishing, fluid degradation, and corrosion more than high-mileage rotation would. The official record flags no advisories or defects across either pass, so no recurring wear pattern or structural concern is documented by testers. A buyer should still treat the absence of faults as a baseline rather than a guarantee given the vehicle's age. In person, inspect chassis outriggers, bulkhead, and spring hangers for hidden rust, check suspension bushes and swivel joints for age-related play, and verify brake calipers are free given the risk of seizure after limited use. Confirm the April 2025 failure reason with DVLA paperwork despite the no-defect entry, as a same-day pass suggests a documentation issue. Low mileage and clean tests imply a gently used example, but a 1987 Defender demands a physical check of drivetrain oils, coolant, and underbody integrity beyond the MOT scope.