1987 LAND ROVER DEFENDER2.5L Diesel

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, evidenced by the most recent test on 1 May 2025 at 99,888 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. Prior tests on 2 May 2024 at 93,341 miles and 20 October 2022 at 83,298 miles also passed cleanly. The only blemish is a fail on 14 October 2022 at 83,255 miles, reversed six days later at 83,298 miles with no defects listed on either certificate, indicating a likely administrative or minor non-mechanical rejection rather than a serious fault. At roughly 39 years old the vehicle shows 99,888 recorded miles, an average of about 2,561 miles per year. The low annual figure points to light use or prolonged storage periods. Mileage moved from 83,255 in October 2022 to 93,341 by May 2024, then to 99,888 by May 2025, a steady near-6,000-mile yearly climb with no sudden accumulation. A six-month gap separates the October 2022 fail and pass, but the clean subsequent record suggests consistent upkeep once rectified. Given the sparse history with no advisories for suspension bushes, brake discs, corrosion, or exhaust emissions, the buyer should still commission a physical inspection of structural integrity and chassis rust, a known weak point on Defenders of this era. The tester logged no consumable wear items across the record, yet tyres, wiper blades, and flexible brake hoses deserve hands-on checks given the vehicle's age and low-use pattern. The absence of recurring mechanical flags implies previous owners avoided neglected basics, but standing time can conceal seized calipers or perished seals. A pre-purchase examination of drivetrain oils, steering joints, and outrigger condition remains prudent before commitment.