1987 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D726 RUJ

The vehicle demonstrates a stable roadworthiness trend, with all six consecutive MOT tests from 2021 to 2025 passing without defects. The most recent 2025-06-09 test at 209,092 miles confirmed no issues, aligning with prior results from 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. This consistency suggests effective maintenance and minimal mechanical degradation over the past four years. No advisories or failures were recorded, indicating the vehicle has met UK safety standards throughout its operational history. The mileage progression reflects a steady annual accumulation of approximately 5,361 miles, consistent with the vehicle’s 39-year lifespan. Gaps between tests average 12 months, with no abrupt increases or prolonged inactivity evident in the records. The 201,983-mile 2021 test to 209,092-mile 2025 test shows a gradual 7,109-mile rise, suggesting regular but not intensive use. This pattern mitigates extreme wear on consumables like tyres and brakes but does not eliminate risks associated with aging components. The absence of corrosion or structural issues in MOT reports is reassuring but does not preclude hidden deterioration. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the suspension system, particularly bushes and coil springs, which may exhibit wear given the vehicle’s age. Corrosion beneath the chassis, common in older Land Rovers, warrants close examination, as does the exhaust system’s integrity. While no brake-related defects were flagged, the absence of advisories on brake discs or calipers does not guarantee their condition. A thorough pre-purchase check should include a detailed inspection of underbody rust, suspension components, and exhaust emissions, as these areas pose the highest risk of hidden faults despite the clean MOT history.