1987 LAND ROVER DEFENDER2.5L Diesel

The Land Rover Defender presents as roadworthy following its most recent MOT pass on 19 May 2025 at 147,987 miles, with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend is stable. Prior to that pass the vehicle failed twice on the same day in May 2025 and once in January 2024, yet every failure carried no recorded defects, indicating administrative or presentation issues at test rather than mechanical fault. Recorded mileage stands at 147,987 against a 39 year life, an average of roughly 3,795 miles per year. The gap between the January 2024 failure at 143,280 miles and the June 2024 pass at 143,326 miles shows only 46 miles added in five months. From June 2024 to May 2025 the odometer rose 4,661 miles. Low annual use suggests long standing periods, which on a 1987 chassis invites corrosion and seized components even where the record shows clean tests. The MOT history flags no advisories on suspension bushes, brake discs, coil springs, or structural integrity across any entry. A buyer should still inspect the bulkhead, chassis rails, and outriggers for rust given the vehicle's age and low use pattern. Check the drivetrain for oil leaks and verify the braking system is free from binding calipers after standing. The repeated no-defect failures point to previous owners managing test bookings loosely rather than neglecting mechanical care. Physical inspection of underside corrosion and flexible brake lines remains essential before purchase.