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Official DVLA Record

1989 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · F154 BDW

F154 BDW

1989 Land Rover Defender (2.4L, diesel). First registered 01/07/1989. Recorded mileage 148,527 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Year / Origin
1989 · Nottingham
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 22/04/2026
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
148,527 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.4L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 22/04/2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
1989
Engine
2401cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2025-04-24 at 148,527 miles showed no defects, confirming a stable maintenance trend over the past three years. Previous tests from 2024-04-15, 2023-04-13, and 2022-02-05 also passed without issues, despite a failed test in 2022-01-18 that recorded no defects. This consistency suggests the owner prioritized regular servicing, though the lack of recorded faults may reflect minimal wear given the low annual mileage. The car’s mechanical condition appears reliable, but the absence of detailed defect notes limits insight into potential hidden concerns. The vehicle’s mileage of 148,527 miles over 37 years equates to roughly 4,014 miles annually, significantly below average for its age. This low usage could indicate infrequent operation or extended periods of inactivity, which may affect components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and fluid systems. The MOT records show minimal mileage progression between tests, with the 2022-02-05 test at 148,167 miles followed by a 2023-04-13 test at 148,220 miles—a mere 53-mile increase. Such sparse activity might exacerbate wear on static parts, though no signs of this were noted in the tests. A buyer should prioritize inspecting the suspension system for aged bushes or coil springs, which may have deteriorated during periods of inactivity. Corrosion risks are heightened in a 1989 model, particularly in underbody panels and chassis joints, warranting a thorough visual check. While the MOT history lacks specific mechanical faults, the vehicle’s age and low mileage suggest potential issues with brake calipers, exhaust emissions, or structural integrity that a hands-on assessment could reveal. No advisories or recurring defects were flagged, but the absence of detailed records means a professional inspection remains crucial.

F154 BDW Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 24/04/2025
  • 148,527 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
55
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for F154BDW

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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Technical Specifications

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F154 BDW Mileage History

  1. 18/01/2022148,167 mi
  2. 05/02/2022148,167 mi
  3. 13/04/2023148,220 mi+53 mi
  4. 15/04/2024148,450 mi+230 mi
  5. 24/04/2025148,527 mi+77 mi

Average of roughly 110 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

F154 BDW MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 26 Sept 2026, 03:51
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1989 Land Rover Defender (F154 BDW) between January 2022 and April 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 24 April 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Steering (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”; “Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY