1988 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · F645 HRS

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a trend of deferred maintenance and recurring mechanical degradation. While it passed the most recent test in August 2025 at 123,141 miles, the record reveals a persistent oil leak and a corroded coil spring. These issues follow a significant failure in July 2024 where a fractured offside coil spring and multiple mechanical faults were identified. The maintenance history suggests that repairs are only addressed when necessary to pass an inspection, rather than as a proactive measure to manage the aging components. At 38 years old, the recorded mileage of 123,141 miles is low, averaging approximately 3,241 miles per year. However, the data shows a sharp increase in usage between May 2023 and July 2024, where the vehicle covered over 7,500 miles in just fourteen months. This sudden burst of activity coincides with the appearance of several critical failures, including a worn rear prop shaft universal joint and steering linkage issues, which were not noted during earlier periods of inactivity. A buyer must conduct a thorough underside inspection, as the 2024 test noted grease was used to obscure corrosion on brake pipes, preventing a full assessment of structural integrity. This practice often hides significant rust decay on vehicles of this age. The recurring oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, combined with leaking front hub seals, indicate aging seals that require monitoring. Immediate attention should also be paid to the parking brake performance and the state of the suspension bushes, which have shown consistent signs of wear across multiple years of testing.