1986 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D403 NTA

The most recent MOT result on May 28th, 2026, passed, but it noted several significant issues. The main risk pattern involves wear on tyres, bearing play in the front and rear propeller shafts, and worn bushes on the shock absorbers. There are also minor oil leaks noted. The condition trend appears to be stable in terms of the reported issues, as the issues noted in the most recent test are similar to those flagged in the previous failure, indicating ongoing wear rather than a sudden deterioration. The mileage of 131,654 miles for a vehicle of this age suggests a usage rate of approximately 3,291 miles per year. This mileage level is relatively low for a 40-year-old vehicle, which might imply lighter overall use, but the MOT history clearly shows components are showing age and wear. A buyer should immediately inspect the tyres, specifically the nearside rear tyre which was reported as worn close to the legal limit and on the edge. Secondly, thoroughly check the front and rear propeller shafts for any excessive play, as both bearings were noted as worn in both the front and rear assemblies. Finally, examine the shock absorbers and their associated bushes, particularly the nearside rear upper shock absorbers, as these were flagged as excessively worn.