1987 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D456 ASG
1987 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 17 Jun 1987. Recorded mileage 72,854 miles. MOT valid until 04 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1987 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 72,854 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
D456 ASG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/05/2026
- 72,854 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
D456 ASG MOT History
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 1987 Land Rover Defender (D456 ASG) between March 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 20 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (6 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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: “Offside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened cut greater than 4mm (7.1.2 (b))”; “Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))”.
D456 ASG Mileage History
- 15/03/202370,410 mi
- 02/05/202571,039 mi+629 mi
- 04/06/202571,047 mi+8 mi
- 06/06/202571,060 mi+13 mi
- 20/05/202672,854 mi+1,794 mi
Average of roughly 768 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution regarding t
When viewing this vehicle, you must prioritise a professional inspection of the chassis and body mounts. The MOT history from 2025 and 2026 consistently flags corrosion in the sub-frame and body structure, which is a common but serious concern for older Defenders. Ensure you have a specialist check the extent of this corrosion, as 'not significantly reduced' status can change rapidly with further oxidation.
Furthermore, investigate the extensive oil leaks noted in the 2026 MOT. With leaks identified on the engine, transmission, transfer box, and axles, you should budget for significant seal or gasket replacements. Always verify if any remedial work was carried out to address the coil spring corrosion noted in previous tests, as these components are critical to the vehicle's suspension performance.
Running a 1987 Defender of this age is rarely inexpensive. While the vehicle may qualify for historic vehicle tax exemptions in the UK, the fuel consumption for a 2495cc diesel engine of this era will be high by modern standards. Insurance may require a specialist classic vehicle policy, which can be cost-effective but often comes with mileage restrictions.
Maintenance costs will likely be the primary financial burden. Given the multiple oil leaks and the age of the vehicle, you should expect regular mechanical intervention. An estimated annual running cost, excluding major structural repairs, is likely in the range of £1,500-£2,000 depending on your ability to perform DIY maintenance versus using a garage.
Focus your inspection on the underside. The MOT history explicitly mentions corrosion on the sub-frame and body mounts; use a torch and a screwdriver to probe these areas for structural integrity. Check the floor pans and the rear crossmember, as these are traditional weak points for the Defender model.
Additionally, inspect all areas around the engine, transmission, and axles for oil accumulation. The 2026 MOT noted leaks in all these areas, so verify the current state of these seals. Finally, check the condition of the tyres, as the nearside rear was noted as worn close to the legal limit during the last test, and ensure the seat belt mechanisms are fully functional given the previous failure for webbing damage.
This 1987 Land Rover Defender has recorded 72,854 miles, which is remarkably low for a vehicle of this age. However, the MOT history reveals persistent issues with body structure corrosion, oil leaks across the engine, transmission, and axles, and repeated concerns regarding coil spring condition. While it passed its most recent test in May 2026, the list of advisories highlights significant ongoing maintenance requirements.
The Land Rover Defender is known for frequent MOT failures related to corrosion and brake components, consistent with the findings on this specific vehicle.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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