1987 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D843 GCD

The Defender shows a stable maintenance trend with a clean roadworthiness status at its most recent examination. On 21 July 2023 at 118,739 miles the vehicle passed with no defects recorded. A failed test on the same date and mileage appears anomalous, as the DVSA entry lists no defects; this suggests an administrative rejection rather than a mechanical fault. The prior pass on 23 May 2022 at 117,276 miles also carried no advisories. Recorded mileage sits at 118,739 against a 39-year lifespan, equating to roughly 3,045 miles per year. The gap between May 2022 and July 2023 saw only 1,463 miles added. Such low annual use implies the vehicle stood for extended periods, which on a 1987 Land Rover raises concerns over perished rubber components and stagnant fluids rather than high-load wear. The three-entry history is sparse but entirely clean of flagged faults. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of chassis outriggers, bulkhead, and footwells for corrosion, as MOT absence of advisories does not certify structural integrity on a vehicle of this age. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers demand physical checks for cracking or binding after years of low use. Drivetrain oils, coolant, and fuel lines should be assessed for degradation from infrequent running. The record implies a previous owner who stored the vehicle rather than neglected it, given zero advisories across two passes. Verify the 21 July 2023 failure reason via DVSA portal before purchase, since the no-defect listing is irregular for a rejected test.