1987 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · E537 GJF
1987 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 18 Nov 1987. Recorded mileage 186,344 miles. MOT valid until 28 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1987 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 186,344 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.
E537 GJF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/06/2026
- 186,344 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E537 GJF 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 (E537 GJF) between June 2024 and June 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 June 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 (17 issues), Brakes (11 issues), Lighting (9 issues), Bodywork (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 63 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: “Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively damaged significantly reducing structural stren”; “Steering box has excessive movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”.
E537 GJF Mileage History
- 20/06/2024182,631 mi
- 17/06/2025184,643 mi+2,012 mi
- 30/06/2025184,646 mi+3 mi
- 24/06/2026186,342 mi+1,696 mi
- 25/06/2026186,344 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 1,845 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: 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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1987 model year cars.
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