1987 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · E717 HFV
1987 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 13 Nov 1987. Recorded mileage 101,059 miles. MOT expired on 29 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1987 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 101,059 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.
E717 HFV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/09/2025
- 101,059 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E717 HFV 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 (E717 HFV) between September 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 September 2025 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 (11 issues), Lighting (10 issues), Steering (5 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 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 Rear Brake pad(s) contaminated Inner hub seal leaking. (1.1.13 (b))”; “Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush upper and lower (5.3.2 (c))”; “Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
E717 HFV Mileage History
- 14/09/202393,106 mi
- 14/09/202393,106 mi
- 25/09/202497,080 mi+3,974 mi
- 24/09/2025101,059 mi+3,979 mi
- 26/09/2025101,059 mi
Average of roughly 3,908 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
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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