1988 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Petrol · F583 AAG
1988 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01/11/1988. Recorded mileage 95,322 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23/04/2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 95,322 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1988
- Engine
- 2495cc
F583 AAG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/04/2025
- 95,322 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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F583 AAG Mileage History
- 13/01/202390,302 mi
- 23/01/202390,332 mi+30 mi
- 22/02/202493,374 mi+3,042 mi
- 22/02/202493,374 mi
- 25/04/202595,322 mi+1,948 mi
Average of roughly 2,202 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
F583 AAG 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 1988 Land Rover Defender (F583 AAG) between January 2023 and April 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 April 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: Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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: “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the mileage
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system; the MOT records show pitted and worn front brake discs as a recurring theme from February 2024 through to April 2025. You should negotiate the price based on the cost of replacing these discs and addressing the front lower oil leak mentioned in the most recent test.
Request full service records to see how the 2.5L petrol engine has been maintained. Given the age of the vehicle, check for any evidence of chassis reinforcement or rust treatment, as corrosion is a primary failure point for this model across the wider fleet.
The 2495cc petrol engine is expected to have high fuel consumption compared to modern standards. Insurance groups for classic Defenders can vary, but expect premiums reflecting the vehicle's age and utility nature, alongside standard classic vehicle tax bands.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the need for frequent attention to seals and braking components. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and routine maintenance, are likely to be significant.
Specifically inspect the front lower engine area for the oil leak flagged in the April 2025 MOT. Check the offside rear shock absorber for the oil misting noted in the same test, as this may indicate the component is nearing the end of its life.
Examine the brake discs for pitting and scoring, as this has been a persistent issue in the MOT history since 2024. While this specific vehicle has not failed for corrosion in the provided records, it remains a top failure reason for the model generally, so a full underbody inspection is essential.
This 1988 blue Land Rover Defender has recorded 95,322 miles, which is below the model average for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of recurring advisories regarding worn and pitted brake discs, alongside a recent report of a front lower oil leak. The vehicle has a mix of passes and failures over the last three years, reflecting the typical maintenance demands of a classic utility vehicle.
This model has an average MOT pass rate of 78.1%, with headlamps, brake pipes, and corrosion identified as the most common failure reasons.
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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