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AP03 BYL

2003 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires17 Sep 2026
Tests36 (20 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate55.6%

Mileage

170,046 mi
Last recorded170,046 miles
Recorded on19 Aug 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Defender86,068 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationAP03 BYL
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2003
ColourGreen
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,495cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 16 fail
Pass 19 Aug 2025 170,046 miles

Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output both sides (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords + blockey on tread! (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine - just acceptable at time of test! (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

park brake efficiency only just met requirements at time of test!

park brake lever travel - still has reserve!

Pass 18 Sep 2024 166,025 miles

Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output both sides (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords front & rear (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Fail 17 Sep 2024 166,019 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture pipe through to flex (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output both sides (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Front Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Fail 11 Sep 2024 165,999 miles

Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))

Front Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements excessively damaged/broken/insecure (0.1 (d))

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))

Rear Prop shaft joint so worn it is likely to fail rear prop (6.1.7 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output both sides (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread + damaged! (0.1 (b))

Speedometer not sufficiently illuminated (7.8 (c) (i))

park brake lever travel - still has reserve!

Pass 25 Aug 2023 158,858 miles

Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output both sides assy's deteriorated! (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged ()

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread both - damaged! (0.1 (b))

Speedometer not sufficiently illuminated (7.8 (c) (i))

Pass 29 Jul 2022 150,783 miles

Offside Front Oil leak, but not excessive hub sphere (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output both sides assys deteriorated! (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Offside Front position lamp lens damaged!

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread damaged! (0.1 (b))

Speedometer not sufficiently illuminated (7.8 (c) (i))

Fail 21 Jul 2022 150,707 miles

Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))

Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 1 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Intermediate drop arm insecure sector shaft - loose on box (2.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))

Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output both sides assys deteriorated! (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Oil leak, but not excessive hub sphere (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front position lamp lens damaged!

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread damaged! (0.1 (b))

Speedometer not sufficiently illuminated (7.8 (c) (i))

Pass 5 Aug 2021 143,535 miles

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 7 Aug 2020 135,095 miles

Front Oil leak, but not excessive both sides hub spheres (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 29 Jul 2020 134,945 miles

Central Front Seat belt buckle not functioning as intended trapped under siezed seat (7.1.2 (d))

Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn both sides to tie/radius arms (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush upper & lower (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))

Offside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive both sides hub spheres (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Upper Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy both sides (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Speedometer not sufficiently illuminated (7.8 (c) (i))

Pass 6 Aug 2019 127,372 miles

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides bushes - to axle (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Fail 31 Jul 2019 127,317 miles

Offside Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt to sector shaft (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt buckle not functioning as intended latching faulty (7.1.2 (d))

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides bushes - to axle (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Wheel bearing has slight play both sides (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin inners (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

Pass 1 Aug 2018 119,204 miles

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

fuel cap top missing & cap area damp!

Fail 30 Jul 2018 119,177 miles

Rear Shock absorbers insecurely attached both sides - upper bushes worn (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))

fuel cap top missing & cap area damp!

Pass 25 Jul 2017 110,706 miles

Nearside Rear tyre blockey on tread!

Offside Front tyre blockey on tread!

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit +blockey on tread! (4.1.E.1)

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (1.4.A.2f)

Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides to chassis (2.4.G.2)

fuel cap top missing & cap area damp!

noises from park brake assy area!

Fail 20 Jul 2017 110,578 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement to chassis (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively blade poor (8.2.2)

Offside Rear Inner Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Offside Upper Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Registration plate lamp shows direct white light to the rear (1.1.C.1f) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Nearside Rear tyre blockey on tread!

Offside Front tyre blockey on tread!

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement to chassis (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit +blockey on tread! (4.1.E.1)

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (1.4.A.2f)

Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides to chassis (2.4.G.2)

fuel cap top missing & cap area damp!

noises from park brake assy area!

Pass 4 Aug 2016 102,210 miles

Offside Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides to chassis (2.4.G.2)

Fail 29 Jul 2016 102,193 miles

Nearside Axle swivel joint has excessive movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Lower Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Ball joint has excessive play drag link joint in sector shaft (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red lens damaged (1.3.2e)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working both (1.1.C.1d)

Centre Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a) DANGEROUS

Stop lamp not working both sides (1.2.1b) DANGEROUS

Offside Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides to chassis (2.4.G.2)

Front Propshaft universal joint worn rear joint VERY BAD!!! ()

Pass 14 Jul 2015 92,595 miles

Lower Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Fail 10 Jul 2015 92,524 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage insecure (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Lower Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 7 Aug 2014 83,559 miles

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

drivers seatbelt stalk cover missing!

Fail 1 Aug 2014 83,455 miles

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b) DANGEROUS

Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f) DANGEROUS

Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

drivers seatbelt stalk cover missing!

Pass 26 Jul 2013 73,747 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

drivers seatbelt stalk cover missing!

Pass 2 Aug 2012 67,259 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

drivers seatbelt stalk cover missing!

Fail 1 Aug 2012 67,246 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar locating pin insecure (2.4.G.3a)

Front Body insecure and dangerous to other road users (6.1.B.1b) DANGEROUS

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

drivers seatbelt stalk cover missing!

Pass 2 Aug 2011 59,869 miles

Centre Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Offside Rear fog lamp damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.3.2d)

Fail 29 Jul 2011 59,842 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b) DANGEROUS

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Centre Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Offside Rear fog lamp damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.3.2d)

Pass 4 Aug 2010 53,474 miles

Rear fog lamp damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.3.2d)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

long cut in offside front tyre outer sidewall(structure not showing)!

Fail 2 Aug 2010 53,424 miles

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Rear Upper Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Rear fog lamp damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.3.2d)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

brake warning lamp on(fluid level not low enough to advise)!

long cut in offside front tyre outer sidewall(structure not showing)!

Pass 13 Aug 2009 45,520 miles

screen chipped

Fail 6 Aug 2009 45,280 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.D.2c)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.D.4)

Pass 29 Jul 2008 38,591 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Fail 25 Jul 2008 38,591 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 9 Aug 2007 32,666 miles
Pass 18 Aug 2006 27,388 miles
Fail 12 Aug 2006 27,388 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bearing (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

How Reliable is the Land Rover Defender?

Based on 2,960,045 MOT tests across 181,953 vehicles.

72.3%
Pass Rate
3,550
Miles/Year
43
Year Lifespan
181,953
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 77,499
Brake pipe excessively corroded 77,229
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 57,749
position lamp(s) not working 53,914
Stop lamp not working 52,341
Full Land Rover Defender reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

AP03 BYL is a 2003 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.6%.

Across all 2003 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.7% with a typical mileage of 86,068 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Land Rover Defender fails its MOT is shock absorber has an excessively worn bush, accounting for 77,499 recorded failures. If you're considering buying AP03 BYL, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Land Rover Defender typically stays on UK roads for around 43 years. At 23 years old, this Land Rover Defender is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of AP03 BYL?

You can check the full history of AP03 BYL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was AP03 BYL registered?

AP03 BYL is a 2003 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 July 2003.

Is AP03 BYL safe to buy?

The MOT history for AP03 BYL shows 36 tests with a 55.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does AP03 BYL have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on AP03 BYL. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.