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CA03 GCX

2003 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires4 Oct 2026
Tests30 (20 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate66.7%

Mileage

199,553 mi
Last recorded199,553 miles
Recorded on2 Oct 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Defender86,068 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationCA03 GCX
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2003
ColourBlue
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 10 fail
Pass 2 Oct 2025 199,553 miles
Pass 4 Oct 2024 198,660 miles
Pass 5 Oct 2023 196,178 miles
Pass 27 Sep 2022 191,488 miles
Pass 16 Sep 2021 187,028 miles
Pass 21 Sep 2020 179,981 miles
Pass 20 Sep 2019 176,376 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases down pipe (6.1.2 (a))

Front bumper corroded underside

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge n/s and o/s (5.2.3 (e))

Rear bump stops missing

Fail 11 Sep 2019 176,375 miles

Nearside Rear Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting crossmember (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Front Valve stem seriously damaged n/s and o/s perished (5.2.3 (j)) DANGEROUS

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases down pipe (6.1.2 (a))

Front bumper corroded underside

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

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

Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge n/s and o/s (5.2.3 (e))

Rear bump stops missing

Pass 17 Sep 2018 171,517 miles

Central exhaust corroded

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases front and central (6.1.2 (a))

Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Rear chassis crossmember corroded

Pass 5 Sep 2017 165,546 miles

Central Exhaust silencer deteriorated / has slight leak of gases

Engine oil leak

Front + Rear differential pinion oil seals leaking

Front Exhaust down pipe (flexy joint) has slight leak of gases

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Front wiperblades smear windscreen slightly x 2

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

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Rear Chassis crossmember corroded

Fail 4 Sep 2017 165,545 miles

Brake performance not tested (3.7.A.1)

Horn sounds harsh or grating (1.6.2e)

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

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

Offside Front Brake pipe leaking (3.6.A.1) DANGEROUS

Central Exhaust silencer deteriorated / has slight leak of gases

Engine oil leak

Front + Rear differential pinion oil seals leaking

Front Exhaust down pipe (flexy joint) has slight leak of gases

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Front wiperblades smear windscreen slightly x 2

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

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Rear Chassis crossmember corroded

Pass 27 Aug 2016 158,645 miles

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

Slight corrosion on rear crossmember

Fail 24 Aug 2016 158,643 miles

Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings Footwell (6.1.B.2)

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

Power steering component(s) leaking Steering box (2.3.3b)

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

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

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) has light sources not illuminating, but not more than 50% (1.1.A.3b)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

Slight corrosion on rear crossmember

Pass 2 Sep 2015 147,598 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play track bar (2.2.B.1f)

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.3.3b)

brake compensator slightly corroded

front to rear brake pipe slightly corroded

Fail 1 Sep 2015 147,598 miles

Centre Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin n/s and o/s (3.5.1g)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened n/s and o/s (3.5.1i)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play track bar (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.3.3b)

Rear Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush n/s and o/s (2.7.4)

brake compensator slightly corroded

front to rear brake pipe slightly corroded

Pass 1 Sep 2014 139,018 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

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

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

center exhaust hanger corroded and weakened

front no plate cracked

n/s front seat belt reciever plastic cover mising

rear crossmember has corrosion

Pass 15 Aug 2013 127,056 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 14 Aug 2013 127,056 miles

Horn sounds harsh or grating (1.6.2e)

Nearside Front Drag link end socket spring weak (2.2.B.1e)

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

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

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play (2.5.A.3b) DANGEROUS

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 14 Aug 2012 119,427 miles

Front brake disks have slight wear

Front wiperblades smear screen slightly

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

engine oil leak

rear brake inbalance 53%

slight corrosion on brake servo

Fail 14 Aug 2012 119,425 miles

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Front brake disks have slight wear

Front wiperblades smear screen slightly

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

engine oil leak

rear brake inbalance 53%

slight corrosion on brake servo

Fail 13 Aug 2011 109,271 miles

31% imbalance on rear brakes

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

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Propshaft component defective

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

rear no plate slightly deteriorated

slight leak from n/s front swivel housing

slight weepage from transmission drum

Pass 13 Aug 2011 109,271 miles

31% imbalance on rear brakes

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

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Propshaft component defective

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

rear no plate slightly deteriorated

slight leak from n/s front swivel housing

slight weepage from transmission drum

Pass 30 Jul 2010 97,181 miles

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

handbrake drum slightly damp

n/s/f swivel hub has slight weep

n/s/f tyre has nail burried in tred

n/s/r brake pipe has slight corrosion (to caliper)

power steering pipe slightly corroded (front rad)

rear brake disks slightly pitted

slight engine oil leak (top end)

steering box drop arm has slight damp patch

Fail 29 Jul 2010 97,179 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

handbrake drum slightly damp

n/s/f swivel hub has slight weep

n/s/f tyre has nail burried in tred

n/s/r brake pipe has slight corrosion (to caliper)

power steering pipe slightly corroded (front rad)

rear brake disks slightly pitted

slight engine oil leak (top end)

steering box drop arm has slight damp patch

Pass 29 Jul 2009 87,324 miles
Fail 27 Jul 2009 87,324 miles

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Inner Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front Brake back plate(s) securing device loose (3.5.1j)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

44% imbalance on rear brakes

engine drive belt idler or tensioner noisy

Pass 26 Jul 2008 76,943 miles

front tyres getting close

o/s/r inner pad 2000 miles

steering box damp

Pass 27 Jul 2007 68,207 miles

all 4 tyres have slight perishing

Fail 27 Jul 2007 68,207 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) insecure (3.5.1g)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Rear Registration plate lamp flickers when tapped lightly by hand (1.1.5e)

Registration plate lamp insecure (1.1.C.1c)

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

all 4 tyres have slight perishing

front brake pads low

hand brake cable stiff in operation

rear brake discs slightly corroded

steering damper bush slightly worn

Pass 23 Jun 2006 54,321 miles

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

oil leak

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

CA03 GCX is a 2003 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 66.7%.

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 CA03 GCX, 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 CA03 GCX?

You can check the full history of CA03 GCX by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was CA03 GCX registered?

CA03 GCX is a 2003 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 30 July 2003.

Is CA03 GCX safe to buy?

The MOT history for CA03 GCX shows 30 tests with a 66.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does CA03 GCX 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 CA03 GCX. 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.