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D487 RAM

1986 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires20 Nov 2026
Tests32 (18 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate56.3%

Mileage

121,686 mi
Last recorded121,686 miles
Recorded on21 Nov 2025
Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationD487 RAM
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1986
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,494cc

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

18 pass 14 fail
Pass 21 Nov 2025 121,686 miles
Fail 15 Oct 2025 121,618 miles

Main beam tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Pass 8 Aug 2024 120,163 miles
Fail 6 Aug 2024 120,163 miles

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

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

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

Pass 1 Aug 2023 119,481 miles

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

Chassis and suspension components corroded

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

Fail 31 Jul 2023 119,481 miles

Front Registration plate missing (0.1 (a))

Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (3.3 (b) (ii))

Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

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

Chassis and suspension components corroded

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

Fail 23 Jun 2022 119,478 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier battery box badly corroded (4.13 (a) (ii))

Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (3.1 (b) (i))

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Front Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive diff. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Rear Oil leak, but not excessive diff. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

chassis and suspension components corroded

Pass 17 Feb 2021 118,846 miles

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

Front PROPSHAFT BOOT SPLIT

Nearside Front Outer WHEEL ARCH SPLIT

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

Nearside Rear Inner Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Fail 8 Feb 2021 118,846 miles

Nearside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength SPRING MOUNTING (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Fuel tank leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

Front PROPSHAFT BOOT SPLIT

Nearside Front Outer WHEEL ARCH SPLIT

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

Nearside Rear Inner Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Pass 30 Jan 2020 117,561 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Fail 29 Jan 2020 117,561 miles

Central Upper Steering column universal joint fractured and unserviceable (2.1.3 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Pass 8 Feb 2019 116,834 miles

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

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

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

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

Upper Steering column universal joint deformed but serviceable (2.1.3 (c) (i))

Fail 7 Feb 2019 116,834 miles

Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Central Rear Towbar fractured not seriously affecting its strength with 30cm of a towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

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

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

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

Upper Steering column universal joint deformed but serviceable (2.1.3 (c) (i))

Pass 3 Jan 2018 116,069 miles

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Fail 12 Dec 2017 116,068 miles

Fuel system component leaking fuel pump (7.2.3)

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering suspension mount (6.1.A.1)

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

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

Pass 24 Jan 2017 115,548 miles

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

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Nearside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak ()

Fail 23 Jan 2017 115,544 miles

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Nearside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.2.1f)

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

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

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Nearside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak ()

Pass 26 Jan 2016 114,926 miles
Fail 25 Jan 2016 114,926 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 6 Feb 2015 114,271 miles

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Fail 5 Feb 2015 114,271 miles

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Pass 21 Jan 2014 113,778 miles

Centre bolt on Cross member corroded.

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

Nearside Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Pass 17 Jan 2013 113,157 miles

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

Fail 11 Jan 2013 113,142 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision incomplete (3.3.A.1b)

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Steering column retaining device insecure (2.1.6)

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

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

Pass 23 Jan 2012 112,581 miles
Fail 17 Jan 2012 112,581 miles

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

Nearside Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Offside Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 17 Jan 2011 112,236 miles

Near side wiper blade slightly deteriorated.

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

Off side wiper blade slightly deteriorated.

Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 24 Dec 2009 110,996 miles
Fail 1 Dec 2009 110,996 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Off side drag link end gator detached.

Pass 10 Nov 2008 109,890 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 21 May 2007 107,847 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 23 Mar 2006 106,291 miles

Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

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

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D487 RAM is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,494cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.3%.

Across all 1986 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.7% with a typical mileage of 124,952 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 D487 RAM, 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 40 years old, this Land Rover Defender is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of D487 RAM?

You can check the full history of D487 RAM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was D487 RAM registered?

D487 RAM is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 14 November 1986.

Is D487 RAM safe to buy?

The MOT history for D487 RAM shows 32 tests with a 56.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does D487 RAM 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 D487 RAM. 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.