CarVerify

Free Car Check

F153 DJC

1989 Land Rover Defender

Yellow Diesel 3528cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Jul 2027
Tests38 (22 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate57.9%

Mileage

176,022 mi
Last recorded176,022 miles
Recorded on24 Jul 2026
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationF153 DJC
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourYellow
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine3,528cc

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

22 pass 16 fail
Pass 24 Jul 2026 176,022 miles

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coil springs corroded. (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded Both rear coil springs corroded. (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Under vehicle structure has slight corrosion.

Fail 15 Jul 2026 176,022 miles

Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened cut greater than 4mm (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened cut greater than 4mm (7.1.2 (b))

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

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coil springs corroded. (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded Both rear coil springs corroded. (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Under vehicle structure has slight corrosion.

Pass 2 Jul 2025 175,995 miles

Front Coil spring corroded offside and nearside (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded offside and nearside (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Under vehicle structure has slight corrosion

Pass 19 Jul 2024 175,921 miles

Central Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Centre to rear flexi. (1.1.11 (c))

Central Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view Chip in centre, middle of windscreen. (3.2 (a) (i))

Central Rear Suspension component ball joint has slight play Rear axle stabiliser ball joint. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Emissions just meets plated legal requirement.

Front Fluid leak, but not excessive Both front transmission hubs leaking. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Damaged along bottom. (0.1 (b))

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Tie rod arm bushes splitting/cracking to both sides. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Pipe to flexi. (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Pipe to flexi. (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox and rear differential (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Tie rod arm bushes splitting/cracking to both sides. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Corrosion to rear beam, holed near to chassis end mounting on both sides. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 18 Jul 2024 175,921 miles

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

Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Front floor holed within 30cm of body to chassis mounting. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Central Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Centre to rear flexi. (1.1.11 (c))

Central Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view Chip in centre, middle of windscreen. (3.2 (a) (i))

Central Rear Suspension component ball joint has slight play Rear axle stabiliser ball joint. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Fluid leak, but not excessive Both front transmission hubs leaking. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Damaged along bottom. (0.1 (b))

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Tie rod arm bushes splitting/cracking to both sides. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Pipe to flexi. (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Pipe to flexi. (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox and rear differential (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Tie rod arm bushes splitting/cracking to both sides. (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Corrosion to rear beam, holed near to chassis end mounting on both sides. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 14 Jul 2023 175,887 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security crossmember (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Fail 14 Jul 2023 175,887 miles

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively both (3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security crossmember (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Pass 30 Jun 2022 175,823 miles

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

Pass 22 Jun 2021 175,777 miles

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords and 21 year old aged cracking (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

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

Rear Exhaust mounting defective mounting (6.1.2 (a))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

slight oil leaks on o/s/f and n/s/f hub seals

Pass 8 Jul 2020 175,627 miles

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 18 Jun 2019 175,449 miles

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective section (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Exhaust silencer slightly loose (8.1.1 (b) (i))

slight leak at n/s and o/s front swivvel joint seals

Fail 12 Jun 2019 175,447 miles

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

Exhaust fumes entering cabin (6.1.2 (b) (i))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases exhaust blow under bonnet when revving (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Upper Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn bearing excess play (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced chassi cross member at towbar holed 3 places (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Exhaust fumes causing a danger to health of persons on board (6.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective section (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Exhaust silencer slightly loose (8.1.1 (b) (i))

slight leak at n/s and o/s front swivvel joint seals

Pass 15 Jun 2018 175,249 miles

Front PROPSHAFT SLIDING JOINT SLIGHT PLAY

Nearside Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Fail 11 Jun 2018 175,247 miles

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

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

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting FLOOR PAN AT BODY MOUNTS (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt STEERING DROP ARM BALL JOINT BOOT (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

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

Rear Towbar is so weakened by corrosion within 30cm of a towbar mounting, the towbar is likely to become detached CROSS MEMBER 2 PLACES (6.1.6 (i) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front PROPSHAFT SLIDING JOINT SLIGHT PLAY

Nearside Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

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

Pass 9 Jun 2017 174,784 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

both rear bump stops missing

bulkhead corroded offside and below master cylinder

Fail 6 Jun 2017 174,782 miles

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

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

Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Propshaft universal joint worn rearmost

both rear bump stops missing

bulkhead corroded offside and below master cylinder

Pass 13 Jun 2016 174,061 miles

BOTH FRONT HUB SEALS LEAKING

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

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

VARIOUS OIL LEAKS ON ENGINE

Fail 13 Jun 2016 174,061 miles

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

BOTH FRONT HUB SEALS LEAKING

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

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

VARIOUS OIL LEAKS ON ENGINE

Pass 11 Jun 2015 173,248 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

rear bump stops deteriorated

Fail 10 Jun 2015 173,248 miles

Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

rear bump stops deteriorated

Pass 9 Jun 2014 171,707 miles

rust corrosion to front to rear brake pipe

slight leak on both tractor joints

Fail 4 Jun 2014 171,704 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

rust corrosion to front to rear brake pipe

slight leak on both tractor joints

Pass 9 Jul 2013 169,074 miles
Fail 5 Jul 2013 169,074 miles

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

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

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

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 18 Jun 2012 168,062 miles

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

left hand rear tyre cracks in tread grooves

Fail 18 Jun 2012 168,062 miles

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

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

left hand rear tyre cracks in tread grooves

Pass 14 Jun 2011 165,632 miles
Fail 10 Jun 2011 165,305 miles

Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Offside Rear Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

Pass 11 Jun 2010 164,601 miles

tractor joint leakingright and left

Fail 10 Jun 2010 164,601 miles

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

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

tractor joint leakingright and left

Pass 23 Jun 2009 164,004 miles

tractor joints leaking

Fail 22 Jun 2009 164,004 miles

Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Rear registration plate character(s) likely to be misread (6.3.4b)

tractor joints leaking

Pass 9 Jun 2008 162,848 miles
Pass 16 Jul 2007 162,018 miles
Fail 12 Jul 2007 162,018 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Offside Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Nearside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush (2.5.A.3a)

Pass 5 Jul 2006 160,471 miles

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

Pass 23 Jun 2005 158,909 miles
Fail 21 Jun 2005 158,909 miles

Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

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

F153 DJC is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Yellow with a 3,528cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 38 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.9%.

Across all 1989 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.8% with a typical mileage of 127,912 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 F153 DJC, 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 37 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 F153 DJC?

You can check the full history of F153 DJC by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F153 DJC registered?

F153 DJC is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 8 March 1989.

Is F153 DJC safe to buy?

The MOT history for F153 DJC shows 38 tests with a 57.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F153 DJC 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 F153 DJC. 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.