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F3 RTB

1989 Land Rover Defender

Orange Diesel 2496cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires6 Mar 2027
Tests26 (18 pass, 8 fail)
Pass rate69.2%

Mileage

222,198 mi
Last recorded222,198 miles
Recorded on27 Feb 2026
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationF3 RTB
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourOrange
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,496cc

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 8 fail
Pass 27 Feb 2026 222,198 miles

Exhaust silencer slightly loose down pipe (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Small hole in floor pan

Rear boot floor out riggers corroded

Fail 27 Feb 2026 222,198 miles

Exhaust silencer slightly loose down pipe (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Small hole in floor pan

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Rear boot floor out riggers corroded

Pass 7 Mar 2025 221,999 miles

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

Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

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

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement some bushes deteriating (5.3.4 (a) (i))

some corrosion to bulkhead/floor pans/chassis rails

Pass 9 Apr 2024 221,355 miles

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

Fail 3 Apr 2024 221,355 miles

Horn not working horn works intermitantly. (7.7 (a))

Horn sound not in accordance with requirements (7.7 (c))

Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated (1.1.6 (d))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 13 Apr 2023 217,571 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement radius arm bushs (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement radius arm bushs (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Fail 8 Mar 2023 217,564 miles

Central Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn A frame ball joint (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak center exhaust leak hole in pipe (8.2.2.1 (b))

Front Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak exhaust leak hole in pipe (8.2.2.1 (b))

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

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

Nearside Rear Brake drum contaminated (1.1.14 (b))

Nearside Rear Inner Vehicle structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced chassis repaired with body filler (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers insecurely attached (5.3.2 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

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

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Power steering component leaking box (2.1.5 (a))

Power steering pump leaking (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak exhaust leak hole in pipe (8.2.2.1 (b))

Intermediate drop arm likely to become detached loose (2.1.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Axle king pin so loose it is likely to affect directional stability (5.1.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Inner Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick pad braking up (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Axle king pin so loose it is likely to affect directional stability (5.1.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Steering column shaft deformed to the extent that steering is affected track tube bent (2.1.3 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Steering wheel has movement relative to the column such that there is a serious risk of detachment bolts missing and others loose and excesive flex in wheel its self (2.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Front passenger door hinge deteriorated so the door cannot be readily opened or closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Gearbox mounting defective bolts missing both sides ()

Hazard warning tell-tale missing (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive rear diff (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Drag link end slightly misaligned (2.1.3 (e))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement radius arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement radius arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Pass 11 Mar 2022 212,075 miles

corrosion to front subframe

engine oil leak

front brake discs corroded

n/s/r body mount corroded and worn

rear diff leaking

suspension springs corroded

Pass 26 Mar 2021 204,567 miles

Offside Front swivel joints have slight play

Offside Rear drag link bent

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

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

both rear tyres cracking in between tread

oil cooler pipes leaking slightly

Fail 6 Jan 2021 204,563 miles

Front Power steering pipe/hose leaking under front cross member (2.1.5 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis leg area (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Service brake lagging in operation pedal spongey (1.2.1 (d))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe connection leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Both rear tyres are perished between treads

Offside Front swivel joints have slight play

Offside Rear rear drag link bent

Oil cooler pipe is slightly leaking

Fail 3 Dec 2020 204,560 miles

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))

Nearside Front Headlamp light intensity severely reduced dip beam (4.1.4 (a))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Position lamp has a product on the lens or light source which significantly reduces light intensity (4.2.3 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Chassis leg (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt rear drag link (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Power steering inoperative (2.1.5 (c) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose leaking (2.1.5 (a))

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

Both rear tyres are perished between treads

O/s/f axle swivel joints have slight play

rear o/s/f drag link bent

Pass 24 May 2019 200,930 miles

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Pass 13 Nov 2017 200,020 miles

under body under sealed

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Fail 13 Nov 2017 200,020 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

under body under sealed

Pass 29 Apr 2015 198,275 miles
Fail 14 Apr 2015 198,261 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp inoperative (3.6.G.2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Position lamp switch does not illuminate the front and rear position lamps with a single operation (1.1.A.2)

Rear fog lamp switch faulty (1.3.1a)

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

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1) DANGEROUS

Offside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a) DANGEROUS

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

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b)

Pass 27 Jan 2014 196,247 miles

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

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

rear brake pipes // heavy underseal..

Pass 13 Nov 2012 194,751 miles

under body corroded

Pass 30 Nov 2011 191,852 miles

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

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

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

Fail 24 Nov 2011 191,839 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 12 Oct 2010 185,975 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Pass 22 Oct 2009 181,748 miles
Pass 7 Oct 2008 181,377 miles
Pass 9 Oct 2007 175,999 miles
Pass 14 Oct 2006 168,493 miles
Pass 15 Oct 2005 161,375 miles

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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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

F3 RTB is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Orange with a 2,496cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 26 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 69.2%.

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 performed better than the average for its year.

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 F3 RTB, 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 F3 RTB?

You can check the full history of F3 RTB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F3 RTB registered?

F3 RTB is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1989.

Is F3 RTB safe to buy?

The MOT history for F3 RTB shows 26 tests with a 69.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F3 RTB 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 F3 RTB. 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.