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F738 TDE

1989 Land Rover Defender

Black Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires29 Jan 2027
Tests31 (18 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate58.1%

Mileage

191,671 mi
Last recorded191,671 miles
Recorded on27 Jan 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

RegistrationF738 TDE
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourBlack
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

18 pass 13 fail
Pass 27 Jan 2026 191,671 miles
Pass 29 Jan 2025 189,447 miles
Pass 22 Jan 2024 187,283 miles
Pass 30 Jan 2023 186,460 miles

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

Offside Front play in wiper arm

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

Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber mounts [both] (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

hazard warning indicator light not working

Fail 30 Jan 2023 186,460 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

Offside Front play in wiper arm

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

Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber mounts [both] (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

hazard warning indicator light not working

Fail 21 Oct 2022 186,442 miles

Front Headlamp aim too low n/s and o/s (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced x member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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 Outer Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front play in wiper arm

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

Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber mounts [both] (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Pass 3 Nov 2021 186,163 miles

Nearside Front bulk head corroded

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

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

Fail 20 Oct 2021 186,092 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front bulk head corroded

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

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

Pass 4 Nov 2020 185,853 miles

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

Nearside Front bulk head corroded

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

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

Fail 4 Nov 2020 185,853 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front bulk head corroded

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

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

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

Pass 11 Nov 2019 185,362 miles

Nearside Front Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced BULK HEAD (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch X4 ()

Fail 6 Nov 2019 185,358 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced PASSENGERS FOOT WELL,POOR PREVIOUS REPAIR (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect PATTERN NOT STRAIGHT (4.1.2 (c))

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

Nearside Front Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced BULK HEAD (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch X4 ()

Pass 8 Nov 2018 183,424 miles

centre seat missing

corrosion to underside of vehicle

Pass 1 Apr 2016 183,502 miles

Centre seat missing

Fail 31 Mar 2016 183,502 miles

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

Centre seat missing

Pass 2 Mar 2015 173,389 miles

Oil leak

n/s bulkhead /floorpan corroded

o/s +n/s centre chassis corroded various places

o/s front + n/s rear wheel rims corroded

oil around parking brake drum

Fail 25 Feb 2015 183,389 miles

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Offside Front Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

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

Steering damper leaking oil (2.2.C.1f)

Oil leak

n/s bulkhead /floorpan corroded

o/s +n/s centre chassis corroded various places

o/s front + n/s rear wheel rims corroded

oil around parking brake drum

Pass 14 Feb 2014 183,200 miles

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

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

Fail 14 Feb 2014 183,200 miles

Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

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

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

Pass 20 Feb 2013 183,059 miles

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

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

Pass 13 Feb 2012 182,921 miles

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

slight play in o/s front swivels

Pass 24 Feb 2011 182,452 miles

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Fail 10 Feb 2011 182,452 miles

Centre Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Front brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Offside Drag link end ball pin shank loose (2.2.B.1c)

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)

Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

brake drum contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Pass 22 Feb 2010 177,919 miles
Fail 30 Jan 2010 177,566 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Power steering pump leaking from a failed joint (2.3.3b)

Rear Exhaust mounting missing (7.1.1b)

Pass 7 Feb 2009 169,430 miles

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

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

Fail 7 Feb 2009 169,430 miles

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Power steering component(s) leaking (2.3.3b)

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

Pass 19 Feb 2008 161,287 miles

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

Fail 13 Feb 2008 161,190 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.4.A.2h)

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

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

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

Pass 17 Aug 2006 139,845 miles
Fail 15 Aug 2006 139,845 miles

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (3.6.C.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

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

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

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Rear Exhaust has a part missing (7.1.1a)

FRONT PROP SHAFT MISSING

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

F738 TDE is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Black with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.1%.

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 F738 TDE, 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 F738 TDE?

You can check the full history of F738 TDE by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F738 TDE registered?

F738 TDE is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 February 1989.

Is F738 TDE safe to buy?

The MOT history for F738 TDE shows 31 tests with a 58.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F738 TDE 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 F738 TDE. 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.