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F961 SHP

1989 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires30 Jan 2027
Tests31 (20 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate64.5%

Mileage

157,449 mi
Last recorded157,449 miles
Recorded on27 Jan 2026
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Above 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

RegistrationF961 SHP
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
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

20 pass 11 fail
Pass 27 Jan 2026 157,449 miles
Pass 21 Jan 2025 155,713 miles
Pass 22 Jan 2024 153,756 miles
Pass 30 Jan 2023 151,575 miles

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

Pass 31 Jan 2022 148,657 miles

Steering Operation Slightly Tight

Fail 24 Jan 2022 148,641 miles

Central Front Steering component casing not properly attached Bush to Chassis (2.1.2 (a) (i))

Front Dipswitch operation does not deflect all main beam headlamps to make them dipped beams (4.1.3 (b))

Nearside Front Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Main Beam Illuminating at the same time (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Front Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Main Beam Illuminating at the Same Time (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Front Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Steering Operation Slightly Tight

Pass 23 Dec 2020 144,289 miles

Front Steering Operation Slightly Stiff

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Soft Due to Oil Contamination (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Badly Perished (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Spring Bump Stop Rubber/Bracket Insecure

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Chassis Inside Spring Mounting Bracket (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 14 Dec 2020 144,137 miles

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

Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Steering Operation Slightly Stiff

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Engine mounting damaged but not to excess Soft Due to Oil Contamination (6.1.8 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Spring Bump Stop Rubber/Bracket Insecure

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Chassis Inside Spring Mounting Bracket (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 12 Dec 2019 140,243 miles

Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Spring to Chassis Bracket (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Tyre over 10 Years Old (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Steering Slightly Stiff

Pass 18 Dec 2018 138,504 miles

Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Support bracket at chassis joint (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Pass 12 Dec 2017 136,697 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Close to s/absorber (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre Wall Perished and Cracked

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

Fail 4 Dec 2017 136,645 miles

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement Front of (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Chassis x2 (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Close to s/absorber (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre Wall Perished and Cracked

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

Pass 21 Dec 2016 135,500 miles

Nearside Front Brake Back Plate corroded

Nearside Front Coolant leak ()

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

Offside Front Brake Back Plate Missing

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush Front of (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Outer tyre wall perished

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

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

Fail 9 Dec 2016 135,458 miles

Brake performance not tested overheating (3.7.A.1)

Emissions not tested overheating (7.4.B.1)

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

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

Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped to hose bracket (3.6.B.1)

Offside Front Fuel system component leaking at fuel pump (7.2.3)

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

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

Nearside Front Brake Back Plate corroded

Nearside Front Coolant leak ()

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

Nearside Front Tyre Perished

Offside Front Brake Back Plate Missing

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush Front of (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Outer tyre wall perished

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

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

Pass 14 Dec 2015 133,884 miles

Engine Oil Leak

Nearside Front outer tyre wall damaged

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

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

Offside Front Upper Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Offside Rear Hub Seal shows signs of leaking oil from axle

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

Offside Rear tyre wall perished

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

Fail 8 Dec 2015 133,786 miles

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

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

Engine Oil Leak

Nearside Front outer tyre wall damaged

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

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

Offside Front Upper Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Offside Rear Hub Seal shows signs of leaking oil from axle

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

Offside Rear tyre wall perished

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

Pass 10 Dec 2014 132,405 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

o/s rear hub seal leaking

o/s rear tyre wall perished

Pass 19 Dec 2013 131,257 miles

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

Nearside Front Power steering pump has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

o/s rear tyre wall perished

Fail 16 Dec 2013 131,199 miles

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

Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

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

Nearside Front Power steering pump has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

o/s rear tyre wall perished

Pass 19 Dec 2012 130,130 miles

Brake Pedal Rubber Wearing thin

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

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated synthetic bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear rear brake grabbing slightly (3.7.A.5b)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

n/s front brake brake back plate corroded

o/s front brake back plate corroded

o/s rear tyre wall perished

Fail 14 Dec 2012 130,070 miles

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

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

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

Brake Pedal Rubber Wearing thin

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

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated synthetic bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear rear brake grabbing slightly (3.7.A.5b)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

n/s front brake brake back plate corroded

o/s front brake back plate corroded

o/s rear tyre wall perished

Pass 23 Dec 2011 127,643 miles

Brake Pedal anti-slip rubber slightly worn

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

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated synthetic bush (2.4.G.2)

front propshaft universal joint slightly worn

n/s outer sill corroded (not in prescribed area)

o/s outer sill corroded (not in prescribed area)

Fail 14 Dec 2011 127,577 miles

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

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

Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)

Brake Pedal anti-slip rubber slightly worn

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

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated synthetic bush (2.4.G.2)

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

front propshaft universal joint slightly worn

n/s outer sill corroded (not in prescribed area)

o/s outer sill corroded (not in prescribed area)

Pass 16 Dec 2010 126,669 miles

Nearside Front Power steering pump has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

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

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

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

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside inner track rod end joint cover split/missing

Fail 16 Dec 2010 126,653 miles

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Power steering pump has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

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

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

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

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside inner track rod end joint cover split/missing

Pass 4 Dec 2009 125,279 miles

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 27 Nov 2009 125,212 miles

Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off (1.4.B.1f)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 22 Dec 2008 123,081 miles
Fail 24 Nov 2008 122,975 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play in a swivel pin (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Front Torque/reaction arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play in a swivel pin (2.5.A.3b)

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Inner Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

Pass 3 Dec 2007 120,453 miles
Pass 6 Dec 2006 117,286 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

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

F961 SHP is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,494cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.5%.

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 F961 SHP, 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 F961 SHP?

You can check the full history of F961 SHP by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F961 SHP registered?

F961 SHP is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 4 January 1989.

Is F961 SHP safe to buy?

The MOT history for F961 SHP shows 31 tests with a 64.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F961 SHP 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 F961 SHP. 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.