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F981 ORY

1989 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Oct 2026
Tests31 (17 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate54.8%

Mileage

137,078 mi
Last recorded137,078 miles
Recorded on10 Oct 2025
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationF981 ORY
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourBlue
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

17 pass 14 fail
Pass 10 Oct 2025 137,078 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Pass 25 Sep 2024 135,242 miles

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

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

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

Pass 29 Sep 2023 133,019 miles
Pass 20 May 2022 132,132 miles

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

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

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

Rear fog not working, pre 1980, not required

Fail 20 May 2022 132,131 miles

Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Not working, when hazard lights on (4.3.3 (b))

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

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

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

Rear fog not working, pre 1980, not required

Pass 22 May 2018 127,672 miles
Fail 16 May 2018 127,671 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases rear back box (7.1.2)

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

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

Fail 27 Mar 2018 127,669 miles

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

Fuel system component leaking pump (7.2.3)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive damage seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a towbar mounting multiple areas (6.6.6)

rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Oil leak ()

Pass 30 Mar 2017 126,044 miles
Fail 27 Mar 2017 126,042 miles

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

Offside Ball joint has excessive play drop arm from steering box (2.2.B.1f)

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

Fail 27 Jan 2017 126,039 miles

Fuel system component leaking pump area (7.2.3)

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

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

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

Offside Hazard warning lamps inoperative (1.4.B.1b)

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

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

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

Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting cross-member (6.6.6)

Steering box insecure (2.2.B.1a)

Steering locking device insecure steering box tab washers (2.2.C.1g)

Steering retaining device insecure steering box bolts loose (2.2.C.1g)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Ball joint has slight play drop arm (2.2.B.1f)

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

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged ()

O/S/R Hub seal leaking

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

Oil leak ()

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

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis/cross-member suspension A Frame (2.4.A.3)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 12 Jan 2016 123,040 miles

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

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

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

slight play in steering box

slight play in steering damper bush

Fail 12 Jan 2016 123,040 miles

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

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

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

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

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

slight play in steering box

slight play in steering damper bush

Pass 2 Feb 2015 121,401 miles

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Steering damper damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 28 Jan 2015 121,401 miles

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

rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Steering damper damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 27 Jan 2014 119,185 miles

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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)

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 29 Jan 2013 115,505 miles

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 2 Feb 2012 112,871 miles

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fail 30 Jan 2012 112,871 miles

Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)

Offside Front 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 brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fail 1 Dec 2011 112,860 miles

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

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

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

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

corrosion by offside and nearside door hinges

Pass 2 Dec 2010 109,466 miles
Fail 24 Nov 2010 109,456 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Pass 1 Dec 2009 104,257 miles

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 30 Nov 2009 104,247 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 2 Dec 2008 100,029 miles
Fail 24 Nov 2008 99,911 miles

Fuel tank leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Front Side repeater incomplete (1.5.A1b)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 12 Dec 2007 95,049 miles

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

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (4.1.D.1e)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Fail 5 Dec 2007 95,047 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incomplete (1.5.A1b)

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Rear Valve stem slightly damaged (4.1.D.1e)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 12 Dec 2006 90,955 miles

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

Offside Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Pass 8 Dec 2005 86,514 miles
Fail 6 Dec 2005 86,511 miles

Inner Front Steering damper damaged and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

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

Offside Front Upper Front suspension has excessive play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

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

F981 ORY is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.8%.

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 F981 ORY, 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 F981 ORY?

You can check the full history of F981 ORY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F981 ORY registered?

F981 ORY is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 April 1989.

Is F981 ORY safe to buy?

The MOT history for F981 ORY shows 31 tests with a 54.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F981 ORY 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 F981 ORY. 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.