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G135 WDL

1989 Land Rover Defender

Bronze Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires2 Dec 2026
Tests34 (19 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate55.9%

Mileage

95,975 mi
Last recorded95,975 miles
Recorded on24 Nov 2025
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationG135 WDL
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourBronze
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

19 pass 15 fail
Pass 24 Nov 2025 95,975 miles
Pass 23 Nov 2024 95,616 miles
Pass 1 Dec 2023 95,301 miles
Fail 23 Nov 2023 95,296 miles

All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 2 Dec 2022 94,887 miles

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

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

Offside Front brake backing plate missing

Offside Front hub sill inner leaking slightly

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

Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively back u/j (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Rear prop u/j grease nipple missing

Pass 3 Dec 2021 94,413 miles

Front Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively prop front joint (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is damaged but not considered excessive bulk head (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Offside Front brake back plate missing

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

fuel tank damp

Fail 5 Nov 2021 94,398 miles

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

Nearside Rear Outer Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Nearside Rear Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting cross member (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

Offside Rear Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Front brake back plate missing

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

Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively front prop front u / j (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

fuel tank damp

Pass 1 Oct 2020 94,097 miles

reverse light inoperative

various corrosion to chassis rails

various oil/fluid leaks

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))

clutch slave pipe damaged - advise replacement

Fail 23 Sep 2020 94,075 miles

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

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

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

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))

clutch slave pipe damaged - advise replacement

reverse light inoperative

various corrosion to chassis rails

various oil/fluid leaks

Pass 21 Aug 2019 93,653 miles

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))

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

offside front brake back plate missing

offside front hub seal leaking

Fail 8 Aug 2019 93,629 miles

Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))

Rear Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt axle a frame (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

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))

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

offside front brake back plate missing

offside front hub seal leaking

Pass 15 Aug 2018 93,155 miles

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component power steering box (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 3 Oct 2017 92,842 miles
Fail 3 Oct 2017 92,842 miles

Fuel system component leaking union at rear of fuel pump (7.2.3)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Pass 7 Nov 2014 91,102 miles

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

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

bonnet cable broken

front prop shaft, rear joint, nut missing from bolt

Fail 21 Oct 2014 90,954 miles

Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure (3.3.B.1a)

Brake pedal creeps down while the pedal is held under pressure (3.3.B.1a)

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement (3.3.A.5)

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

Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Offside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Offside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

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

bonnet cable broken

front prop, rear joint,, nut missing from bolt

Pass 16 Oct 2013 87,389 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

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

Steering system lightly rubbing (2.2.D.2a)

advise condition of drive belts

advise, advance footbrake pedal travel, recommend check

advise, offside mirror slightly cracked, recommend replace

drivers seat cushion torn

Fail 14 Oct 2013 87,371 miles

Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

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

Steering system lightly rubbing (2.2.D.2a)

advise advance footbrake pedal travel

advise condition of drive belts

advise, offside mirror slightly cracked, recommend replace

drivers seat cushion torn

Pass 25 Oct 2012 83,966 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Panhard rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

advise, advance footbrake pedal travel, recommend check

advise, offside mirror glass slightly glass cracked

drivers seat torn and deteriorated

Fail 23 Oct 2012 83,947 miles

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

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

Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

advise, advance footbrake pedal travel, recommend check

advise, offside mirror glass slightly glass cracked

drivers seat torn and deteriorated

Fail 28 Oct 2011 79,914 miles

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

drivers sea\t in poor condition

offside door mirror glass slight cracking

offside front wheel bearing slight noise

offside rear breake binding slightly

Pass 28 Oct 2011 79,914 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

drivers sea\t in poor condition

offside door mirror glass slight cracking

offside front wheel bearing slight noise

offside rear breake binding slightly

Fail 21 Oct 2011 79,850 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement (3.3.A.5)

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

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

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

Nearside Front Upper Axle swivel joint has excessive play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Offside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

drivers sea\t in poor condition

offside door mirror glass slight cracking

offside front wheel bearing slight noise

Oil leak

Propshaft component defective

Pass 21 Oct 2010 76,102 miles

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

Propshaft component defective

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

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

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

advise footbrake pedal travel

front prop, rear joint worn

rear prop, rear joint

Fail 13 Oct 2010 76,067 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement (3.3.A.5)

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

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm insecure (2.4.G.1)

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm insecure (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

Propshaft component defective

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

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

front prop, rear joint worn

rear prop, rear joint

Pass 28 Oct 2009 72,414 miles

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

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

advise foot brake pedal travel,

bonnet cable broken

driver seat torn

Fail 26 Oct 2009 72,370 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement (3.3.A.5)

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

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

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

Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)

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

Nearside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

bonnet cable broken

driver seat torn

Pass 23 Oct 2008 68,237 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

drivers seat in poor condition

reverse lights not working

slight play in front prop shaft rear universal joint

Fail 23 Oct 2008 68,218 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement (3.3.A.5)

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

drivers seat in poor condition

nearside rear tyre sidewalls cracking

reverse lights not working

slight play in front prop shaft rear universal joint

Pass 30 Oct 2007 66,134 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

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

Propshaft component defective

bonnet cable broken

drivers seat torn

front prop shaft, rear joint worn, nut missing

power steering belt loose

rear prop shaft, rear joint worn bolts loose

Fail 29 Oct 2007 66,112 miles

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

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

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

Offside Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

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

Propshaft component defective

bonnet cable broken

drivers seat torn

front prop shaft, rear joint worn, nut missing

power steering belt loose

rear prop shaft, rear joint worn bolts loose

Pass 25 Oct 2006 64,433 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Panhard rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

slight play in steering box

Pass 26 Oct 2005 62,870 miles

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

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

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

nearside front outer wheel rim damaged

offside front tyre perished and cracked almost to cords

reverse lamp inoperative

Fail 24 Oct 2005 62,870 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (3.6.G.1b)

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

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

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

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

nearside front outer rim damaged

offside front tyre perished and cracked almost to cords

reverse lamp inoperative

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

G135 WDL is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Bronze with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.9%.

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 G135 WDL, 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 G135 WDL?

You can check the full history of G135 WDL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was G135 WDL registered?

G135 WDL is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 8 November 1989.

Is G135 WDL safe to buy?

The MOT history for G135 WDL shows 34 tests with a 55.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G135 WDL 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 G135 WDL. 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.