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G145 VFW

1989 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires25 Aug 2027
Tests24 (15 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

197,767 mi
Last recorded197,767 miles
Recorded on26 Aug 2026
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationG145 VFW
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

15 pass 9 fail
Pass 26 Aug 2026 197,767 miles
Fail 26 Aug 2026 197,767 miles

Headlamp aim too high adjust both (4.1.2 (a))

Horn not working fuse (7.7 (a))

Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements repair (4.5.3 (a))

Suspension rod insecurely attached o/s n/s rear retighten all bolts (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Steering box drop arm likely to become detached retighten (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Pass 11 Dec 2019 197,246 miles

Indicator switch insecure (4.4.2 (a) (i))

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

chassis corroded

nearside front swivel weeping grease

nearside wing mirror glass missing

welded repairs poor/covered in seam sealer

wipers splitting

Fail 11 Dec 2019 197,246 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Indicator switch insecure (4.4.2 (a) (i))

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

chassis corroded

nearside front swivel weeping grease

nearside wing mirror glass missing

welded repairs poor/covered in seam sealer

wipers splitting

Fail 14 Oct 2019 197,227 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play pitman arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) incorrectly mounted (1.1.13 (c)) DANGEROUS

Indicator switch insecure (4.4.2 (a) (i))

chassis corroded

nearside front swivel weeping greased

nearside wing mirror glass missing

oil leak

wipers splitting

Pass 10 Aug 2018 192,128 miles

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

Lower underside corrosion

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

Nearside Front swivel joint leak

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

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

all road coil springs corroded

Fail 27 Jul 2018 192,112 miles

Lower Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier underside (4.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength area near tow bar (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Lower underside corrosion

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

Nearside Front swivel joint leak

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

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

all road coil springs corroded

Pass 8 Nov 2016 190,669 miles

Nearside Front brake disk thin

Nearside Front swivel housing leaking

power steering box weeping

steering slightly notchy in operation

underbody corroded/undersealed

Fail 21 Oct 2016 190,669 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Radius arm attachment bracket/mounting insecure bolt loose (marked with chalk) (2.4.G.1)

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

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

Offside Rear brake disc contaminated by oil hub seal leaking onto disk (3.5.1h)

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

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

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

nearside front brake disk thin

nearside front swivel housing leaking

power steering box weeping

steering slightly notchy

underbody corroded

Pass 6 Nov 2015 188,669 miles

chassis slightly corroded at rear

front swivels weeping

nearside rear upper shocker bush has slight play

offside front tyre close to the limit

steering box weeping

Fail 2 Nov 2015 188,668 miles

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

Offside Obligatory mirror missing (8.1.1)

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

Offside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

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

chassis slightly corroded at rear

front swivels weeping

nearside rear upper shocker bush has slight play

offside front tyre close to the limit

steering box weeping

Pass 17 Oct 2014 178,551 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Fail 9 Oct 2014 178,550 miles

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

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Rear Hydraulic brake cylinder leaking hydraulic fluid (3.6.A.1)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings (2.2.B.1h)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 19 Oct 2013 166,821 miles

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

Oil leak

slight corrosion n/s/f brake pipe

slight dampness hub seals

Pass 31 Dec 2012 164,244 miles
Pass 31 Dec 2011 156,578 miles

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

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

Pass 4 Jan 2011 148,962 miles

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

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

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)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1b)

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

Pass 5 Jan 2010 143,157 miles

Centre Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

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

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

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

front headlamps starting to discolor

Pass 2 Jan 2009 137,931 miles
Pass 6 Dec 2007 148,759 miles

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)

Fail 29 Nov 2007 148,495 miles

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Front brake disc contaminated by grease (3.5.1h)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Front Direction indicators slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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)

Pass 22 Nov 2006 143,010 miles
Pass 5 Dec 2005 139,640 miles
Fail 24 Nov 2005 139,630 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision incomplete (3.3.A.1b)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high when the centre of the headlamp is above 850mm from the ground (1.6.B3)

Nearside Front Service brake is causing the steering wheel to severely pull one way (3.7.C.2)

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

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

G145 VFW is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 24 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.5%.

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 G145 VFW, 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 G145 VFW?

You can check the full history of G145 VFW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was G145 VFW registered?

G145 VFW is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 December 1989.

Is G145 VFW safe to buy?

The MOT history for G145 VFW shows 24 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G145 VFW 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 G145 VFW. 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.