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G185 STA

1989 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires3 Sep 2026
Tests30 (15 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate50%

Mileage

165,089 mi
Last recorded165,089 miles
Recorded on4 Sep 2025
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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Vehicle Details

RegistrationG185 STA
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourRed
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 15 fail
Pass 4 Sep 2025 165,089 miles

Central Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Fail 1 Sep 2025 165,085 miles

Front Tyre(s) of different sizes are fitted on the same axle. (5.2.3 (b))

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Central Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Fail 5 Aug 2025 165,079 miles

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Driver's view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen significantly affected by an obstruction wiper sitting in middle of windscreen (3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced chassis holed by tow bar mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Central Rear Upper Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush insecure new bush bolt loose (5.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Lower Engine mounting excessively loose (6.1.8 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Suspension component likely to become detached bump stop insecure (5.3.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced bulk head floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre obviously under inflated (5.2.3 (l))

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

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security outrigger holed (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive oil filter area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front wing has sharp edge protruding

Pass 1 Aug 2024 164,962 miles

Central Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated Axle A frame ball joint (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 24 Jul 2024 164,961 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Hockey stick front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Front track rod end (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Hockey stick front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Central Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated Axle A frame ball joint (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Oil leak, but not excessive Hub leaking (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Oil leak, but not excessive Hub leaking (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 3 Feb 2023 164,134 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases pipe from turbo (6.1.2 (a))

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

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Oil leak, but not excessive hub seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt front ball joint and slight play (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Oil leak, but not excessive hub seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

various non prescribed corrosion

Fail 26 Jan 2023 164,134 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength trailing arm mount on axle (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases pipe from turbo (6.1.2 (a))

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

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Oil leak, but not excessive hub seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt front ball joint and slight play (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Oil leak, but not excessive hub seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

various non prescribed corrosion

Pass 9 Nov 2021 164,134 miles

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

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 forward (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

minor oil leaks from front & rear diffs

various non prescribed corrosion

Fail 9 Nov 2021 164,134 miles

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

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 forward (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

minor oil leaks from front & rear diffs

various non prescribed corrosion

Pass 10 Nov 2020 164,093 miles

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

Wheel bearing has slight play both front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 16 Sep 2020 164,073 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision worn smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Driver's view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen materially affected by an obstruction wiper arm (3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Service brake grabbing severely binding (1.2.1 (c))

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

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

Oil leaking continuously from engine posing a serious risk to road safety (8.4.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Wheel bearing has slight play both front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 9 Feb 2019 162,328 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 21 Jan 2019 162,327 miles

Nearside Rear Road wheel fixing loose (5.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Rear Road wheel fixing loose (5.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

Side repeater not working Both front (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Side repeater not working Both front (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 17 Jan 2018 160,317 miles

front tyres worn to 3mm

n/s/r wheel bearing has slight play

o/s/r brake has slight bind

Fail 13 Dec 2017 160,291 miles

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

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance lense broken (1.1.A.3d)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Offside Windscreen wiper not operating over a large enough area to give an adequate view (8.2.1c)

Rear Drive shaft uj which forms part of the suspension has excessive play in a universal joint (2.4.G.4b)

front tyres worn to 3mm

n/s/r wheel bearing has slight play

o/s/r brake has slight bind

Pass 9 Dec 2016 158,728 miles

engine oil leak

exhaust back box beginning to blow

o/s/r brake beginning to bind

Fail 9 Dec 2016 158,728 miles

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

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

engine oil leak

exhaust back box beginning to blow

o/s/r brake beginning to bind

Pass 30 Dec 2015 156,860 miles

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has slight play in a pin/bush Hockey stick arm bushes (2.4.G.2)

Fail 15 Dec 2015 156,860 miles

Front Drive shaft uj which forms part of the suspension has excessive play in a universal joint (2.4.G.4b)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

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

Offside Rear rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Rear Electrical wiring damaged and bare wires exposed tow bar wiring fouling exhaust (1.9.2c)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has slight play in a pin/bush Hockey stick arm bushes (2.4.G.2)

Pass 4 Nov 2014 154,222 miles

engine oil leak

slight play in n/s/r wheel bearing

Fail 24 Oct 2014 154,222 miles

Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

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

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

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

engine oil leak

slight play in n/s/r wheel bearing

Pass 21 Oct 2013 149,608 miles

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

slight play in front tie rod

Pass 27 Jan 2012
Fail 20 Jan 2012

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

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

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 26 Jan 2011 144,224 miles

centre steering ball joint gaitor split

slight play in steering

Fail 18 Jan 2011 144,224 miles

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

centre steering ball joint gaitor split

slight play in steering

Pass 28 Jan 2010 141,256 miles

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

Front Steering arm deformed but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

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

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Vehicle structure has slight damage (6.1.A.1)

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

play in both props

Fail 8 Jan 2010 141,256 miles

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Front Drive shaft uj which forms part of the suspension has slight play in a universal joint (2.4.G.4b)

Front Steering arm deformed but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Front brake disc slightly scored (3.5.1h)

Oil leak

Rear Drive shaft uj which forms part of the suspension has slight play in a universal joint (2.4.G.4b)

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

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Vehicle structure has slight damage (6.1.A.1)

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

bonit relesae sticking

Pass 21 Mar 2006 141,254 miles
Fail 20 Mar 2006 141,254 miles

Nearside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

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

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

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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

G185 STA is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 50%.

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 G185 STA, 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 G185 STA?

You can check the full history of G185 STA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was G185 STA registered?

G185 STA is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 4 October 1989.

Is G185 STA safe to buy?

The MOT history for G185 STA shows 30 tests with a 50% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G185 STA 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 G185 STA. 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.