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G387 KWU

1989 Land Rover Defender

White Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires19 Nov 2026
Tests33 (19 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate57.6%

Mileage

199,263 mi
Last recorded199,263 miles
Recorded on12 Nov 2025
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationG387 KWU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourWhite
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 14 fail
Pass 12 Nov 2025 199,263 miles

Nearside Front small play in upper and lower hub bearing

Offside Front small play in upper and lower hub bearing

head light out put deteriorated

small play in rear prop joint

Pass 20 Nov 2024 198,625 miles

n/s/f and o/s/f head light out put deteriorated

play in n/s/f swivel hub advise closer inspection

play in o/s/f swivel hub advise closer inspection

Pass 8 Nov 2023 197,641 miles

Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play (2.2.2 (c))

Pass 17 May 2022 194,773 miles

Front steering damper has a slight mist of oil

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

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

Nearside Rear Oil leak, but not excessive axle (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing all four (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 18 May 2021 193,361 miles

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

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

Offside Front slight play steering arm bush

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing all four (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 18 May 2021 193,361 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

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

Offside Front Steering locking device ineffective (2.1.3 (d))

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

Offside Front slight play steering arm bush

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

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing all four (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Steering box has excessive movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Pass 27 May 2020 191,411 miles
Fail 27 May 2020 191,407 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim not tested out put not right (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Fail 15 May 2019 191,401 miles

Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting nearside front floor (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting offside front floor (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Body mounting fixings insecure (6.2.2 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Body mounting fixings insecure (6.2.2 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

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

Oil leaking excessively from transmission nearside front swivel ball seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.1 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Suspension component missing offside rear bump stop (5.3.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering offside rear upper inner (6.1.1 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened offside and nearside front (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material offside and nearside front (1.1.11 (c))

Coil spring corroded offside and nearside front (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Coil spring corroded offside and nearside rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

all body to fixings corroded

corrosion to front braking and suspension components

corrosion to rear braking and suspension components

nearside front inner arch holed and corroded

offside and nearside rear lower suspension cups corroded

Pass 16 May 2018 191,299 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion front to rear (6.1.A.1)

body to chassis mounts corroded

front to rear braking and suspension components corroded and deteriorated

Fail 9 May 2018 191,299 miles

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

Nearside Front brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

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

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

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

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

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

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion front to rear (6.1.A.1)

body to chassis mounts corroded

front to rear braking and suspension components corroded and deteriorated

Pass 28 Apr 2017 190,340 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Rear body mount corroded

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

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

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

Offside Rear hub seal leaking

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

osr tyre deteraiting

Fail 26 Apr 2017 190,340 miles

Axle swivel joint has excessive movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Front Steering box has a significant oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Offside Front Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Rear body mount corroded

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

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

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

Offside Rear hub seal leaking

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

osr tyre deteraiting

Pass 22 Apr 2016 188,583 miles

Nearside Front Outer Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

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

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

Offside Rear hub seal leaking

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

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

Fail 12 Apr 2016 188,582 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded front/rear feeder pipe (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive movement between a swivel joint and its housing tractor (2.5.A.1b) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Outer Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

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

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

Offside Rear hub seal leaking

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

adv h/brake 16% on limit

Pass 30 Apr 2015 184,479 miles

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

Fail 28 Apr 2015 184,475 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Offside Front Side repeater insecure (1.4.A.2b)

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

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

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

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

Pass 12 May 2014 184,859 miles
Fail 29 Apr 2014 184,858 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Direction indicator damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

adv nsf upper bulk head corroded

adv osf nsr bump stops missing

adv osr wheel arch holed

adv rear wiper blade

advnsr and osr outer hub seals leaking

Pass 24 Jun 2013 183,796 miles
Fail 14 Jun 2013 183,787 miles

Headlamp switch faulty (1.7.1)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover missing (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

adv osf/nsr bump stops missing

Pass 2 Apr 2012 179,279 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

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

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

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

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

adv bonnet hard to open

adv osf bump stop missing

adv rear wiper split

advise battery box corroded

advise osf headlamp cracked

Fail 29 Mar 2012 179,277 miles

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

Front front brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

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

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Inner Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)

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

Offside Outer Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)

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

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Offside Rear rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

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

Offside Rear rear brakes release unevenly (3.7.B.4)

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

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

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

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

adv bonnet hard to open

adv osf bump stop missing

adv rear wiper split

advise battery box corroded

advise osf headlamp cracked

Pass 16 Mar 2011 174,376 miles
Fail 15 Mar 2011 174,376 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 10 Mar 2010 167,741 miles

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

Fail 25 Feb 2010 167,741 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Steering locking device insecure (2.2.C.1g)

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

Pass 20 Mar 2009 161,102 miles
Fail 12 Mar 2009 161,102 miles

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

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)

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

Nearside Front position lamp(s) excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

very awkward to release o/s/f seatbelt

Pass 24 Apr 2008 152,259 miles

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

Fail 21 Apr 2008 152,256 miles

Front Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

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

Offside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

Offside Front Ball joint damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

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

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

Oil leak

Pass 11 May 2007 144,664 miles

Front Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

n/s mirrow cracked

Pass 26 Apr 2006 135,464 miles

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

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

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

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

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

G387 KWU is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in White with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.6%.

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 G387 KWU, 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 G387 KWU?

You can check the full history of G387 KWU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was G387 KWU registered?

G387 KWU is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 8 November 1989.

Is G387 KWU safe to buy?

The MOT history for G387 KWU shows 33 tests with a 57.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G387 KWU 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 G387 KWU. 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.