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G491 GVG

1989 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 Apr 2027
Tests33 (18 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate54.5%

Mileage

132,931 mi
Last recorded132,931 miles
Recorded on22 Apr 2026
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

RegistrationG491 GVG
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourGreen
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

18 pass 15 fail
Pass 22 Apr 2026 132,931 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))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

Rear Inner chassis surface corrosion

Fail 14 Apr 2026 132,931 miles

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt a frame ball joint (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))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

Rear Inner chassis surface corrosion

Pass 4 Apr 2025 132,931 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 2 Apr 2025 132,931 miles

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

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear brake binding

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 19 Apr 2024 132,931 miles
Fail 15 Apr 2024 132,931 miles

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

Front Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

Offside Front Outer Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Upper Shock absorbers insecurely attached (TOP HAT) corosion (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 6 Jan 2023 132,931 miles

OFFSIDE REAR AXLE BUMP STOP MISSING

Fail 14 Dec 2022 132,931 miles

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

Exhaust silencer insecure (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Indicator switch inoperative OFFSIDE FAILS TO OPERATE (4.4.2 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded WITHIN 30CMS OF STEERING DAMPER MOUNTING (2.1.2 (e) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers insecurely attached TOP MOUNTING BRACKET CORRODED (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded WITHIN 30 CMS OF STEERING ARM MOUNTING (2.1.2 (e) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength CHASSIS OUTRIGGER 30CMS OF SUSPENSION MOUNTING (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp reflector seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))

Vehicle structure is so weakened by corrosion within 30cm of a towbar mounting, the towbar is likely to become detached BOTH SIDES OF CHASSIS (6.1.6 (i) (ii)) DANGEROUS

BOTH WIPER RUBBERS SPLIT

DRIVERS FOOTWELL HEAVILY CORRODED

EXHAUST TAIL PIPE MISSING

Nearside Headlamp reflector slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

OFFSIDE FRONT INDICATOR LENS DISCOLOURED

OFFSIDE REAR AXLE BUMP STOP MISSING

Pass 7 Sep 2021 132,931 miles

Coil spring corroded All four (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear bump stop missing

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated differential stabiliser (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Rear exhaust tail pipe corroded

Pass 6 Mar 2019 132,921 miles

Offside 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))

Fail 25 Feb 2019 132,931 miles

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

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

Offside Front Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Offside 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))

Pass 17 Jan 2018 132,931 miles

OFFSIDE REAR BUMP STOP MISSING

ADVISE REPLACEMENT OF FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND PADS

COOROSION IN BOTH HEADLIGHTS

DRIVERS DOOR CHECK STRAP BROKEN

EXTENSIVE ENGINE OIL LEAK

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

WIPERS FAIL TO WORK ON FAST SPEED / PARK CORRECTLY

Fail 12 Jan 2018 132,931 miles

Brake performance not tested DUE TO FLUID LEAKS (3.7.A.1)

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) incorrect colour LENS BROKEN / SHOWING WHITE LIGHT (1.1.A.3e)

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

Offside Rear Braking system leaking BRAKE PIPE SPLIT (3.6.A.1)

Offside Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)

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

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Rear fog lamp switch faulty (1.3.1a)

ADVISE REPLACEMENT OF FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND PADS

COOROSION IN BOTH HEADLIGHTS

DRIVERS DOOR CHECK STRAP BROKEN

EXTENSIVE ENGINE OIL LEAK

NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE DETERIATED

OFFSIDE REAR BUMP STOP MISSING

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

WIPERS FAIL TO WORK ON FAST SPEED / PARK CORRECTLY

Pass 12 Jan 2017 132,931 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 12 Jan 2017 132,931 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 14 Jan 2016 132,934 miles

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

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

Fail 6 Jan 2016 132,931 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.4.A.2h)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Offside Rear position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Rear registration plate delaminated (6.3.1d)

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

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

Pass 30 Dec 2014 132,931 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 30 Dec 2014 132,931 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 12 Nov 2013 132,576 miles
Fail 8 Nov 2013 132,576 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

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

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.3.2d)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Pass 9 Oct 2012 129,131 miles

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

Fail 4 Oct 2012 129,131 miles

Nearside Front Front passenger door does not latch securely closed (6.2.B.1a)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

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

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

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

Offside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

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

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)

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

Pass 14 Jun 2011 121,171 miles

front to rear brake pipe corroded

Pass 3 Jun 2010 114,860 miles
Fail 3 Jun 2010 114,857 miles

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

Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement (7.2.4b)

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

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

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

Rear Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red (1.3.2e)

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

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

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

Oil leak

corrosion throught out vehicle structure

Pass 5 Jun 2009 109,825 miles
Fail 5 Jun 2009 109,822 miles

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

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

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

Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means (7.2.4b)

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

Offside Rear Body insecure and dangerous to other road users (6.1.B.1b)

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

Pass 28 Nov 2007 101,578 miles
Fail 28 Nov 2007 101,574 miles

Centre Exhaust has a part missing (7.1.1a)

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

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

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

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

engine oil leak

Fail 1 Sep 2006 96,116 miles

Offside Rear Direction indicator incomplete (1.5.A1b)

Pass 1 Sep 2006 96,116 miles
Pass 12 Oct 2005 93,101 miles

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

G491 GVG is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.5%.

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 G491 GVG, 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 G491 GVG?

You can check the full history of G491 GVG by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was G491 GVG registered?

G491 GVG is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 15 August 1989.

Is G491 GVG safe to buy?

The MOT history for G491 GVG shows 33 tests with a 54.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G491 GVG 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 G491 GVG. 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.