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G491 XDG

1989 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires22 Jan 2027
Tests28 (18 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate64.3%

Mileage

197,111 mi
Last recorded197,111 miles
Recorded on23 Jan 2026
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationG491 XDG
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 10 fail
Pass 23 Jan 2026 197,111 miles

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing All 4 tyres. (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 29 Dec 2022 196,750 miles

Central Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

Lower Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Lower Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Swivel leaking.

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

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

Rear Hydraulic line incontact with exhaust

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt Drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Upper Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Pass 26 Jan 2022 196,128 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

Central hydraulic line incontact with exhaust

Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Lower Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Indicator tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Offside Indicator tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside swivel has slight leak

Fail 12 Jan 2022 196,128 miles

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))

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

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

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Central hydraulic line incontact with exhaust

Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Lower Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Indicator tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Offside Indicator tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside swivel has slight leak

Pass 21 Jan 2021 195,024 miles

Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour but not likely to obscure the vision of other road users (8.2.2.2 (c))

Nearside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive turret (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 21 Jan 2021 195,024 miles

Intermediate drop arm insecure drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour but not likely to obscure the vision of other road users (8.2.2.2 (c))

Nearside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive turret (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 26 Nov 2019 194,854 miles

Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Lower Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower door corroded

Offside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Lower door corroded

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

Fail 21 Oct 2019 194,827 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower door corroded

Offside Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower door corroded

Offside Front Lower foot well corroded

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

Pass 29 Oct 2018 193,108 miles

Nearside Front Leak at swivel housing

Offside Front Leak at swivel housing

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Around bumpstop and spring mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 16 Oct 2018 193,108 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt flexible stalk damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting Behind towbar brace (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Between cross-member and engine mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fuel low light keeps flashing

Hazard warning tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Leak at swivel housing

Nearside Rear Exhaust end corroding away

Offside Front Leak at swivel housing

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Around bumpstop and spring mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 30 Oct 2017 190,705 miles
Fail 16 Oct 2017 190,700 miles

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

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

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

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

Passenger's seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

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

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Front diff leak from diff casing

Oil leak ()

Pass 19 Oct 2016 188,526 miles

Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit x2 (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Upper Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Rear brake application uneven

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel Bolt loose on splines under bonnet (2.2.A.1a)

Fail 13 Oct 2016 188,514 miles

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Stop lamp not working x2 (1.2.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively x2 (8.2.2)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit x2 (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Upper Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel Bolt loose on splines under bonnet (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 8 Oct 2015 182,966 miles

oil leak

Fail 7 Oct 2015 182,965 miles

Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user (1.6.2b)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Rear reflector missing both (1.5.1a)

oil leak

Pass 15 Oct 2014 180,776 miles

Adjustable towbar bracket slightly worn (6.6.5b)

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

offside front tyre thread damaged

pipe leaking to the tipper body hydraulic pump

vehicle smoke emissons test close to limit

Fail 6 Oct 2014 180,772 miles

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

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

Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing (7.2.4c)

Fuel pipe leaking (7.2.3)

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

Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Adjustable towbar bracket slightly worn (6.6.5b)

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

offside front tyre thread damaged

pipe leaking to the tipper body hydraulic pump

vehicle smoke emissons test close to limit

Pass 14 Oct 2013 179,622 miles
Pass 14 Sep 2012 175,906 miles

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

Pass 24 May 2011 173,837 miles

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

Oil leak

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

Rear Service brake grabbing slightly (3.7.C.2)

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

Pass 18 May 2010 171,451 miles
Fail 12 May 2010 171,451 miles

Indicator switch faulty (1.4.A.1)

Indicator tell tale inoperative (1.4.A.2a)

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 7 May 2009 166,727 miles
Pass 3 Apr 2008 164,253 miles
Pass 28 Mar 2007 163,440 miles
Fail 9 Jan 2006 163,253 miles

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Headlamp aim not tested (1.8.A.1c)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

slight corrosion offside rear chassis

Pass 9 Jan 2006 163,253 miles

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

slight corrosion offside rear chassis

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.

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G491 XDG is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.3%.

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 XDG, 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 XDG?

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

What year was G491 XDG registered?

G491 XDG is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1989.

Is G491 XDG safe to buy?

The MOT history for G491 XDG shows 28 tests with a 64.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G491 XDG 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 XDG. 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.