CarVerify

Free Car Check

G496 WJB

1989 Land Rover Defender

Silver Diesel 2495cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires13 Nov 2026
Tests30 (16 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate53.3%

Mileage

186,975 mi
Last recorded186,975 miles
Recorded on7 Nov 2025
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationG496 WJB
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourSilver
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

16 pass 14 fail
Pass 7 Nov 2025 186,975 miles

Front oil leak from engine

Rear rear diff leaking

Pass 14 Nov 2024 184,992 miles

Front engine has slight oil leak

Rear rear diff leaking

Fail 12 Nov 2024 184,988 miles

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

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Front engine has slight oil leak

Rear rear diff leaking

Pass 9 Nov 2022 180,812 miles

Nearside Rear Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Fail 1 Nov 2022 180,804 miles

All direction indicators adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.4.3 (b))

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))

Main beam tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

All position lamps light intensity obviously reduced (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Fail 5 Feb 2021 180,783 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Position lamp showing white light to the rear (4.2.3 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Offside Position lamp showing white light to the rear (4.2.3 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive both axle oil seals (8.4.1 (a) (i))

vehicle structure heavily corroded

Pass 28 Jan 2020 177,574 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Trailer electrical socket insecure (4.10 (a) (i))

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

Fail 24 Jan 2020 177,514 miles

Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Trailer electrical socket insecure (4.10 (a) (i))

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

Pass 23 Jan 2019 171,913 miles
Fail 17 Jan 2019 171,861 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Pass 29 Jan 2018 166,960 miles

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

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded x2 (3.6.B.2c)

Rear position lamp(s) slightly discoloured (1.1.A.3e)

Fail 16 Jan 2018 166,786 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor (3.3.A.2)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

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

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded x2 (3.6.B.2c)

Rear position lamp(s) slightly discoloured (1.1.A.3e)

Pass 11 Jan 2017 162,232 miles

Front Brake pipe modified but not seriously weakened to rear metal brake pipe corroded (3.6.A.3)

Oil leak ()

Pass 5 Jan 2016 156,409 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

power steering fluid low

Fail 5 Jan 2016 156,409 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

power steering fluid low

Pass 6 Jan 2015 153,319 miles

Oil leak

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Fail 30 Dec 2014 153,315 miles

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

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

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

Oil leak

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Pass 16 Dec 2013 147,511 miles

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

Nearside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

Oil leak

Pass 2 Jan 2013 141,811 miles

Centre Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

Offside Inner Front Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Fail 18 Dec 2012 141,783 miles

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

Offside Rear Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1)

Centre Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

Offside Inner Front Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Fail 13 Dec 2012 141,748 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Nearside Rear wheel cylinder leaking (3.6.A.1)

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

Offside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1)

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

Steering system excessively tight (2.2.D.1)

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

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

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

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

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

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 7 Dec 2011 138,613 miles
Fail 30 Nov 2011 138,530 miles

Nearside Front Drag link 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 Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

Nearside Rear wheel cylinder leaking (3.6.A.1)

Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Rear Upper Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 30 Jun 2011 137,123 miles
Pass 20 Aug 2008 128,894 miles
Pass 28 Aug 2007 126,551 miles
Fail 25 Aug 2007 126,551 miles

Offside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play (2.2.B.1g)

Fail 7 Aug 2007 126,551 miles

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

Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

Offside Front Upper Steering pivot point has excessive play (2.2.B.1g)

Steering pivot point has excessive play (2.2.B.1g)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Pass 7 Aug 2006 126,462 miles
Fail 1 Jun 2006 126,462 miles

Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) incomplete (1.1.4a)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.2.1f)

Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

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

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

G496 WJB is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Silver with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.3%.

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 G496 WJB, 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 G496 WJB?

You can check the full history of G496 WJB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was G496 WJB registered?

G496 WJB is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 24 August 1989.

Is G496 WJB safe to buy?

The MOT history for G496 WJB shows 30 tests with a 53.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does G496 WJB 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 G496 WJB. 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.