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MP 3538

1989 Land Rover Defender

Blue Petrol 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires25 Jul 2026
Tests33 (20 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate60.6%

Mileage

66,159 mi
Last recorded66,159 miles
Recorded on26 Jul 2025
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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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationMP 3538
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
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

20 pass 13 fail
Pass 26 Jul 2025 66,159 miles
Pass 14 Aug 2024 65,474 miles
Pass 29 Aug 2023 64,518 miles
Pass 19 Aug 2022 63,400 miles
Pass 2 Nov 2021 63,005 miles
Pass 9 Nov 2020 62,397 miles
Fail 9 Nov 2020 62,393 miles

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Pass 22 Oct 2019 62,143 miles

Brake warning device malfunctioning or defective (1.1.4 (a) (i))

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

Front Registration plate insecure but not likely to fall off (0.1 (a))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Fail 17 Oct 2019 62,140 miles

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

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

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Brake warning device malfunctioning or defective (1.1.4 (a) (i))

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

Front Registration plate insecure but not likely to fall off (0.1 (a))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Pass 31 Oct 2018 61,953 miles

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to nearside front flexible brake hose (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to offside flexible brake hose (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe clips or supports missing, pipe adequately supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to offside rear (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside stop lamp has a product on the light source

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

Service brake requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair (1.2.1 (c))

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

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

Fail 17 Oct 2018 61,941 miles

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

Emissions not tested due to exhaust blow being excessive (8.2.1.2 (d))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Floor excessively deteriorated (6.2.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to nearside front flexible brake hose (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to offside flexible brake hose (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe clips or supports missing, pipe adequately supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to offside rear (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside stop lamp has a product on the light source

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

Service brake requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair (1.2.1 (c))

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

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

Pass 20 Oct 2017 61,268 miles
Fail 16 Oct 2017 61,261 miles

Braking system leaking (3.6.A.1)

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

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by brake fluid (3.5.1h)

Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour both rear (1.4.A.2f)

Pass 20 Oct 2016 60,720 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Oil leak ()

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

both rear tyres are quite badly perished

Fail 18 Oct 2016 60,705 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp emits other than a steady red light (1.2.1e)

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Oil leak ()

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

both rear tyres are quite badly perished

Pass 21 Sep 2015 59,607 miles

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

nearside front tyre is quite badly perished

oil leak

Fail 21 Sep 2015 59,607 miles

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

nearside front tyre is quite badly perished

oil leak

Pass 15 Oct 2014 55,817 miles

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

both front hub seals are leaking

both front tyres are starting to perish

Fail 9 Oct 2014 55,803 miles

Centre Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1)

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

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

Nearside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

both front hub seals are leaking

both front tyres are starting to perish

Pass 17 Oct 2013 55,418 miles

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

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

Fail 11 Oct 2013 55,405 miles

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

Offside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1a)

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

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

Pass 18 Oct 2012 54,822 miles
Fail 11 Oct 2012 54,808 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Offside Front brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

Offside Stop lamp emits other than a steady red light (1.2.1e)

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

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Registration plate lamp not illuminating the registration plate (1.1.C.1e)

Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the nearside (3.7.C.2)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

both front hub seals are leaking

brake warning light stays illuminated

Pass 11 Oct 2011 54,309 miles

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

Pass 18 Oct 2010 53,289 miles

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Fail 14 Oct 2010 53,289 miles

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

Rear fog lamp switch faulty (1.3.1a)

Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the nearside (3.7.C.2)

Steering system excessively tight (2.2.D.1)

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Pass 14 Oct 2009 51,754 miles

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Fail 13 Oct 2009 51,754 miles

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

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

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

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Pass 9 Oct 2008 49,020 miles
Pass 19 Oct 2007 47,535 miles
Fail 12 Oct 2007 47,535 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Upper Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)

Pass 13 Oct 2006 45,205 miles
Fail 11 Oct 2006 45,205 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

MP 3538 is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60.6%.

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 MP 3538, 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 MP 3538?

You can check the full history of MP 3538 by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was MP 3538 registered?

MP 3538 is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 March 1989.

Is MP 3538 safe to buy?

The MOT history for MP 3538 shows 33 tests with a 60.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does MP 3538 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 MP 3538. 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.