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VK53 VSJ

2003 Land Rover Discovery

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires17 Jun 2026
Tests29 (19 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate65.5%

Mileage

120,298 mi
Last recorded120,298 miles
Recorded on18 Jun 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Discovery100,620 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationVK53 VSJ
MakeLand Rover
ModelDiscovery
Year2003
ColourBlue
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 10 fail
Pass 18 Jun 2025 120,298 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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))

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

Rear Upper Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Fail 11 Jun 2025 120,232 miles

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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))

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

Rear Upper Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Pass 24 Apr 2024 117,478 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Lamp in bumper slightly damaged

Non obligatory brake lamp inoperative

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

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

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

Rear Bumper damaged

Fail 24 Apr 2024 117,478 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Lamp in bumper slightly damaged

Non obligatory brake lamp inoperative

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

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

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

Rear Bumper damaged

Fail 5 Apr 2024 117,464 miles

Fuel system component leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Inner Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Inner Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Prop shaft securing bolt loose Rear prop shaft front flange to hand brake drum (6.1.7 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Outer Brake pipe connection leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Lamp in bumper slightly insecure but secure

Nearside Rear Lamp slightly damaged

Non obligatory brake lamp inoperative

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

Offside Rear Corrosion in chassis at bump stop fixing

Offside Rear Lamp in bumper slightly insecure but secure

Rear Bumper slightly damaged and slightly insecure

Pass 24 Mar 2023 112,764 miles
Fail 16 Feb 2023 112,648 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength be hide rear spring (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension pipe leaking hydraulic pipe leaking (5.3.5 (c))

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

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

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Pass 26 Nov 2021 105,922 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Pass 5 Aug 2020 98,647 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin Both sides (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 7 Feb 2019 95,698 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords Side wall and tyre required very soon (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords Side wall and tyre required very soon (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

Pass 14 Feb 2018 90,919 miles

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

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

Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt Both n/s and o/s ()

Fail 14 Feb 2018 90,918 miles

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play On n/s hub end (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play Connected to steering box drop arm (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt Both n/s and o/s ()

Pass 21 Feb 2017 86,821 miles

Front Ball joint has slight play Off steering box drop arm to n/s/f box end (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

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

Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt Both ()

Rear chassis legs corroded and upper shocks mounts corroded

rear metal brake pipes slight corrosion

Pass 18 Jan 2016 81,117 miles

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

Nearside Front baby seat fitted

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

Offside Rear baby seat fitted

engine covers obscuring the view of components

Fail 21 Jan 2015 76,936 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

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

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

Rear diff oil leak. All tyres getting low on tread.

Pass 21 Jan 2015 76,936 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

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

Rear diff oil leak. All tyres getting low on tread.

Pass 22 Jan 2014 73,414 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

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

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

rear ace suspension pipes corroding

slight underside surface corrosion.

Fail 22 Jan 2014 73,414 miles

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

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

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

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

rear ace suspension pipes corroding

slight underside surface corrosion.

Pass 31 Jan 2013 68,661 miles
Pass 12 Jan 2012 64,775 miles
Pass 12 Jan 2011 59,686 miles
Fail 11 Jan 2011 59,680 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

play in steering box drop arm ball joint

Pass 7 Jan 2010 53,594 miles

play in both steering drag link ball joints

Pass 12 Jan 2009 48,258 miles

both rear and n/s/f tyres well worn 255/65/16

dampness at o/s/f chassis by steering box appears to be from radiator area

rear brake pads well worn

Pass 15 Jan 2008 42,405 miles

small play in steering box drop arm ball joint

Fail 27 Oct 2007 41,450 miles

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 27 Oct 2007 41,450 miles
Pass 30 Nov 2006 32,135 miles
Fail 29 Nov 2006 32,120 miles

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.D.4)

How Reliable is the Land Rover Discovery?

Based on 4,388,972 MOT tests across 325,470 vehicles.

72.7%
Pass Rate
6,904
Miles/Year
36
Year Lifespan
325,470
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 153,632
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 141,712
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings 136,366
position lamp(s) not working 91,214
Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 88,089
Full Land Rover Discovery 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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VK53 VSJ is a 2003 Land Rover Discovery in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 65.5%.

Across all 2003 Land Rover Discovery models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.2% with a typical mileage of 100,620 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 Discovery fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 153,632 recorded failures. If you're considering buying VK53 VSJ, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Land Rover Discovery typically stays on UK roads for around 36 years. At 23 years old, this Land Rover Discovery is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of VK53 VSJ?

You can check the full history of VK53 VSJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was VK53 VSJ registered?

VK53 VSJ is a 2003 Land Rover Discovery, first registered on 28 September 2003.

Is VK53 VSJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for VK53 VSJ shows 29 tests with a 65.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does VK53 VSJ 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 VK53 VSJ. 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.