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WJ53 YFA

2003 Land Rover Discovery

Black Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires7 Jul 2023
Tests27 (15 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate55.6%

Mileage

234,309 mi
Last recorded234,309 miles
Recorded on10 Jul 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Discovery100,620 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationWJ53 YFA
MakeLand Rover
ModelDiscovery
Year2003
ColourBlack
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

15 pass 12 fail
Fail 10 Jul 2025 234,309 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault (7.12 (e))

Exhaust catalytic converter obviously modified (8.2.2.1 (a))

Nearside Front Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (5.2.3 (f))

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

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

Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (3.3 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (5.2.3 (f))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 14 Jul 2023 234,296 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Front Brake prescribed area is excessively corroded Inner wing ABS pump mounting area corroded (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn Linkage upper ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Exhaust outlet potential hazard to pedestrians

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

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

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

Signs of repair to diesel particulate filter

Pass 8 Jul 2022 233,292 miles

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

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

Nearside Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Chassis area of bump stop/ Watts linkage mounting (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Signs of tampering to catalyst

Fail 20 Jun 2022 233,289 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

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

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

Nearside Front Tyre rubbing on suspension tie bar on full left hand lock

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Chassis area of bump stop/ Watts linkage mounting (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre rubbing on suspension tie bar on full right hand lock

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Slight gearbox oil leak (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Signs of tampering to catalyst

Nearside Rear Exhaust outlet extending through rear bodywork. Potential hazard to pedestrians

Pass 11 Jun 2021 233,125 miles
Pass 20 Jun 2019 214,013 miles

Front Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

Fail 20 Jun 2019 214,013 miles

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

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Front Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 22 Jun 2018 198,708 miles

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

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Fail 22 Jun 2018 198,708 miles

Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

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

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 19 Jun 2017 185,645 miles

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Fail 19 Jun 2017 185,645 miles

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 22 Jun 2016 174,299 miles

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Fail 22 Jun 2016 174,298 miles

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

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

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 22 May 2015 161,939 miles

oil leak

rear brake pads getting low

Fail 18 May 2015 161,887 miles

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

oil leak

rear brake pads getting low

Pass 14 May 2014 147,518 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Fail 8 May 2014 147,518 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Fail 24 Apr 2013 132,875 miles

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

Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

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

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 24 Apr 2013 132,875 miles

Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 4 May 2012 115,814 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 25 Apr 2012 115,814 miles

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

Nearside Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Obligatory mirror insecure (8.1.1)

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

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

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 28 Apr 2011 103,755 miles

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 22 Apr 2010 92,739 miles
Pass 23 Apr 2009 82,103 miles
Fail 22 Apr 2009 82,101 miles

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

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

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

Pass 18 Oct 2007 100,852 miles

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Pass 26 Oct 2006 46,844 miles

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

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

WJ53 YFA is a 2003 Land Rover Discovery in Black with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 27 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.6%.

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 WJ53 YFA, 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 WJ53 YFA?

You can check the full history of WJ53 YFA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was WJ53 YFA registered?

WJ53 YFA is a 2003 Land Rover Discovery, first registered on 31 October 2003.

Is WJ53 YFA safe to buy?

The MOT history for WJ53 YFA shows 27 tests with a 55.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does WJ53 YFA 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 WJ53 YFA. 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.