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B398 WAS

1985 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires14 Oct 2026
Tests37 (21 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate56.8%

Mileage

185,092 mi
Last recorded185,092 miles
Recorded on15 Oct 2025
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationB398 WAS
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourRed
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

21 pass 16 fail
Pass 15 Oct 2025 185,092 miles

Coil spring corroded All 4 springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively slight sidweways movement on joint (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis generally corroded & getting thin in places (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 8 Oct 2025 185,090 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting corroded and seriously weakened tie bar rear mount on axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Coil spring corroded All 4 springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively slight sidweways movement on joint (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis generally corroded & getting thin in places (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 25 Sep 2024 183,119 miles

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

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

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

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced surface rust & chassis appearing to be 'getting thin' (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 25 Aug 2023 181,318 miles

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

Rear Prop shaft bearing has slight play rear joint (6.1.7 (b) (i))

Fail 18 Aug 2023 181,315 miles

Nearside Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting centre outrigger/mount (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Rear Prop shaft bearing has slight play rear joint (6.1.7 (b) (i))

Pass 10 Aug 2022 179,819 miles

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

Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively Rear prop (rear joint ) (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Pass 5 Aug 2021 178,317 miles

Front bumper badly corroded

Offside headlamp has a poor beam image (Sealed beam type lamp)

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

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

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

Fail 3 Aug 2021 178,315 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush Lower bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded and likely to fail (1.1.12 (f) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded and likely to fail (1.1.12 (f) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Driver's door catch deteriorated so the door cannot be readily opened or closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Front bumper badly corroded

Offside headlamp has a poor beam image (Sealed beam type lamp)

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

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

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

Pass 14 Jul 2020 176,978 miles
Fail 9 Jul 2020 176,976 miles

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn both front bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Pass 19 Jul 2019 175,835 miles
Pass 28 Jul 2018 174,246 miles
Fail 27 Jul 2018 174,245 miles

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Pass 25 Jul 2017 172,175 miles

Front Brake pipe slightly damaged (2.2.D.2b)

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

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

Fail 21 Jul 2017 172,174 miles

Front Steering system has a road wheel fouling a part of the vehicle (2.2.D.2a)

Nearside Front Brake pipe fouled by moving parts on coil spring (3.6.B.2a)

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

Offside Front Brake pipe fouled by moving parts at coil spring (3.6.B.2a)

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

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

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

Pass 30 Jun 2016 169,031 miles
Pass 22 Jul 2015 166,719 miles
Fail 20 Jul 2015 166,717 miles

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Fail 23 Jun 2015 166,684 miles

Driver's 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)

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

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

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)

Nearside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

steering damper inop

wheel bearings noisey rear

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

Oil leak

brake fluid low

Pass 26 Jun 2014 164,997 miles
Fail 26 Jun 2014 164,985 miles

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

Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

oil leak from engine

Pass 27 Jun 2013 163,336 miles
Fail 26 Jun 2013 163,322 miles

Nearside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Fail 22 Jun 2012 160,907 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

Pass 22 Jun 2012 160,907 miles
Pass 23 Jun 2011 158,565 miles
Pass 18 Jun 2010 156,308 miles
Fail 17 Jun 2010 156,308 miles

Body insecure and dangerous to other road users (6.1.B.1b)

Rear Anti-roll bar missing (2.4.G.1)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

Pass 18 Jun 2009 153,634 miles

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

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

Pass 18 Jun 2008 149,514 miles

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

oil leaks

rear exhaust section corroding

steering box free play near limit

Fail 17 Jun 2008 149,509 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

oil leaks

rear exhaust section corroding

steering box free play near limit

Pass 22 Jun 2007 144,606 miles
Fail 22 Jun 2007 144,600 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Front Steering damper leaking oil (2.2.C.1f)

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

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

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

Oil leak

free play at steering wheel near limit

oil leaks from both tractor joint seals

poss leak from fuel tank

rear door centre hindge bolts missing

slight play in both front top king pins

wear in rear prop shaft splines

Pass 23 Jun 2006 139,450 miles
Fail 21 Jun 2006 139,440 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

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

Offside Front Upper Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering (2.5.A.3a)

Offside Rear Braking system leaking (3.6.A.1)

corrosion on both sides rear coil spring seats

corrosion on front brake pipes

oil leak

slight leak from front tractor joint seals

Pass 20 Jun 2005 133,831 miles
Fail 17 Jun 2005 133,827 miles

Driver's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2)

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine (7.4.B.2)

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

Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

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

Rear propshaft u/j badly worn

Engine oil leaks

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Nearside 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.

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B398 WAS is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 37 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.8%.

Across all 1985 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.3% with a typical mileage of 122,807 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 B398 WAS, 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 41 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 B398 WAS?

You can check the full history of B398 WAS by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was B398 WAS registered?

B398 WAS is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 May 1985.

Is B398 WAS safe to buy?

The MOT history for B398 WAS shows 37 tests with a 56.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does B398 WAS 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 B398 WAS. 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.