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C221 YWU

1985 Land Rover Defender

Red Petrol 3500cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires17 Jul 2026
Tests26 (15 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate57.7%

Mileage

210,835 mi
Last recorded210,835 miles
Recorded on18 Jul 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

RegistrationC221 YWU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine3,500cc
View full Land Rover Defender reliability data Browse other 1985 Land Rover Defender registrations

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 11 fail
Pass 18 Jul 2025 210,835 miles

Both front swivel housings leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Various slight engine and transmission oil leaks

Pass 22 May 2024 210,658 miles

Both front swivels leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

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

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Various slight engine and transmission oil leaks

Fail 22 May 2024 210,658 miles

Both front swivels leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Various slight engine and transmission oil leaks

Pass 6 Feb 2023 210,595 miles

Both front swivel housings leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

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

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

Offside Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Slight engine and transmission oil leaks

Pass 23 Nov 2021 209,905 miles

All four tyres slightly perished/cracked

Both front swivel housings leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

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

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Fail 23 Nov 2021 209,905 miles

All four tyres slightly perished/cracked

Both front swivel housings leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

Intermediate drop arm insecure steering box (2.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

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

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Pass 30 Nov 2020 209,155 miles

Advanced corrosion to bulkhead in both footwells

All four tyres slightly perished/cracked

Both front swivel housings leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing slight damage to outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Slight engine and transmission oil leaks

Fail 27 Nov 2020 209,155 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint insecure in a stub axle (5.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Prop shaft joint so worn it is likely to fail (6.1.7 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Advanced corrosion to bulkhead in both footwells

All four tyres slightly perished/cracked

Both front swivel housings leaking slightly

Exhaust centre and rear sections slightly deteriorated

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing slight damage to outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Reverse lamp not working

Slight engine and transmission oil leaks

Pass 8 May 2019 208,758 miles

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

Exhaust system slightly deteriorated

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing damage to outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

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

Fail 8 May 2019 208,758 miles

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

Exhaust system slightly deteriorated

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing damage to outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

Pass 22 Sep 2017 208,695 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust system slightly deteriorated

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

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

Offside Ball joint has slight play steering drop arm (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Rear Propshaft universal joint worn ()

Slight damage to nearside front tyre sidewall

Pass 29 Apr 2015 208,678 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust system slightly deteriorated

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

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

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

Slight wear in rear propshaft rear universal joint

Fail 29 Apr 2015 208,678 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust system slightly deteriorated

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

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

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 Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b)

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Slight wear in rear propshaft rear universal joint

Pass 25 Oct 2012 208,135 miles

All drive belts worn and slightly loose

Ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Damage to front crossmember

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Front Radius arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

Offside Front Radius arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside headlamp beam image deteriorated

Slight play in rear prop-shaft,rear uj

Slight transmission oil leaks from transfer box and rear diff

Fail 24 Oct 2012 208,135 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing (7.2.4c)

Nearside Rear brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

All drive belts worn and slightly loose

Ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Grease leaking from nearside front half shaft gasket

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Front Radius arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Front Radius arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside headlamp beam image deteriorated

Slight play in rear prop-shaft,rear uj

Slight transmission oil leaks from transfer box and rear diff

Pass 1 Oct 2011 207,669 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Nearside front drag link end ball joint gaitor split

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

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Slight oil leak from nearside rear hub oil seal

Various engine/transmission oil leaks

Pass 6 Oct 2010 207,321 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Nearside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside front drag link end gaitor split

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Offside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 1 Oct 2010 207,321 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Offside Rear brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Nearside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside front drag link end gaitor split

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Offside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 25 Sep 2009 206,943 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front reg plate in poor condition

Nearside front drag link end ball joint gater split

Rear diff leaking oil

Fail 25 Sep 2009 206,943 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front reg plate in poor condition

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside front drag link end ball joint gater split

Nearside hockey stick bolt loose

Offside front tyre has a cut in the outer sidewall

Rear diff leaking oil

Fail 3 Sep 2008 206,494 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)

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

PTO prop shaft bush worn

bolts loose on rear prop shaft

brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

coolant leak

front number plate slightly deteriorated

nearside drag link end - gaitor split

nearside front tyre has a small cut in sidewall

oil leak from engine

Pass 3 Sep 2008 206,494 miles

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

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

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

PTO prop shaft bush worn

bolts loose on rear prop shaft

coolant leak

front number plate slightly deteriorated

nearside drag link end - gaitor split

nearside front tyre has a small cut in sidewall

oil leak from engine

Pass 17 Sep 2007 205,462 miles
Fail 15 Sep 2007 205,462 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing (7.2.4c)

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

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play in a swivel pin (2.5.A.3b)

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

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) leaking from a joint (2.3.3b)

Pass 8 May 2006 203,714 miles
Fail 8 May 2006 203,714 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing (7.2.4c)

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

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

Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

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C221 YWU is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 3,500cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 26 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.7%.

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 C221 YWU, 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 C221 YWU?

You can check the full history of C221 YWU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C221 YWU registered?

C221 YWU is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1985.

Is C221 YWU safe to buy?

The MOT history for C221 YWU shows 26 tests with a 57.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C221 YWU 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 C221 YWU. 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.