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C257 BPR

1986 Land Rover Defender

Orange Petrol 3528cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires29 Oct 2026
Tests32 (20 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

227,968 mi
Last recorded227,968 miles
Recorded on10 Oct 2025
Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC257 BPR
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1986
ColourOrange
Fuel typePetrol
Engine3,528cc

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 12 fail
Pass 10 Oct 2025 227,968 miles

Both fuel tanks have corrosion

Front Front swivel seals weeping grease

Front prop, rear UJ has slight play

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

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

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))

Oil leak, but not excessive Front diff, transfer case and rear diff (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 8 Oct 2025 227,968 miles

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Both fuel tanks have corrosion

Front Front swivel seals weeping grease

Front prop, rear UJ has slight play

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

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

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))

Oil leak, but not excessive Front diff, transfer case and rear diff (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 4 Oct 2024 227,257 miles

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

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Footwell (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 20 Oct 2023 226,538 miles

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive Steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Fail 18 Oct 2023 226,538 miles

Offside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Down pipe (6.1.2 (a))

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

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive Steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 11 Oct 2022 225,649 miles

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Both sides (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive Steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Fail 11 Oct 2022 225,649 miles

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Prop shaft securing bolt loose Brake drum nuts (6.1.7 (a) (i))

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

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Both sides (3.4 (b) (i))

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive Steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 13 Oct 2021 223,911 miles

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

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

Fail 30 Sep 2021 223,909 miles

Nearside Rear Passenger's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Passenger's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps (4.7.2 (a))

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

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

Pass 30 Oct 2020 222,288 miles

Offside Front Oil leak, but not excessive swivel weaping (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 15 Nov 2019 220,837 miles
Pass 22 Nov 2018 220,284 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis holed and corroded behind brake flexi hose (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear body mounting point corroded

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

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

chassis in poor condition

Fail 19 Nov 2018 220,284 miles

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded comes out of splitter (1.1.11 (c))

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

Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt A frame (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Exhaust fumes causing a danger to health of persons on board (6.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Front Brake prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis holed and corroded behind brake flexi hose (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear body mounting point corroded

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

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

chassis in poor condition

steering damper bushes worn

Pass 1 Dec 2017 216,186 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Oil leak ()

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

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

Pass 7 Nov 2016 212,110 miles

Central Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases center silencer (after joint to down pipes) (7.1.2)

Nearside Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases down pipe (7.1.2)

n/s inner mud shield corroded and holed (not structural)

n/s/f tyre has slight cracking in treads

o/s/f swivel has slight play

various underneath oil leaks

Fail 7 Nov 2016 212,110 miles

Central Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases center silencer (after joint to down pipes) (7.1.2)

Nearside Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases down pipe (7.1.2)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

n/s inner mud shield corroded and holed (not structural)

n/s/f tyre has slight cracking in treads

o/s/f swivel has slight play

various underneath oil leaks

Pass 16 Nov 2015 207,365 miles

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear (5.2.6)

Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush both front lower (2.4.G.2)

engine/ gearbox/ diffs have leaks

Pass 10 Nov 2014 202,429 miles

signs of oil leak signs gearbox and diff leak

Pass 12 Nov 2013 199,665 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Nearside front tyre perished

Fail 11 Nov 2013 199,665 miles

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

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

Centre member corroded

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Nearside front tyre perished

Pass 30 Oct 2012 194,272 miles

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

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

Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

no rear end seat belts fitted at time of test

Fail 30 Oct 2012 194,272 miles

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

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

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

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

Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

no rear end seat belts fitted at time of test

Pass 23 Nov 2011 191,384 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front brake discs corroded

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

Fail 9 Nov 2011 191,384 miles

Driver's door does not latch securely closed (6.2.B.1a)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Front registration plate missing (6.3.1a)

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

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

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front brake discs corroded

No windscreen fitted. Windscreen, wipers and washers not tested

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

Rear seat belt mountings would benifit with more fixings

Pass 8 May 2010 189,401 miles

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

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

Oil leak

no rear seat belts fitted

Fail 6 May 2010 189,401 miles

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

no rear seat belts fitted

Pass 28 Apr 2009 186,946 miles

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

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

Oil leak

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

no seat belts in rear seats

Pass 14 May 2008 184,597 miles

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

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

spillage of power steering fluid at offside front

Fail 7 May 2008 184,587 miles

Horn sounds harsh or grating (1.6.2e)

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

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) leaking (2.3.3b)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Pass 25 Apr 2007 181,014 miles

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

Pass 26 Apr 2006 175,257 miles
Fail 24 Apr 2006 175,249 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

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

Rear Fuel pipe leaking (7.2.3)

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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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

C257 BPR is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Orange with a 3,528cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.5%.

Across all 1986 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.7% with a typical mileage of 124,952 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 C257 BPR, 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 40 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 C257 BPR?

You can check the full history of C257 BPR by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C257 BPR registered?

C257 BPR is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 9 June 1986.

Is C257 BPR safe to buy?

The MOT history for C257 BPR shows 32 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C257 BPR 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 C257 BPR. 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.