CarVerify

Free Car Check

C356 PPJ

1985 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2286cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires17 Mar 2027
Tests35 (19 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate54.3%

Mileage

250,005 mi
Last recorded250,005 miles
Recorded on18 Mar 2026
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationC356 PPJ
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,286cc

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 16 fail
Pass 18 Mar 2026 250,005 miles

Speedometer operation impaired (7.8 (b) (i))

Fail 12 Mar 2026 249,999 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn and loose (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Speedometer operation impaired (7.8 (b) (i))

Pass 10 Mar 2025 229,999 miles

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

Pass 13 Mar 2024 249,999 miles

Front Fluid leak, but not excessive Gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Tail pipe holed (6.1.2 (a))

Fail 9 Mar 2024 229,999 miles

All direction indicators adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.4.3 (b))

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

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Steering box (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

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

Front Fluid leak, but not excessive Gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Tail pipe holed (6.1.2 (a))

Pass 27 Feb 2023 239,999 miles
Fail 27 Feb 2023 239,999 miles

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

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

Pass 7 Mar 2022 226,193 miles
Fail 7 Mar 2022 226,193 miles

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

Speedometer cannot be illuminated (7.8 (c) (ii))

Pass 15 Mar 2021 220,359 miles

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

swivel pins leaking

Fail 11 Mar 2021 220,267 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level significantly below minimum level (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

Fuel pipe leaking leakoff pipe (6.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Prop shaft joint excessively worn rear prop rear uj (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

swivel pins leaking

Pass 10 Mar 2020 214,408 miles

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

Nearside Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

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

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

swivel pins leaking

Fail 9 Mar 2020 214,380 miles

Brake cable insecure lever, splitpin missing (1.1.15 (c))

Fuel pipe leaking leakoff pipes (6.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Rear Exhaust silencer insecure (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt droparm (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Nearside Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

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

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

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

swivel pins leaking

Pass 15 Mar 2019 207,110 miles

Nearside Front driveshaft sphere leaking

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

Offside Front driveshaft sphere leaking

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

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

Fail 14 Mar 2019 207,109 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

Offside Drag link end ball joint worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment (2.1.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front driveshaft sphere leaking

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

Offside Front driveshaft sphere leaking

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

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

Pass 15 Mar 2018 201,740 miles
Fail 12 Mar 2018 201,740 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

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

Offside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

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

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

Pass 2 Jun 2016 201,188 miles
Fail 16 Apr 2016 201,157 miles

Nearside Front Rear position lamp(s) missing (1.1.A.3a)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded mid chassis (2.4.A.3)

Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded cross member (2.4.A.3)

Steering column shaft has excessive end float (2.1.3)

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded front cross member (2.4.A.3)

Pass 7 Apr 2015 198,370 miles
Fail 31 Mar 2015 198,370 miles

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

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)

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

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

Pass 2 Dec 2013 195,213 miles

Coolant leak

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

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Vehicle heavily waxoyled

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Pass 21 Nov 2012 190,192 miles

Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.B.2)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

assorted front to rear and rear metal brake pipes have been cleaned and painted

Fail 29 Oct 2012 190,156 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (3.3.A.1b)

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.B.2)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

assorted rear metal brake pipes have been cleaned and painted

Pass 14 Oct 2011 183,620 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 22 Sep 2011 183,612 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f) DANGEROUS

underside rusted in several areas but not holed yet

Pass 10 Sep 2010 180,031 miles

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

Fail 3 Sep 2010 180,014 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Pass 9 Feb 2010 177,744 miles

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Fail 5 Feb 2010 177,726 miles

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

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Pass 10 Feb 2009 170,753 miles
Fail 6 Feb 2009 170,738 miles

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

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

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

Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 2 Feb 2008 164,932 miles

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

Fail 5 Jul 2007 164,871 miles

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

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

Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)

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

Nearside 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)

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

Offside Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)

Rear Body has excessive displacement which may lead to loss of vehicle control (6.1.B.1a)

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

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Pass 16 Jun 2006 157,778 miles

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.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

C356 PPJ is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,286cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.3%.

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 C356 PPJ, 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 C356 PPJ?

You can check the full history of C356 PPJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C356 PPJ registered?

C356 PPJ is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1985.

Is C356 PPJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for C356 PPJ shows 35 tests with a 54.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C356 PPJ 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 C356 PPJ. 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.