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C385 BFB

1985 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires15 Sep 2026
Tests34 (18 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate52.9%

Mileage

119,612 mi
Last recorded119,612 miles
Recorded on16 Sep 2025
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC385 BFB
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,495cc
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

18 pass 16 fail
Pass 16 Sep 2025 119,612 miles

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

Nearside Front Cab or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Passenger floor (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Fail 15 Sep 2025 119,612 miles

All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Rear Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Cab or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Passenger floor (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Pass 3 Jul 2024 119,291 miles

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced under side of vehicle is corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive both rear hubs and diff (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 3 Jul 2024 119,291 miles

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced under side of vehicle is corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive both rear hubs and diff (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 5 Jun 2024 119,290 miles

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

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

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both front (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced underside of vehicle corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 1 Jun 2023 119,290 miles

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

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

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

Fail 26 May 2023 119,290 miles

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

Pass 16 May 2022 119,290 miles

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

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

Fail 9 May 2022 119,290 miles

Horn sound not in accordance with requirements (7.7 (c))

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

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

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 1 Mar 2021 119,290 miles

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

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

Fail 25 Feb 2021 119,290 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim not tested (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

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

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

Pass 28 Feb 2020 119,290 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Fail 26 Feb 2020 119,290 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Pass 26 Nov 2018 119,290 miles

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

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

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

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

Rear cross member various corrosion

Rear hubs have leakage

Fail 16 Nov 2018 119,290 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

Rear cross member various corrosion

Rear hubs have leakage

Pass 8 Sep 2017 119,290 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

all tyres have cracking to tread area but no core exposed

Fail 8 Jun 2017 119,290 miles

Emissions not tested (7.3.A.1)

Nearside Front Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Nearside Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

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

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

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

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

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Pass 8 Jun 2016 119,290 miles

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

Nearside Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

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

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

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

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

all tyres have extensive cracking across surface but no core exposed

Fail 7 Jun 2016 119,290 miles

Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded damper mount (2.2.C.1h)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Nearside Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

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

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

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

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

all tyres have extensive cracking across surface but no core exposed

Pass 5 Jun 2015 119,290 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Oil leak

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

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

bulkhead corroded around upper hinge area

offside bulkhead outrigger slightly corroded

Fail 29 May 2015 119,290 miles

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

Offside Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Oil leak

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

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

bulkhead corroded around upper hinge area

offside bulkhead outrigger slightly corroded

Pass 14 Jan 2014 119,290 miles

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

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

Fail 11 Jan 2014 119,290 miles

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

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

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

Pass 16 Nov 2012 119,290 miles

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

both front tyres showing age related cracks

Pass 28 Sep 2011 119,290 miles

Battery insecure

Headlamp main beam warning lamp not working

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

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

Oil leak

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

Fail 28 Sep 2011 119,290 miles

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Battery insecure

Headlamp main beam warning lamp not working

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

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

Oil leak

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

Pass 5 Aug 2010 119,276 miles

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

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) deteriorated, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

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

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

Pass 28 Jul 2009 118,879 miles

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Fail 16 Jul 2009 118,854 miles

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

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

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 11 Jul 2008 118,308 miles

Oil leak

Fail 4 Jun 2007 117,935 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

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

Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Pass 4 Jun 2007 117,935 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 19 May 2006 117,698 miles

Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Nearside Rear Stop lamp slightly discoloured (1.2.1e)

Pass 19 May 2006 117,698 miles

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

Nearside Rear Stop lamp slightly discoloured (1.2.1e)

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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C385 BFB is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 52.9%.

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 C385 BFB, 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 C385 BFB?

You can check the full history of C385 BFB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C385 BFB registered?

C385 BFB is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 November 1985.

Is C385 BFB safe to buy?

The MOT history for C385 BFB shows 34 tests with a 52.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C385 BFB 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 C385 BFB. 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.