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C3 SNJ

1998 Land Rover Defender

Grey Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires5 Feb 2027
Tests32 (18 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate56.3%

Mileage

217,479 mi
Last recorded217,479 miles
Recorded on30 Jan 2026
Typical for 1998 Land Rover Defender110,057 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC3 SNJ
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1998
ColourGrey
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

18 pass 14 fail
Pass 30 Jan 2026 217,479 miles

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

bulkhead corrosion

Pass 6 Feb 2025 214,338 miles

Front bulkhead corrosion

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

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

rear offside door lower hinge area corrosion

Fail 4 Oct 2024 214,312 miles

Nearside Front Side repeater incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting under arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Side repeater incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Front Prop shaft flexible coupling so deteriorated it is likely to fail rear joint (6.1.7 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Rear Prop shaft flexible coupling slightly deteriorated rear joint (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Pass 6 Oct 2023 209,283 miles

Nearside Front Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front floor corroded

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

Offside Front Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front floor corroded

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

Fail 26 Sep 2022 209,272 miles

Fuel tank leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis by arm mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis by arm mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced by towbar mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (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 Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced seat mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced seat mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 24 Sep 2021 206,839 miles

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

Fail 22 Sep 2021 206,833 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

Pass 25 Nov 2020 206,161 miles

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

Pass 12 Apr 2019 205,054 miles

corrosion forming on chassis rails and floor

repairs carried out to chassis and blacked over

Pass 13 Feb 2018 202,063 miles
Fail 9 Feb 2018 202,060 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced (2.4.G.1)

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour cracked (1.4.A.2f)

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

Pass 18 Feb 2017 196,602 miles
Fail 2 Dec 2016 196,596 miles

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded chassis near antiroll bar mounting (2.4.A.3)

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

Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded chassis near rear axel tie bar (2.4.A.3)

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

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 26 Oct 2015 191,203 miles

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

oil leak

undersealed

Pass 21 Nov 2014 183,444 miles

vehicle has a slight oil leak

vehicle has corrosion underneath

Fail 20 Nov 2014 183,444 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

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

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

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

vehicle has a slight oil leak

vehicle has corrosion underneath

Pass 20 Nov 2013 178,195 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Steering component damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Fail 18 Nov 2013 178,195 miles

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

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

Nearside Steering system fouling (2.2.D.2a)

Offside Front Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Steering component damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Pass 16 Nov 2012 172,970 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Steering component damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Fail 14 Nov 2012 172,951 miles

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

Nearside Rear passenger door hinge insecure (6.2.B.2)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

Steering component damaged but serviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Pass 10 Nov 2011 165,599 miles

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Fail 9 Nov 2011 165,578 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Obligatory mirror insecure (8.1.1)

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 20 Oct 2010 159,583 miles

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

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Fail 14 Oct 2010 159,562 miles

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

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

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

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 12 Oct 2009 153,112 miles
Fail 9 Oct 2009 153,070 miles

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6) DANGEROUS

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

Pass 23 Sep 2008 146,058 miles
Fail 16 Sep 2008 146,058 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

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

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

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Pass 26 Sep 2007
Fail 19 Sep 2007 139,855 miles

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

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

Rear Spare wheel carrier insecure (6.4.2)

Steering damper damaged and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Offside Rear Seat belt attachment fitting fractured (5.2.3) DANGEROUS

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

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

Pass 21 Apr 2006 127,015 miles
Fail 19 Apr 2006 126,996 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

C3 SNJ is a 1998 Land Rover Defender in Grey with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.3%.

Across all 1998 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.3% with a typical mileage of 110,057 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 C3 SNJ, 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 28 years old, this Land Rover Defender is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of C3 SNJ?

You can check the full history of C3 SNJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C3 SNJ registered?

C3 SNJ is a 1998 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 February 1998.

Is C3 SNJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for C3 SNJ shows 32 tests with a 56.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C3 SNJ 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 C3 SNJ. 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.