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C508 VAB

1986 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2496cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires19 Feb 2027
Tests26 (16 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate61.5%

Mileage

197,210 mi
Last recorded197,210 miles
Recorded on20 Feb 2026
Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC508 VAB
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1986
ColourGreen
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,496cc

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

16 pass 10 fail
Pass 20 Feb 2026 197,210 miles

Front axle corroded

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

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Front brake heat/dust shield missing

Offside Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear axle corroded

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

fuel tank support bracket corroded

speedometer changed due to original unit inoperative hence higher mileage reading

Fail 11 Feb 2026 44,825 miles

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

Nearside Side repeater light intensity significantly reduced (4.4.3 (a))

Speedometer clearly inoperative (7.8 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front axle corroded

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

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Front brake heat/dust shield missing

Offside Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Rear axle corroded

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

fuel tank support bracket corroded

Pass 14 Jul 2022 44,825 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

chassis corroded

fuel tank support corroded

offside and nearside head lamps light intensity reduced

Fail 15 Jun 2022 44,825 miles

Nearside Front Oil leaking excessively from transmission hub (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front passenger door likely to open inadvertently or not remain closed (6.2.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Indicator tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Indicator tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Exhaust silencer slightly loose (8.1.1 (b) (i))

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

chassis corroded

fuel tank support corroded

offside and nearside head lamps light intensity reduced

Pass 24 Dec 2020 44,822 miles

Coil spring corroded all (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

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

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

fuel tank support frame corroded

Pass 23 May 2019 44,606 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier battery tray corroded (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed frame around hinge mount corroded (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed frame around hinge mount corroded (6.2.3 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive dip stick tube (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

fuel tank underside protection assy corroded off at the rear

Fail 23 May 2019 44,606 miles

Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))

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))

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

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier battery tray corroded (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Front passenger door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed frame around hinge mount corroded (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed frame around hinge mount corroded (6.2.3 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive dip stick tube (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

fuel tank underside protection assy corroded off at the rear

Pass 8 Mar 2018 44,322 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Nearside Front hub oil leak

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 Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front hub oil leak

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)

all tyres perrished does not reach the cords

offside rear tyre looks as if fitted the wrong way around on the wheel no instructions to be found on tyre side wall

Fail 8 Mar 2018 44,322 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Nearside Front hub oil leak

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 Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front hub oil leak

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)

all tyres perrished does not reach the cords

offside rear tyre looks as if fitted the wrong way around on the wheel no instructions to be found on tyre side wall

Pass 8 Mar 2017 43,701 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

all tyres perrished

nearside and offside front hubs/swivels oil leak

offside and nearside front door frames corroded

Fail 1 Mar 2017 43,701 miles

Electrical wiring deteriorated and bare wires exposed under light switch in center of dash and center of bulkhead in engine compartment (1.9.2c)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Steering box has a significant oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

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

Electrical wiring damaged, but not likely to cause a short loom to rear of vehicle fouling on front propshaft resulting in bear wires (1.9.2b)

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

all tyres perrished

nearside and offside front hubs/swivels oil leak

offside and nearside front door frames corroded

Pass 21 Oct 2015 43,058 miles

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

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

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

Steering system slightly rough (2.2.D.1)

Steering system slightly tight (2.2.D.1)

nearside rear offside and nearside front tyres perrished does not expose the cords

offside front hub oil leak

rear axle a frame forward ball joint rubber gaiter deteriorated

Fail 7 Sep 2015 43,058 miles

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Steering box has a significant oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

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

Centre Front Upper Tie bar/rod ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt axle a frame (2.4.G.2)

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)

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

Offside Front hub oil leak

Offside Front hub oil leak

offside front tyre perrished not exposing the cords

Pass 23 Oct 2014 42,629 miles

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

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

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

nearside and offside front hub oil leak

rear offside and nearside outrigers corroded

Pass 13 Sep 2013 42,133 miles

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

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

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

slight lift in stearing box

Fail 9 Sep 2013 42,133 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.A.3)

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

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

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

Pass 28 Sep 2012 41,070 miles

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

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

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

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

front prop front uj play

windscreen wipers slow in operation

Fail 22 Aug 2012 41,069 miles

Centre Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp switch faulty (1.3.1a)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

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

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

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

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

front prop front uj play

Pass 20 Jun 2011 39,676 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 20 Jun 2011 39,676 miles

Nearside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Offside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

offside front wheel nuts fitted the wong way round

Pass 2 Jul 2010 37,448 miles

Front Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

rear of chassis / crossmember corroded

Fail 8 Jun 2010 37,448 miles

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

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the left. (1.8)

Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

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

Nearside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

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

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

Offside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Registration plate lamp shows direct white light to the rear (1.1.C.1f)

Front Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

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

Pass 20 Apr 2009 35,145 miles
Pass 15 Apr 2008 32,702 miles
Pass 18 Apr 2007 30,334 miles
Pass 6 Feb 2006 24,893 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

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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

C508 VAB is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,496cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 26 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.5%.

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 C508 VAB, 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 C508 VAB?

You can check the full history of C508 VAB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C508 VAB registered?

C508 VAB is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1986.

Is C508 VAB safe to buy?

The MOT history for C508 VAB shows 26 tests with a 61.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C508 VAB 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 C508 VAB. 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.