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C523 SGY

1985 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires30 Nov 2026
Tests26 (18 pass, 8 fail)
Pass rate69.2%

Mileage

236,644 mi
Last recorded236,644 miles
Recorded on1 Dec 2025
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC523 SGY
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourRed
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 8 fail
Pass 1 Dec 2025 236,644 miles
Pass 7 Nov 2024 232,281 miles
Pass 15 Nov 2023 227,394 miles
Pass 17 Nov 2022 221,892 miles
Pass 1 Dec 2021 216,255 miles
Pass 12 Nov 2020 209,654 miles

slight leak offside front swivel

Pass 11 Nov 2019 203,449 miles
Pass 29 Nov 2018 198,857 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 16 Nov 2018 198,837 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))

Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.1.2 (e) (i))

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Steering box leaking to the extent that oil is dripping (2.1.1 (e) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Pass 23 Nov 2017 195,892 miles

both rear bump stops missing

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front rubber cracking on sidewall and between tread

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded wheel cylinder to connector (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

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

both front hub oil seals leaking

Pass 14 Nov 2014 195,208 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

both bump stops missing

both front hub oil seals leaking

passenger floor corroded and holes

slack in transmission

slight cut in offside front tyre

Fail 6 Nov 2014 195,182 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

both bump stops missing

both front hub oil seals leaking

passenger floor corroded and holes

slack in transmission

slight cut in offside front tyre

Pass 21 Nov 2013 192,578 miles

Both front hub seals leaking

Both rear bump stops missing

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Slack in transmission

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Fail 8 Nov 2013 192,577 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Speedometer cannot be illuminated. (6.7.3)

Both front hub seals leaking

Both rear bump stops missing

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Slack in transmission

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Fail 13 Aug 2012 192,271 miles

Both front Hub Seals leaking oil

Both rear bump stops missing

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

Front Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Oil leak

Play in rear diff

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

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) leaking from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 13 Aug 2012 192,271 miles

Both front Hub Seals leaking oil

Both rear bump stops missing

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

Front Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Oil leak

Play in rear diff

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

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 12 Aug 2011 189,688 miles

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Nearside rear bump stop missing

Nearside rear tyre cracking on sidewall

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Offside front brake disc inner surface corroded

Offside front hub leaking oil

Oil leak

Play in rear diff

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Fail 29 Jul 2011 189,598 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure (2.4.G.1)

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

Power steering pump leaking from a failed component (2.3.3b)

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

Engine oil level low - ADD 1 Litre

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Nearside rear bump stop missing

Nearside rear tyre cracking on sidewall

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Offside front brake disc inner surface corroded

Offside front hub leaking oil

Oil leak

Play in rear diff

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Pass 10 Aug 2010 185,632 miles

Engine oil level on minimum

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

Nearside rear tyre slightly cracking on sidewall

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

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

Offside rear door does not open from outside

Oil leak

Propshaft component defective

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

offside front hub oil seal leaking

steering damper rubber slightly deteriorated

Fail 5 Aug 2010 185,624 miles

Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off (1.4.B.1f)

Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on (1.4.B.1f)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Engine oil level on minimum

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside rear tyre slightly cracking on sidewall

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside rear door does not open from outside

Oil leak

Propshaft component defective

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

offside front hub oil seal leaking

steering damper rubber slightly deteriorated

Pass 5 Aug 2009 180,298 miles
Pass 13 Feb 2008 171,879 miles
Fail 13 Feb 2008 171,879 miles

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Nearside Front Body or chassis has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Pass 9 Feb 2007 167,916 miles
Fail 25 Jan 2007 167,914 miles

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

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play (2.5.A.3b)

Offside Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on (1.4.B.1f)

Offside Headlamp not in a clean condition affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Position lamp switch faulty (1.1.A.1)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 6 Sep 2005 99,998 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

C523 SGY is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 26 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 69.2%.

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 C523 SGY, 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 C523 SGY?

You can check the full history of C523 SGY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C523 SGY registered?

C523 SGY is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 24 December 1985.

Is C523 SGY safe to buy?

The MOT history for C523 SGY shows 26 tests with a 69.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C523 SGY 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 C523 SGY. 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.