CarVerify

Free Car Check

C52 VWP

1986 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2496cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires20 Nov 2026
Tests31 (20 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate64.5%

Mileage

171,855 mi
Last recorded171,855 miles
Recorded on7 Nov 2025
Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

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

RegistrationC52 VWP
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

20 pass 11 fail
Pass 7 Nov 2025 171,855 miles

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

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 rear cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Pass 30 Oct 2024 170,613 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 Rear cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Fail 28 Oct 2024 170,603 miles

Nearside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing play so excessive it is likely to break up (5.1.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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 Rear cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated rear A frame ball joint (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Pass 21 Nov 2023 169,210 miles

Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn both front hub swivels (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Offside front hub leaking

Rear Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated A frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both rear trailing arm bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 13 Nov 2023 169,201 miles

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

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

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

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

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

Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn both front hub swivels (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Offside front hub leaking

Rear Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated A frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both rear trailing arm bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 9 Nov 2022 167,428 miles

Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn both front (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Offside front and nearside rear hub seal leaking

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both rear trailing arm bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated Rear A frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Pass 12 Nov 2021 166,434 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated A frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

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

slight play in both front swivels

suspension components corroded

Fail 11 Nov 2021 166,425 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

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

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated A frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

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

slight play in both front swivels

suspension components corroded

Pass 21 Oct 2020 165,929 miles

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security cross member (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

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

slight play from both front hub swivels

Fail 20 Oct 2020 165,918 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security cross member (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

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

slight play from both front hub swivels

Pass 22 Oct 2019 165,626 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases centre (6.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Rear chassis corroded near cross member

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

Fail 17 Oct 2019 165,619 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases centre (6.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Rear chassis corroded near cross member

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

Pass 23 Oct 2018 163,011 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front floor corroded

Offside Front hub seal leaking

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

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

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

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

Fail 22 Oct 2018 163,011 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Offside Front floor corroded

Offside Front hub seal leaking

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Oct 2017 162,433 miles

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Nearside Front tyre perished

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Oil leak ()

Fail 19 Oct 2017 162,426 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Nearside Front tyre perished

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

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

Oil leak ()

Pass 7 Oct 2016 161,161 miles

Oil leak ()

fuel tank damp

Fail 7 Oct 2016 161,151 miles

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

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

Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

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

Oil leak ()

fuel tank damp

Pass 9 Oct 2015 151,534 miles

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.6.C.3)

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

Fail 7 Oct 2015 151,534 miles

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

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

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

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

Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.6.C.3)

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

Pass 24 Sep 2014 150,545 miles

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

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

Oil leak

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

Pass 27 Sep 2013 149,823 miles

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

slight noise from nearside rear wheel bearing

Fail 26 Sep 2013 149,807 miles

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

nearside rear tyre perished

slight noise from nearside rear wheel bearing

Pass 20 Sep 2012 149,177 miles

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Oil leak

offside rear tyre perished

Pass 1 Sep 2011 148,105 miles
Pass 19 Aug 2010 147,283 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

long travel on handbrake lever

Fail 19 Aug 2010 147,283 miles

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

long travel on handbrake lever

Pass 18 Aug 2009 146,229 miles
Pass 15 Jul 2008 145,108 miles

Parts of all brake pipes have rusty parts.

o/s & n/s seat belt webbing is in poor condition.

Pass 8 Apr 2008 144,686 miles
Pass 9 Mar 2007 144,152 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

C52 VWP is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,496cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.5%.

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 C52 VWP, 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 C52 VWP?

You can check the full history of C52 VWP by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C52 VWP registered?

C52 VWP is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1986.

Is C52 VWP safe to buy?

The MOT history for C52 VWP shows 31 tests with a 64.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C52 VWP 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 C52 VWP. 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.