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C836 RFE

1986 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires12 Nov 2026
Tests32 (20 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

181,978 mi
Last recorded181,978 miles
Recorded on13 Nov 2025
Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC836 RFE
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1986
ColourGreen
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

20 pass 12 fail
Pass 13 Nov 2025 181,978 miles

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

Pass 15 Oct 2024 181,558 miles

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

Fail 6 Aug 2024 181,552 miles

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Pass 26 Jul 2023 180,896 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 (6.1.1 (c) (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 27 Jul 2022 180,056 miles

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

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

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

Pass 21 Jul 2021 179,113 miles

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

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

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

Pass 24 Jul 2020 177,927 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vehicle structure corroded/o/s/f swivel joint damp

Fail 15 Jul 2020 177,927 miles

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

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced outrigger (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Suspension component ball joint excessively worn diff upper (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Position lamp light intensity obviously reduced (4.2.3 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

vehicle structure corroded/o/s/f swivel joint damp

Pass 15 Jul 2019 176,351 miles

Offside Front swivel hub has slight leak.

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

Pass 27 Jun 2018 173,764 miles

Front bulkhead slightly corroded both sides in engine bay.

Front door frames both corroded.

Offside Front swivel hub seal has slight leak.

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

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

Fail 26 Jun 2018 173,763 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Front bulkhead slightly corroded both sides in engine bay.

Front door frames both corroded.

Offside Front swivel hub seal has slight leak.

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

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

Pass 21 Jun 2017 170,624 miles

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

Pass 20 Jul 2016 168,482 miles

Offside Front swivel hub leaking oil.

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

Fail 20 Jul 2016 168,482 miles

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (3.6.C.3)

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

Offside Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Front swivel hub leaking oil.

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

Fail 20 Jun 2016 168,479 miles

Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion corrosion across scuttle panel (6.1.C.1)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases down pipe snapped at manifold joint (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Lower Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion bulkhead (6.1.C.1)

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

Nearside Front Upper Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion bulkhead (6.1.C.1)

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

Offside Front Inner Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion floor pan (6.1.C.1)

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

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp switch faulty (1.3.1a)

Centre Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded across rear axle (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Offside Front Oil leak swivel ()

Oil leak engine has significant oil leak ()

oil leak around park brake drum

Pass 22 Jun 2015 164,539 miles
Pass 30 Jun 2014 155,458 miles

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

Fail 27 Jun 2014 155,458 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Pass 28 Jun 2013 147,553 miles
Fail 27 Jun 2013 147,553 miles

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

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Pass 11 Jun 2012 141,423 miles
Fail 6 Jun 2012 141,423 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Pass 28 Jun 2011 133,951 miles
Fail 27 Jun 2011 133,951 miles

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

Pass 18 Jun 2010 129,475 miles
Pass 24 Jun 2009 123,108 miles
Pass 20 Jun 2008 114,516 miles
Fail 17 Jun 2008 114,464 miles

Driver's seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

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

Nearside Rear Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

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

Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 28 Jun 2007 104,997 miles
Pass 15 Jun 2006 93,026 miles
Fail 14 Jun 2006 93,026 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image too far to the left (1.6.B4)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low when the centre of the headlamp is above 850mm from the ground (1.6.B3)

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Nearside headlamp aim could not be adjusted at time of test

Fail 22 Jun 2005 82,729 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.4) DANGEROUS

Offside Driver's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2) DANGEROUS

Offside 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

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C836 RFE is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.5%.

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 C836 RFE, 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 C836 RFE?

You can check the full history of C836 RFE by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C836 RFE registered?

C836 RFE is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1986.

Is C836 RFE safe to buy?

The MOT history for C836 RFE shows 32 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C836 RFE 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 C836 RFE. 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.