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C897 EFC

1986 Land Rover Defender

Green Petrol 3528cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires25 Feb 2026
Tests36 (21 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate58.3%

Mileage

54,798 mi
Last recorded54,798 miles
Recorded on26 Feb 2025
Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC897 EFC
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1986
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine3,528cc

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

21 pass 15 fail
Pass 26 Feb 2025 54,798 miles
Pass 6 Dec 2024 54,559 miles
Fail 6 Dec 2024 54,559 miles

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

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

Pass 12 Dec 2023 53,924 miles
Fail 11 Dec 2023 53,907 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Pass 17 Jan 2023 53,862 miles
Fail 12 Jan 2023 53,848 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust fumes entering cabin (6.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Pass 12 Jan 2022 53,686 miles

Fluid leak, but not excessive steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Direction indicator flashing more than 120 times a minute (4.4.4 (a))

Offside Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

Pass 6 Jan 2021 53,556 miles

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

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage box (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 24 Dec 2019 53,345 miles

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

Front Oil leak, but not excessive Engine. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Fail 20 Dec 2019 53,335 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

Rear Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

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

Front Oil leak, but not excessive Engine. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Pass 10 Dec 2018 53,084 miles

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

Fail 10 Dec 2018 53,076 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively Both wiper blades. (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

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

Pass 19 Dec 2017 52,790 miles

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

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

bulkhead corroded

Fail 19 Dec 2017 52,781 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Nearside Rear rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Nearside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

bulkhead corroded

Pass 22 Dec 2016 52,520 miles
Fail 13 Dec 2016 52,519 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened axle (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering shox turret (6.1.A.1)

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

Rear Brake hose twisted (3.6.B.4c)

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened axle (2.4.C.3c)

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

Pass 15 Dec 2015 52,357 miles

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

Fail 11 Dec 2015 52,357 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 1 Dec 2014 52,231 miles

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

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

chassis rusty at rear and around coil spring cups,

Pass 17 Dec 2013 52,055 miles

Oil leak

Fail 12 Dec 2013 52,055 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

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

Nearside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

Offside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Oil leak

Pass 17 Dec 2012 51,395 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn shock absorber pivot (2.7.4)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

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)

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

general surface corrosion underside

Fail 13 Dec 2012 51,393 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn shock absorber pivot (2.7.4)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

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)

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

general surface corrosion underside

Pass 7 Dec 2011 49,926 miles

both front brake discs are pitted

Fail 5 Dec 2011 49,926 miles

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

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)

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

Nearside Stop lamp emits other than a steady red light (1.2.1e)

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

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

Offside Stop lamp emits other than a steady red light (1.2.1e)

both front brake discs are pitted

Pass 14 Dec 2010 48,270 miles

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

Offside Rear Service brake grabbing slightly (3.7.C.2)

offside rear hub seal weeping oil

Pass 11 Dec 2009 47,697 miles
Fail 23 Nov 2009 47,697 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Fuel tank leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Fail 28 Nov 2008 47,201 miles

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Pass 28 Nov 2008 47,201 miles
Pass 7 Dec 2007 43,062 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Fail 6 Dec 2007 43,062 miles

Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing (7.2.4c)

Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red (1.3.2e)

Nearside Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 4 Dec 2006 39,412 miles

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

rear exhaust monting loose

Pass 7 Dec 2005 36,304 miles
Fail 5 Dec 2005 36,300 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

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

Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

C897 EFC is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 3,528cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.3%.

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 C897 EFC, 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 C897 EFC?

You can check the full history of C897 EFC by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C897 EFC registered?

C897 EFC is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 24 January 1986.

Is C897 EFC safe to buy?

The MOT history for C897 EFC shows 36 tests with a 58.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C897 EFC 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 C897 EFC. 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.