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C956 SLT

1985 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2496cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires11 May 2027
Tests34 (19 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate55.9%

Mileage

109,510 mi
Last recorded109,510 miles
Recorded on12 May 2026
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC956 SLT
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourRed
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

19 pass 15 fail
Pass 12 May 2026 109,510 miles

All suspension components have signs of rust

General underside has signs of rust

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement arm bushes worn but not excessive (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front hub seal weeping

Nearside Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Offside Front Floor has small hole but not within 30cm of any prescribed areas

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement arm bushes worn but not excessive (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Fail 12 May 2026 109,510 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

All suspension components have signs of rust

General underside has signs of rust

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement arm bushes worn but not excessive (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front hub seal weeping

Nearside Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Offside Front Floor has small hole but not within 30cm of any prescribed areas

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement arm bushes worn but not excessive (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 6 May 2025 109,355 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front hub seal weeping

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

all suspension components have signs of corrosion

general underside has signs of corrosion

Fail 6 May 2025 109,355 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front hub seal weeping

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

all suspension components have signs of corrosion

general underside has signs of corrosion

Pass 25 Apr 2024 109,109 miles

Coil spring corroded all 4 springs corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front hub seal slightly weeping

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

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

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

all suspension components have corrosion

all underside of car has surface corrosion to body and chassis

Fail 25 Apr 2024 109,109 miles

Coil spring corroded all 4 springs corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front hub seal slightly weeping

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

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

all suspension components have corrosion

all underside of car has surface corrosion to body and chassis

Pass 2 May 2023 108,752 miles

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

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

Front both hub seals have slight leak

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

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

underside of car has corrosion to suspension/chassis/and under body

Fail 21 Apr 2023 108,749 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level significantly below minimum level (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Brake performance unable to be tested (1.2.1 (g))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting Out rigger/ chassis body mount excessively corroded (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp reflector seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Front both hub seals have slight leak

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

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

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

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

underside of car has corrosion to suspension/chassis/and under body

Pass 2 Mar 2022 108,601 miles

Both Front hub seals leaking

Coil spring corroded All four (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Headlight poor beam pattern

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

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

Under body corrosion

Fail 28 Feb 2022 108,600 miles

All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Both Front hub seals leaking

Coil spring corroded All four (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Headlight poor beam pattern

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

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

Under body corrosion

Pass 19 Mar 2021 108,526 miles

Both Front hub seals leaking

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

Nearside Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Headlight poor beam pattern

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

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

Under body corrosion

Fail 19 Mar 2021 108,526 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Both Front hub seals leaking

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

Nearside Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Headlight poor beam pattern

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

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

Under body corrosion

Pass 30 May 2019 108,323 miles

Both Front hub seals leaking

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (1.1.10 (d) (i))

Coil spring corroded Both front and rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Headlight poor beam pattern

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

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

Under body corrosion

Fail 22 Mar 2019 108,320 miles

Fuel tank leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Hub seals leaking

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Hub seal leaking badly

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

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

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

Pass 28 Mar 2018 108,149 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Both head lights poor beam pattern

Front Body corroded and nearly holed

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

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

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

Pass 29 Mar 2017 107,897 miles
Fail 6 Mar 2017 107,896 miles

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (1.4.B.1b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Stop lamp not working both (1.2.1b)

Signs of under body corrosion

Pass 11 Sep 2015 107,591 miles

A pillar corroded

All suspension components rusty

Both front hub seals slightly damp

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

Signs of fuel leak but not leak found at time of test

Steering box damp

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 11 Sep 2015 107,591 miles

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

A pillar corroded

All suspension components rusty

Both front hub seals slightly damp

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

Signs of fuel leak but not leak found at time of test

Steering box damp

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 26 Sep 2014 107,172 miles

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

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

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1b)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

all suspension components very rusty

both rear hub seals slightly damp

steering box damp

underside very rusty

Pass 8 Oct 2013 106,931 miles

all suspension componants rusty

chassis showing signs of heavy corrosion

offside front metal brake pipe slightly corroded

slight bind on nearside front brake

slight windscreen damage

steering box damp

Pass 5 Oct 2012 106,822 miles

all suspension componants very rusty

slight windscreen damage

steering box damp

underbody/chassis showing signs of very heavy corrosion

Fail 5 Oct 2012 106,822 miles

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

all suspension componants very rusty

slight windscreen damage

steering box damp

underbody/chassis showing signs of very heavy corrosion

Pass 28 Sep 2011 106,538 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

front discs pitted

slight leak from offside front swivel

slight leak from power steering box

some signs of underbody corrosion

Fail 27 Sep 2011 106,538 miles

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

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)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b) DANGEROUS

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

front discs pitted

slight leak from offside front swivel

slight leak from power steering box

some signs of underbody corrosion

Pass 7 Oct 2010 105,704 miles

exhaust system heavily rusted

front bulkhead rusted

nearside rear bump stop missing

underbody showing signs of heavy corrosion

Fail 28 Sep 2010 105,704 miles

Brake performance not tested (3.7.A.1)

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

Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

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

Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by damage (6.1.C.1)

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

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)

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

Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only (3.1.2)

Steering system excessively tight (2.2.D.1)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b) DANGEROUS

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1a) DANGEROUS

exhaust system heavily rusted

front bulkhead rusted

nearside rear brake binding on

nearside rear bump stop missing

underbody showing signs of heavy corrosion

Pass 8 Sep 2009 105,169 miles

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

all suspension bushes starting to split and perish

rear exhaust box in poor condition

signs of under body corrosion

slight play in steering box

Pass 30 Sep 2008 104,709 miles

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

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

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

exhaust rusty

offside seat belt marked

underside of vehicle heavily corroded

Fail 29 Sep 2008 104,709 miles

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

Nearside Front Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

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

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

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

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

exhaust rusty

offside seat belt marked

underside of vehicle heavily corroded

Pass 6 Oct 2007 104,508 miles
Fail 29 Sep 2007 104,471 miles

Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Pass 29 Sep 2006 103,844 miles
Fail 11 Sep 2006 103,834 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Fuel system component insecure (7.2.1) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6) DANGEROUS

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

Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1) DANGEROUS

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

C956 SLT is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,496cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.9%.

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 C956 SLT, 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 C956 SLT?

You can check the full history of C956 SLT by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C956 SLT registered?

C956 SLT is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 7 October 1985.

Is C956 SLT safe to buy?

The MOT history for C956 SLT shows 34 tests with a 55.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C956 SLT 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 C956 SLT. 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.