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C957 XPR

1985 Land Rover Defender

Black Diesel 2496cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires4 Oct 2026
Tests37 (20 pass, 17 fail)
Pass rate54.1%

Mileage

156,477 mi
Last recorded156,477 miles
Recorded on18 Sep 2025
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC957 XPR
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourBlack
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 17 fail
Pass 18 Sep 2025 156,477 miles
Fail 18 Sep 2025 156,477 miles

Nearside Front Position lamp with a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Pass 17 Sep 2024 150,055 miles

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

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

Fail 16 Sep 2024 150,054 miles

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

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

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

Pass 26 Sep 2023 144,735 miles

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

Fail 22 Sep 2023 144,734 miles

Offside Front Brake prescribed area is excessively corroded and functionality of the braking system is affected Pedal box area (1.1.21 (e) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Pass 28 Sep 2022 139,299 miles

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Front Seat belt slightly damaged both (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front seat movement

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

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

Fail 27 Sep 2022 139,297 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt steering box arm (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Front Seat belt slightly damaged both (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front seat movement

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

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

both front tyres 3mm,cracking and slightly damaged

Pass 23 Sep 2021 134,782 miles
Fail 20 Sep 2021 134,776 miles

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases FRONT PIPE FLEXIBLE SECTION BROKEN AND LEAKING (6.1.2 (a))

Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play STEERING BOX DROP ARM BALL JOINT EXCESS PLAY AND BOOT SPLIT (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 16 Sep 2020 128,540 miles
Fail 14 Sep 2020 128,535 miles

Nearside Front Brake disc contaminated CONTAMINATED WITH OIL (1.1.14 (b))

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) contaminated (1.1.13 (b))

Offside Front Brake disc contaminated CONTAMINATED WITH OIL (1.1.14 (b))

Offside Front Brake pad(s) contaminated (1.1.13 (b))

Pass 12 Sep 2019 123,261 miles

Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened front and rear (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front tyre cracking

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front seat base loose

Offside Front tyre cracking and nail

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

Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements tell tale not working (4.5.3 (a) (i))

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

park brake effort only just met

Fail 11 Sep 2019 123,260 miles

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

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

Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened front and rear (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front tyre cracking

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front seat base loose

Offside Front tyre cracking and nail

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

Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements tell tale not working (4.5.3 (a) (i))

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

park brake effort only just met

Pass 17 Sep 2018 116,123 miles

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

Front Seat belt slightly damaged both (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front tyre cracking and close to limit

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front tyre cracking and nail

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

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

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

both front hubs leaking

Fail 11 Sep 2018 116,106 miles

Front Registration plate inscription illegible obscured (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Brake disc contaminated (1.1.14 (b))

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) contaminated (1.1.13 (b))

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

Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Rear fog lamp switch inoperative tell tale (4.5.3 (a) (ii))

Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Front Seat belt slightly damaged both (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front tyre cracking and close to limit

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front brake pad pin missing

Offside Front tyre cracking and nail

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

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

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

both front hubs leaking

park brake effort only just met it would appear the braking system requires adjustment or repair

Pass 19 Sep 2017 109,154 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front wheel bearing has slight play both (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front brake back plate loose

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

brake fluid reservoir half full

front and rear tyres cracking

Fail 18 Sep 2017 109,152 miles

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front wheel bearing has slight play both (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front brake back plate loose

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

brake fluid reservoir half full

front and rear tyres cracking

Pass 5 Oct 2016 101,939 miles

50% of numberplate lamp working

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Oil leak ()

Fail 29 Sep 2016 101,936 miles

Fuel system component leaking pump area (7.2.3)

Nearside Front brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

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

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

50% of numberplate lamp working

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear direction indicator faded

Oil leak ()

Pass 17 Sep 2015 95,424 miles

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Fail 14 Sep 2015 95,420 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade missing (8.2.2)

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

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

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

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 23 Sep 2014 88,935 miles

Oil leak

gear box oil leak rear axle oil leak

Fail 11 Sep 2014 88,922 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) insecure (3.5.1g)

Nearside Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

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

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

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

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

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

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

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

Oil leak

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

gear box oil leak rear axle oil leak

Pass 23 Sep 2013 82,322 miles

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

offside front axle mount pin/bush slight play (attention required)

Fail 11 Sep 2013 82,321 miles

Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)

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

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area in excess of a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

offside front axle mount pin/bush slight play (attention required)

rear propshaft, front uj worn (DANGEROUS!!!)

Pass 24 Sep 2012 76,337 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Fail 14 Sep 2012 76,337 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision worn smooth (3.3.A.1b)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 5 Aug 2011 69,573 miles

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both front seat belt buckle covers missing

chassis undersealed

front to rear and both front brake pipes undersealed

knock from underside on power take up

offside and nearside front brake back plate nuts missing

rear propshaft front uj worn

Fail 3 Aug 2011 69,571 miles

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

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust has a part missing (7.1.1a)

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

Nearside Outer Ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting insecure (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

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

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both front seat belt buckle covers missing

chassis undersealed

front to rear and both front brake pipes undersealed

knock from underside on power take up

offside and nearside front brake back plate nuts missing

rear propshaft front uj worn

Pass 13 Aug 2010

Direction indicators slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

Oil leak

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both front axle gaitors split

both rear and offside front tyres cracking and cuts

brake p[ipes undersealed

offside front and nearside rear stabilizer bushes worn

Fail 10 Aug 2010 69,571 miles

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Direction indicators slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

Oil leak

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both front axle gaitors split

both rear and offside front tyres cracking and cuts

brake p[ipes undersealed

offside front and nearside rear stabilizer bushes worn

Fail 2 Jun 2009 64,127 miles

Front registration plate missing (6.3.1a)

Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both front indicators and nearside rear position lamp fading

brake pipes undersealed

cuts in tyres

modified vehicle

underside undersealed

Pass 2 Jun 2009 64,127 miles

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both front indicators and nearside rear position lamp fading

brake pipes undersealed

cuts in tyres

modified vehicle

underside undersealed

Pass 12 May 2008 60,721 miles
Pass 24 May 2007 45,211 miles
Pass 4 May 2006 20,545 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

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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

C957 XPR is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Black with a 2,496cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 37 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.1%.

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 C957 XPR, 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 C957 XPR?

You can check the full history of C957 XPR by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C957 XPR registered?

C957 XPR is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 22 November 1985.

Is C957 XPR safe to buy?

The MOT history for C957 XPR shows 37 tests with a 54.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C957 XPR 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 C957 XPR. 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.