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C97 MNU

1985 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2500cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires11 Nov 2025
Tests26 (15 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate57.7%

Mileage

194,447 mi
Last recorded194,447 miles
Recorded on12 Nov 2024
Typical for 1985 Land Rover Defender122,807 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC97 MNU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1985
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,500cc

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

15 pass 11 fail
Pass 12 Nov 2024 194,447 miles

General chassis corrosion

Nearside Front end of axle damp

Nearside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged glass cracked (3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front end of axle damp

Offside Rear fog lamp lens damaged and repaired with tape

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

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

Fail 18 Oct 2024 194,435 miles

Offside Rear Brake disc contaminated (1.1.14 (b))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Underside of the vehicle showing signs of corrosion

Pass 19 Aug 2023 193,568 miles

Nearside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive axle joint (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt buckle slightly damaged (7.1.2 (d))

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

Pass 4 Dec 2020 189,289 miles
Pass 5 Jun 2019 183,058 miles

Nearside Front Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front side repeater insecure

Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

Wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch all ()

indicator tell tale not working

Fail 30 May 2019 183,056 miles

Front Registration plate missing (0.1 (a))

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Rear Prop shaft securing bolt loose front flange (6.1.7 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush both lower (5.3.2 (c))

Rear Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn both (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front side repeater insecure

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

Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

Wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch all ()

indicator tell tale not working

Pass 29 May 2018 177,088 miles

Front Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Panhard rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Fail 21 Apr 2018 176,957 miles

Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber insecure (2.7.2b)

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

Nearside Rear brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Nearside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber insecure (2.7.2b)

Offside Rear brake disc contaminated by oil (3.5.1h)

Offside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Propshaft universal joint worn ()

Pass 28 Apr 2017 172,619 miles

Nearside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Fail 27 Apr 2017 172,615 miles

Front registration plate not fixed vertically, or as close to vertical as is reasonably practical (6.3.2c)

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

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

Offside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded out rig (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 19 Feb 2016 165,137 miles

Offside Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Fail 16 Feb 2016 165,137 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases rear pipe missing (7.1.2)

Nearside Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

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

Nearside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

Nearside Statutory seat belt of the wrong type. (5.1.1)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade missing (8.2.2)

Offside Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

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

Offside Side repeater missing (1.4.A.2b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 7 Apr 2015 161,453 miles

rear crossmember corroded

seat box crossmember cut out

Fail 30 Mar 2015 161,436 miles

Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

Emissions not tested (7.3.A.1)

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

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

Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure (5.2.1a)

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure (5.2.1a)

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

Steering column flexible coupling has excessive play (2.1.5)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Coolant leak

rear crossmember corroded

seat box crossmember cut out

Fail 12 Feb 2015 161,392 miles

Brake performance not tested (3.7.A.1)

Centre Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

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

Emissions not tested (7.3.A.1)

Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

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 Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Seat belt affected by an insecure seat fixing (5.2.1b)

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt affected by an insecure seat fixing (5.2.1b)

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

Steering column flexible coupling has excessive play (2.1.5)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Intermediate drop arm insecure (2.2.B.1a) DANGEROUS

cant engage reverse

rear crossmember corroded

seat box crossmember cut out

Pass 7 Mar 2014 158,211 miles
Fail 5 Mar 2014 158,160 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

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

Pass 12 Apr 2013 154,915 miles

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

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

Pass 20 Jan 2012 154,495 miles

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

Fail 20 Jan 2012 154,495 miles

Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Pass 13 Nov 2010 152,507 miles

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

Oil leak

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

Steering system slightly rough (2.2.D.1)

Fail 12 Nov 2010 152,506 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

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

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

Rear Exhaust has a part missing (7.1.1a)

Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Oil leak

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

Steering system slightly rough (2.2.D.1)

Pass 8 Apr 2009 99,905 miles

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

Pass 28 Mar 2008 99,101 miles
Pass 24 Nov 2006 97,425 miles

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

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

rear number plate

various areas has corrosion but not holed at the time off test

Fail 30 Oct 2006 97,410 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C97 MNU is a 1985 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,500cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 26 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.7%.

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 C97 MNU, 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 C97 MNU?

You can check the full history of C97 MNU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C97 MNU registered?

C97 MNU is a 1985 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1985.

Is C97 MNU safe to buy?

The MOT history for C97 MNU shows 26 tests with a 57.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C97 MNU 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 C97 MNU. 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.