CarVerify

Free Car Check

L657 LAO

1994 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires17 May 2027
Tests32 (18 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate56.3%

Mileage

153,232 mi
Last recorded153,232 miles
Recorded on15 May 2026
Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationL657 LAO
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1994
ColourBlue
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

18 pass 14 fail
Pass 15 May 2026 153,232 miles
Pass 14 May 2025 149,609 miles

Nearside Front Suspension rod mounting modified but not seriously weakened panhard rod mounting to axle (5.3.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Front hub seal leaking

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

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

drivers floor corroded

Pass 16 May 2024 147,828 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive rear axle input seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive various areas front axle (5.3.6 (a) (i))

both front axle swivels weeping

corrosion bulk head behind heater box

offside front lower shock absorber bush worn

offside front shock absorber turret base corroded

panhard rod mounting area nearing corrosion limit nearside front

Fail 13 May 2024 147,824 miles

Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded both (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outrigger both sides (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outrigger forward side (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers insecurely attached nut loose (5.3.2 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive rear axle input seal (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive various areas front axle (5.3.6 (a) (i))

both front axle swivels weeping

corrosion bulk head behind heater box

offside front lower shock absorber bush worn

offside front shock absorber turret base corroded

panhard rod mounting area nearing corrosion limit nearside front

Pass 18 May 2023 145,404 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

both front axle swivels weeping

offside front lower shock absorber bush worn

offside front shock absorber turret base corroded

panhard rod mounting area nearing corrosion limit nearside front

pitting both front hose ferrules

Fail 18 May 2023 145,404 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.5.4 (b))

Offside Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

both front axle swivels weeping

offside front lower shock absorber bush worn

offside front shock absorber turret base corroded

panhard rod mounting area nearing corrosion limit nearside front

pitting both front hose ferrules

Pass 18 May 2022 142,837 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside swivel housing leak

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

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive engine and gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Fail 17 May 2022 142,831 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength front axle at stabaliser mounting n/s (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside swivel housing leak

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

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine and gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

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

Pass 14 Jul 2020 142,345 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated both front flexi hoses (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Direction indicator slightly discoloured both rear (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

both front swivel housings leaking grease

corrosion to floor pan

corrosion to nearside bulk head

corrosion to vehicle chassis

engine oil leak

nearside wing mirror glass cracked

slight oil leak from rear diff

transmission oil leak from gearbox and transfer box

Fail 8 Jul 2020 142,341 miles

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

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced nearside rear chassis (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Brake hose slightly deteriorated both front flexi hoses (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Direction indicator slightly discoloured both rear (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

both front swivel housings leaking grease

corrosion to floor pan

corrosion to nearside bulk head

corrosion to vehicle chassis

engine oil leak

nearside wing mirror glass cracked

slight oil leak from rear diff

transmission oil leak from gearbox and transfer box

Pass 11 Jul 2019 138,269 miles

Coil spring corroded both front (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Coil spring corroded both rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Seat belt slightly damaged drivers seatbelt (7.1.2 (b) (i))

corrosion to nearside bulk head

corrosion to offside floor section

corrosion to vehicle chassis

nearside front swivel housing leaking grease

nearside wing mirror glass cracked

Fail 2 Jul 2019 138,262 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

Brake servo defective or ineffective (1.1.10 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced offside rear chassis (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Steering box drop arm likely to become detached steering arm nut possibly loose (2.1.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Coil spring corroded both front (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Coil spring corroded both rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Seat belt slightly damaged drivers seatbelt (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge offside front tyre on limit (5.2.3 (e))

corrosion to nearside bulk head

corrosion to offside floor section

corrosion to vehicle chassis

nearside front swivel housing leaking grease

nearside wing mirror glass cracked

Pass 29 Jun 2018 130,010 miles

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

Front Lower both bushes perished

Front both flexi brake pipe ferrules corroded

Nearside Front door mirror cracked

Nearside Front swivel housing leaking oil

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

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

Offside Front floor section corroded

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Diff leaking oil

Rear Fulcrum joint split pin missing

engine oil leak

rear fog light working intermittently

Pass 26 Jun 2017 122,521 miles

Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil both (2.7.3)

both rear lower spring bases corroded

corrosion and hole offside front floor, outside prescribed area

corrosion both rear chassis legs

rear crossmember corroded

side facing seat belts not all visible to test

Pass 1 Jul 2016 114,072 miles

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front tyres is starting to perish

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

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

Fail 29 Jun 2016 114,063 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end loose (2.2.B.1d)

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front tyres is starting to perish

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

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

Pass 27 May 2015 105,931 miles

Chassis corroded

Engine/transmition oil leaks

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

Fuel tank support guard corroded

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

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

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

Rear n/s + o/s shock absorber bush washers deteriorated

Slight play in front prop u.j

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

Fail 26 May 2015 105,927 miles

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

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

Chassis corroded

Engine/transmition oil leaks

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

Fuel tank support guard corroded

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

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

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

Rear n/s + o/s shock absorber bush washers deteriorated

Slight play in front prop u.j

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

Fail 7 May 2015 105,889 miles

Nearside Front Drag link end socket spring weak (2.2.B.1e)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chassis corroded

Engine / transmision oil leaks

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

Fuel tank support gaurd corroded

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

O/S/F lower bulkhead corroded

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

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

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

Rear n/s + o/s shock absorber bush washers deteriorated

Service brake efficiency 42%

Slight bind on o/s/r brake

Slight play in front prop u.j

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

Pass 20 Jun 2014 103,287 miles

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

Fail 17 Jun 2014 103,287 miles

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

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

Pass 19 Jun 2013 98,663 miles
Fail 11 Jun 2013 98,559 miles

All position lamps adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Nearside Headlamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.7.5c)

Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Offside Headlamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.7.5c)

Offside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Pass 6 Sep 2012 95,742 miles

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.D.4)

complete exhaust corroded

Pass 5 Sep 2011 94,473 miles

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

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

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

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

dust cover split on nsf track rod end

slight play in steering drop arm ball joint

Fail 5 Sep 2011 94,473 miles

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

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

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

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

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

dust cover split on nsf track rod end

slight play in steering drop arm ball joint

Pass 9 Sep 2010 91,337 miles

rear discs corr0ded

Fail 2 Sep 2010 91,330 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear fog lamp switch missing (1.3.1a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

oil leak from both front hubs

rear discs corr0ded

Pass 19 May 2008 86,494 miles
Fail 14 May 2008 86,494 miles

Front registration plate character(s) likely to be misread (6.3.4b)

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

Rear registration plate character(s) likely to be misread (6.3.4b)

Fail 4 Oct 2006 79,979 miles

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

Pass 4 Oct 2006 79,979 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

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

L657 LAO is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.3%.

Across all 1994 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.3% with a typical mileage of 120,267 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 L657 LAO, 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 32 years old, this Land Rover Defender is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of L657 LAO?

You can check the full history of L657 LAO by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L657 LAO registered?

L657 LAO is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 January 1994.

Is L657 LAO safe to buy?

The MOT history for L657 LAO shows 32 tests with a 56.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L657 LAO 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 L657 LAO. 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.