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M257 PHD

1994 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires27 Jul 2027
Tests34 (21 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate61.8%

Mileage

229,710 mi
Last recorded229,710 miles
Recorded on20 Jul 2026
Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM257 PHD
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1994
ColourRed
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

21 pass 13 fail
Pass 20 Jul 2026 229,710 miles

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords various flint cuts (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge on wear bars /perishing (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front weight plate damaged

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

Fail 16 Jul 2026 229,703 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

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

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords various flint cuts (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge on wear bars /perishing (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front weight plate damaged

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Pass 24 Jul 2025 221,642 miles

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Corrosion hole front bulkhead nr gearbox arch

Nearside Front Minor Hub seal oil leak

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Transfer box rear output (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush N/S and O/S (5.3.2 (c))

Several unidentified wires hanging but not likely to catch

Fail 22 Jul 2025 221,634 miles

Main beam tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Corrosion hole front bulkhead nr gearbox arch

Nearside Front Minor Hub seal oil leak

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Transfer box rear output (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush N/S and O/S (5.3.2 (c))

Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light Fog light cracked but doesn't work so may emit light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

Several unidentified wires hanging but not likely to catch

Pass 15 Jul 2024 214,665 miles

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

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced windscreen surrounding area/bulk head area corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front floor pan corroded

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

Fail 10 Jul 2024 214,657 miles

Central Front Obligatory mirror missing rear view (3.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

Pass 18 Jul 2023 206,882 miles

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

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Pass 22 Jul 2022 200,457 miles

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

Fail 19 Jul 2022 200,457 miles

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Pass 28 Jul 2021 195,246 miles

Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security nearside and offside floor pan corroded near pedal area (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Pass 10 Aug 2020 186,129 miles
Pass 30 Aug 2019 180,507 miles

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

Fail 30 Aug 2019 180,493 miles

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

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

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

Pass 22 Aug 2018 172,222 miles

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

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

Fail 22 Aug 2018 172,222 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 30 Aug 2017 162,169 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Rear silencer (7.1.2)

Fail 24 Aug 2017 162,155 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means (7.2.4b)

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Near steering box (2.2.C.1h)

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Rear silencer (7.1.2)

Pass 23 Aug 2016 151,277 miles

Centre Front Body has slight corrosion bulk head (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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 rear bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive radius arm rear anchorage chassis (2.4.A.3)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive radius arm to chassis anchorage area (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement front bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 19 Aug 2016 151,152 miles

Centre Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings middle outrigger member missing from chassis to body (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

Offside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush to axle (2.4.G.2)

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

Centre Front Body has slight corrosion bulk head (6.1.B.2)

Centre Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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 rear bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive radius arm rear anchorage chassis (2.4.A.3)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive radius arm to chassis anchorage area (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Front Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement front bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 21 Aug 2015 144,710 miles
Fail 14 Aug 2015 144,710 miles

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

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

Fail 18 Aug 2014 141,282 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

near side hub seal leaking

Pass 18 Aug 2014 141,282 miles

Offside Rear Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

near side hub seal leaking

Pass 21 Aug 2013 135,457 miles

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

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

Fail 16 Aug 2013 135,457 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Rear fog lamp excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.3.2d)

Steering column universal joint insecure (2.1.5)

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' (8.3.1e)

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

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

turbo boost hose split

Pass 10 Aug 2012 129,771 miles

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

Pass 10 Aug 2011 121,779 miles

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

Pass 23 Apr 2011 121,415 miles
Fail 20 Apr 2011 121,400 miles

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

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Pass 12 Oct 2009 114,862 miles
Pass 13 Oct 2008 105,934 miles
Pass 15 Oct 2007 94,610 miles
Fail 3 Oct 2006 82,790 miles

Offside Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released (1.2.1e)

Pass 3 Oct 2006 82,790 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

M257 PHD is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.8%.

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 M257 PHD, 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 M257 PHD?

You can check the full history of M257 PHD by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M257 PHD registered?

M257 PHD is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1994.

Is M257 PHD safe to buy?

The MOT history for M257 PHD shows 34 tests with a 61.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M257 PHD 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 M257 PHD. 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.