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M38 SYB

1994 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires3 Aug 2027
Tests36 (21 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate58.3%

Mileage

204,739 mi
Last recorded204,739 miles
Recorded on6 Jul 2026
Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM38 SYB
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1994
ColourGreen
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 15 fail
Pass 6 Jul 2026 204,739 miles

Nearside rear shock loose but unlikely to become detached

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced body mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Fail 6 Jul 2026 204,739 miles

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

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

Nearside rear shock loose but unlikely to become detached

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced body mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Pass 18 Jul 2025 204,596 miles

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced front axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Nail in tyre 2

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis rail (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension rod damaged but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis rail (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing heavily perished (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Fail 14 Jul 2025 204,595 miles

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

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

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced front axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Nail in tyre 2

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis rail (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension rod damaged but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis rail (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing heavily perished (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Pass 31 Jul 2024 204,010 miles

Drivers door corroded

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

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

Fail 17 Jul 2024 204,010 miles

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

Drivers door corroded

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

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

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

Pass 17 Jul 2023 203,343 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced near shock absorber upper mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Pass 18 Jul 2022 202,496 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 14 Jul 2021 201,547 miles

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

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

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

Fail 14 Jul 2021 201,547 miles

Seat belt buckle not functioning as intended drivers (7.1.2 (d))

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

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

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

Pass 15 Jul 2020 201,134 miles

Exhaust mounting defective back box (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Pass 8 Jul 2019 198,325 miles

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

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

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

drivers door corroded inside

Pass 23 Jul 2018 193,981 miles
Fail 9 Jul 2018 193,980 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner wheel arch on chassis rail (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting chassis rail near susp mount (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner wheel arch on chassis rail (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Pass 13 Jul 2017 192,593 miles

Body has slight corrosion drivers door (6.1.B.2)

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

Offside Rear tyre perished

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 12 Jul 2017 192,593 miles

Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced both (1.7.5a)

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

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

Body has slight corrosion drivers door (6.1.B.2)

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

Offside Rear tyre perished

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 21 Jul 2016 187,150 miles

Centre body mounts offside & nearside

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Fail 13 Jul 2016 187,147 miles

Centre Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings offside & nearside out rigger (6.1.B.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting cross member inner & outer (6.6.6)

Centre body mounts offside & nearside

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 16 Jul 2015 182,188 miles

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

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

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

Rear Upper Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

nearside centre body mount corroded (in front of rear wheel)

Fail 6 Jul 2015 182,135 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Upper Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

nearside centre body mount corroded (in front of rear wheel)

Pass 17 Jul 2014 177,970 miles

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

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

Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

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

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

Oil leak

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

both front bumper mounts have slight corrosion

Fail 14 Jul 2014 177,970 miles

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

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

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

Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

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

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

Oil leak

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

both front bumper mounts have slight corrosion

Pass 19 Jul 2013 173,761 miles

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

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

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

both front bumper inner mounts, slight corrosion

Fail 15 Jul 2013 173,751 miles

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

Offside Front Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

Nearside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the left. (1.8)

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

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

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

both front bumper inner mounts, slight corrosion

Pass 11 Jul 2012 167,868 miles

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Oil leak

Fail 4 Jul 2012 197,701 miles

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

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

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Oil leak

Fail 21 Jul 2011 158,467 miles

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

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

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

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

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

Pass 21 Jul 2011 158,467 miles

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

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

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

Pass 16 Jul 2010 149,116 miles

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

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

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

Pass 23 Jul 2009 139,598 miles

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Fail 23 Jul 2009 139,598 miles

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

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

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Pass 4 Aug 2008 130,343 miles

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

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

Fail 7 Jul 2008 129,716 miles

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

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Pass 26 Jul 2007 120,979 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 26 Jul 2007 120,979 miles

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

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

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

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Pass 18 Jul 2006 110,021 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

M38 SYB is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.3%.

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 M38 SYB, 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 M38 SYB?

You can check the full history of M38 SYB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M38 SYB registered?

M38 SYB is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1994.

Is M38 SYB safe to buy?

The MOT history for M38 SYB shows 36 tests with a 58.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M38 SYB 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 M38 SYB. 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.