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M523 SYB

1994 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 Aug 2027
Tests29 (18 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate62.1%

Mileage

165,365 mi
Last recorded165,365 miles
Recorded on17 Aug 2026
Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM523 SYB
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 11 fail
Pass 17 Aug 2026 165,365 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

play in steering drop arm

Fail 17 Aug 2026 165,365 miles

Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

play in steering drop arm

Pass 6 Aug 2025 165,189 miles

Front Steering box drop arm slight play

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

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt steering box drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Fail 5 Aug 2025 165,189 miles

Front Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle both front tyres fouling suspension on full lock (5.2.3 (f))

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

Front Steering box drop arm slight play

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

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt steering box drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering box drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Pass 14 Aug 2024 164,942 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Pass 22 Aug 2023 164,749 miles

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Steering linkage ball joint has slight play drop arm from steering box (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Pass 23 Aug 2019 164,482 miles

Both front shock absorber turrets corroded on inside

NSR chassis has slight corrosion by coil spring

Offside Front Lower Chassis has slight corrosion by Radius arm mount

Slight play in steering,

Pass 8 Aug 2018 161,241 miles
Fail 30 Jul 2018 161,232 miles

Central Upper Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Bulkhead outrigger (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake disc contaminated (1.1.14 (b))

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

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

Nearside Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Centre lower (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Centre lower (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Hazard warning tell-tale is not a flashing light (4.9.2 (a))

Pass 1 Jun 2017 158,734 miles

Front wheel bearings have slight voise

Rear axle has corrosion

Rear chassis corroded

Steering box has slight leak and slight play

Pass 26 Feb 2016 156,509 miles
Fail 24 Feb 2016 156,509 miles

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

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

Pass 18 Mar 2015 153,995 miles

Various oil leaks

Fail 16 Mar 2015 153,995 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber detached (2.7.2b) DANGEROUS

Various oil leaks

Pass 19 Mar 2014 150,100 miles

Offside Front Ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Pass 20 Feb 2013 146,079 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

Pass 16 Nov 2011 140,831 miles

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

Oil leak

Propshaft component defective

Pass 5 Nov 2010 136,895 miles

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

front brake discs worn

Fail 3 Nov 2010 136,895 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has insufficient room to move, resulting in fouling on any part (3.6.B.4a)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Passenger's seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

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

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

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

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

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

Propshaft component defective

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

front brake discs worn

Pass 6 Nov 2009 132,849 miles

rear prop u/j small play rear axle rusted

Fail 3 Nov 2009 132,848 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush (2.5.B.2b)

Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering (2.5.A.3a)

Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Offside Rear brake caliper has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)

Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)

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

rear prop u/j small play rear axle rusted

Pass 4 Nov 2008 128,979 miles

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

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

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

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

tank mounting rusted

Fail 27 Oct 2008 128,979 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Front Intermediate drop arm insecure (2.2.B.1a)

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

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Rear Axle beam cracked (2.5.A.5a)

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

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

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

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

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

tank mounting rusted

Pass 19 Oct 2007 125,918 miles

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

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

both front wipers slight split

Fail 18 Oct 2007 125,918 miles

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

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

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

both front wipers slight split

Pass 20 Oct 2006 122,743 miles
Fail 18 Oct 2006 122,743 miles

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

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

rear number plate fading

Pass 27 Oct 2005 119,441 miles
Fail 26 Oct 2005 119,441 miles

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

Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Registration plate lamp insecure (1.1.C.1c)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

corrosion at o/s/r outrigger and body mount but not seriously weakened

front discs wearing thin

n/s/r tyre perishing

oil leak

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

M523 SYB is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.1%.

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 M523 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 M523 SYB?

You can check the full history of M523 SYB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M523 SYB registered?

M523 SYB is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 16 September 1994.

Is M523 SYB safe to buy?

The MOT history for M523 SYB shows 29 tests with a 62.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M523 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 M523 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.