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M778 YEW

1994 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Jul 2027
Tests39 (21 pass, 18 fail)
Pass rate53.8%

Mileage

169,138 mi
Last recorded169,138 miles
Recorded on24 Jul 2026
Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM778 YEW
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 18 fail
Pass 24 Jul 2026 169,138 miles

Hazard warning tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Prop shaft flexible coupling slightly deteriorated (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Fail 23 Jul 2026 169,137 miles

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Offside Front Seat belt buckle not functioning as intended (7.1.2 (d))

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Hazard warning tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Prop shaft flexible coupling slightly deteriorated (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Pass 26 Jun 2025 165,838 miles

Hazard warning tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Fail 23 Jun 2025 165,836 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases ender bonnet (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting outrigger (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt A arm (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Rear Inner Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Hazard warning tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Pass 11 Jun 2024 162,417 miles

Central Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test

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

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

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

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

Pass 28 Jun 2023 159,705 miles

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Fail 27 Jun 2023 159,703 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment appears to be loose (2.1.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play steering arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Pass 16 Jun 2022 156,199 miles

Central Front unable to check seatbelt

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

Offside Rear light guard loose

Rear spare wheel missing leaving exposed studs

Fail 15 Jun 2022 156,193 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Prop shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Central Front unable to check seatbelt

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

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

Offside Rear light guard loose

Rear spare wheel missing leaving exposed studs

Pass 23 Jun 2021 152,544 miles

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

Fail 23 Jun 2021 152,544 miles

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

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

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

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

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 2 x front (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

Pass 9 Jun 2020 148,879 miles

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

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Fail 9 Jun 2020 148,879 miles

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) showing white light to the rear (4.3.3 (a) (ii))

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

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 14 Jun 2019 145,520 miles

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

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

Stop lamp(s) light intensity obviously reduced (4.3.3 (a) (i))

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

Pass 22 Jun 2018 142,605 miles
Fail 21 Jun 2018 142,605 miles

Front Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play Drop link (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (7.1.2 (e))

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

Passenger's seat insecure (6.2.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 27 Jun 2017 139,898 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Nearside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) slightly discoloured (1.1.A.3e)

Nearside Stop lamp slightly discoloured (1.2.1e)

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded to rear flexible brake hose (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Oil leak

Propshaft universal joint worn

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

battery light is slightly illuminated

both rear tyres are very badly perished

clutch pedal anti slip provision is missing

Pass 21 Jun 2016 136,078 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear position lamp(s) slightly discoloured (1.1.A.3e)

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

both rear tyres are very badly perished

clutch pedal anti slip provision is missing

Oil leak

Fail 16 Jun 2016 136,067 miles

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

Nearside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

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

Offside Stop lamp emits other than a steady red light (1.2.1e)

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

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

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear position lamp(s) slightly discoloured (1.1.A.3e)

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

both rear tyres are very badly perished

clutch pedal anti slip provision is missing

Oil leak

Pass 14 May 2015 130,801 miles

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

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

Oil leak

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

both rear tyres perished

osf tyre worn on inside edge

Fail 12 May 2015 130,797 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.2.B.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Oil leak

both rear tyres perished

osf tyre worn on inside edge

Pass 14 May 2014 124,485 miles

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Oil leak

clutch pedal rubber is missing

rear tyres are perished

Fail 12 May 2014 124,477 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Steering pivot point has excessive play (2.2.B.1g)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Oil leak

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

clutch pedal rubber is missing

offside front hub seal is leaking

rear tyres are perished

Pass 22 Apr 2013 117,428 miles

Oil leak

Fail 17 Apr 2013 117,379 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Oil leak

Pass 19 Apr 2012 111,862 miles

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)

Oil leak

offside front hubseal is leaking

Fail 16 Apr 2012 111,814 miles

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

Offside Front Brake pipe fouled by moving parts (3.6.B.2a)

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

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

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

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

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)

Oil leak

offside front hubseal is leaking

Pass 25 Feb 2011 103,955 miles
Fail 21 Feb 2011 103,919 miles

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

Offside Front Stub axle has excessive vertical movement between stub axle and axle beam (2.5.A.1a)

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Fail 4 Feb 2011 103,518 miles

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

Fuel tank leaking (7.2.3)

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

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

Offside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play (2.2.B.1g)

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

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.2.B.1b)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Oil leak

front number plate damaged but still able to read

nearside front head lamp lens damaged but not effecting image

Fail 15 Feb 2010 95,831 miles

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 15 Feb 2010 95,831 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 16 Jan 2009 87,184 miles

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

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 17 Jan 2008 78,491 miles
Fail 17 Jan 2008 78,491 miles

Indicator switch insecure (1.4.A.1)

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

Position lamp switch insecure (1.1.A.1)

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b) DANGEROUS

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

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

both front steering swivels pitted

steering damper front bush slightly worn

Pass 3 Jan 2007 69,733 miles
Fail 3 Jan 2007 69,733 miles

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Pass 19 Dec 2005 62,282 miles
Fail 19 Dec 2005 62,282 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b) DANGEROUS

steering joint dust cover split/missing

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

M778 YEW is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 39 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.8%.

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 M778 YEW, 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 M778 YEW?

You can check the full history of M778 YEW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M778 YEW registered?

M778 YEW is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1994.

Is M778 YEW safe to buy?

The MOT history for M778 YEW shows 39 tests with a 53.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M778 YEW 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 M778 YEW. 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.