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M823 VJL

1994 Land Rover Defender

Orange Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires15 Sep 2026
Tests35 (20 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

198,364 mi
Last recorded198,364 miles
Recorded on16 Sep 2025
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

RegistrationM823 VJL
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1994
ColourOrange
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

20 pass 15 fail
Pass 16 Sep 2025 198,364 miles

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

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

Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Pass 15 May 2024 198,252 miles

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

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

Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Pass 2 Jun 2023 198,108 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust corroded

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Underbody corroded

Fail 10 May 2023 198,103 miles

Nearside Front Inner Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.1.2 (e) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective such that emitted light is adversely affected (4.5.1 (b) (ii))

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

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

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

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

all underbody corroded

exhaust corroded

Fail 14 Mar 2023 198,091 miles

Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.1.2 (e) (i))

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting at 2 points, one on inside of rear chassis and one on outside. (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Pass 19 Mar 2022 195,348 miles

Nearside Front Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier under seat (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp does not illuminate (7.1.6 (a))

Fail 16 Mar 2022 195,347 miles

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp does not emit a steady red light (4.5.4 (a))

Offside Rear Towbar component excessively corroded chassis (6.1.6 (a))

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

Nearside Front Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier under seat (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp does not illuminate (7.1.6 (a))

Fail 21 Jan 2022 195,344 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

Suspension rod ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt rear diff upper ball joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected (upper and side) chassis (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all rear brake pipes coved in underseal (1.1.11 (c))

steering wheel is not original fitting and no air bag light showing

Pass 19 Jan 2021 190,904 miles

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

Pass 12 Apr 2019 187,443 miles
Fail 12 Apr 2019 187,443 miles

Front Registration plate missing (0.1 (a))

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

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

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

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

Pass 12 Apr 2018 185,213 miles
Fail 22 Mar 2018 185,173 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

both front indicators insecure

full chassis heavily corroded

small split petrol cap rubber

Pass 16 Mar 2017 183,410 miles

Offside Rear fog lamp slightly discoloured (1.3.2e)

Fail 16 Mar 2017 183,410 miles

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

Offside Rear fog lamp slightly discoloured (1.3.2e)

Fail 14 Mar 2017 183,410 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Emissions not tested (7.3.A.1)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases tail pipe broken (7.1.2)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

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

Offside Rear fog lamp slightly discoloured (1.3.2e)

Pass 12 Mar 2016 178,575 miles

Offside Rear fog lamp slightly discoloured (1.3.2e)

Fail 12 Mar 2016 178,575 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear fog lamp slightly discoloured (1.3.2e)

Pass 28 Feb 2015 171,635 miles
Fail 28 Feb 2015 171,635 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 28 Feb 2014 166,856 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

slight dampness from offside front hub oil seal

Fail 25 Feb 2014 166,696 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

slight dampness from offside front hub oil seal

Pass 20 Mar 2013 158,347 miles
Pass 21 Dec 2012 158,056 miles

Rear Brake Discs Corroded especially On Inner Face

Fail 21 Dec 2012 158,056 miles

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

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

Rear brake discs badly corroded especiaslly inner face

Pass 15 Dec 2011 155,967 miles

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

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

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

Oil leak

both rear coil springs are rusty

chassis on vehicle has surface corrosion

rear diff has slight leak

Fail 14 Dec 2011 155,967 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

both rear coil springs are rusty

chassis on vehicle has surface corrosion

rear diff has slight leak

Pass 10 Dec 2010 153,193 miles

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

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

front brake discs worn thin

rear crossmember corroded

Pass 30 Nov 2009 147,167 miles

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

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

Pass 1 Dec 2008 141,157 miles
Fail 1 Dec 2008 141,157 miles

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

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

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Oil leak

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

Pass 3 Dec 2007 135,002 miles
Fail 28 Nov 2006 129,695 miles

Nearside Rear Braking system leaking (3.6.A.1)

Pass 28 Nov 2006 129,695 miles
Pass 14 Dec 2005 125,919 miles

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

Offside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

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

M823 VJL is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Orange with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

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 M823 VJL, 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 M823 VJL?

You can check the full history of M823 VJL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M823 VJL registered?

M823 VJL is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 11 November 1994.

Is M823 VJL safe to buy?

The MOT history for M823 VJL shows 35 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M823 VJL 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 M823 VJL. 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.