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M972 SWY

1994 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires27 May 2027
Tests33 (18 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate54.5%

Mileage

243,652 mi
Last recorded243,652 miles
Recorded on28 May 2026
Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM972 SWY
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

18 pass 15 fail
Pass 28 May 2026 243,652 miles

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

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

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

Fail 27 May 2026 243,652 miles

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

Nearside Rear Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Pass 7 May 2025 238,798 miles
Fail 6 May 2025 238,798 miles

Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Towbar component fractured (6.1.6 (a))

Towbar attachment likely to become detached (6.1.6 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 1 May 2024 235,865 miles
Fail 1 May 2024 235,865 miles

Rear Exhaust system insecure Rubber snapped (6.1.2 (a))

Pass 10 Mar 2023 232,518 miles

Bonnet primary retaining device slightly deteriorated Bonnet pull cable sticking but works fine if pushed back. (3.1 (c))

Fail 24 Jan 2023 232,475 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting corroded and seriously weakened axle mounting for the lower arm and the panhard arm, (small rust hold). (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

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

Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements (4.5.3 (a))

Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded steering colom mounting area rusted next to brake servo mounting area (2.1.2 (e) (i))

Driver's door likely to open inadvertently or not remain closed (6.2.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement panhard rod on the axle (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Pass 19 Oct 2021 229,810 miles
Fail 15 Oct 2021 229,810 miles

Front Registration plate missing (0.1 (a))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

Screeching front brakes

Pass 21 Dec 2018 228,619 miles

Chassis is very rusty

Nearside Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

The electrical wiring seems to be none standard in places

vehicle underneath has had a lot of welding in the past

Fail 18 Dec 2018 228,618 miles

Emissions not tested rear exhaust section missing and down pipe leaking (8.2.2.2 (e))

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases down pipe (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Direction indicator not working front and rear (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Front passenger door catch insecure (6.2.3 (c) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis near stay bar (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced mounting (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Parking brake mechanism/associated mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded footwell (1.1.21 (e) (i))

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

Offside Rear Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt and split pin missing (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Power steering fluid reservoir empty (2.1.5 (b) (ii))

Power steering inoperative (2.1.5 (c) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

vehicle underneath has had a lot of welding in the past

Pass 18 Sep 2017 225,838 miles

The underside of the vehicle has rusted areas within and out side of prescribed areas. the underside has a covering of waxoil.

Fail 15 Sep 2017 225,838 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded top spring saddle (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded x member at shock absorber mouning (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) leaking from a joint at steering pump (2.3.3b)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases silencer to tail pipe (7.1.2)

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded middle x member excessively corroded at a frame mounting (2.4.A.3)

Pass 16 Sep 2016 222,827 miles
Fail 13 Sep 2016 222,826 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

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

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

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

Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm Drop arm is excessively worn and steering box (2.2.B.1b)

Chassis corroded at front offside out rigger

Rear chassis corroded in 2 places

Rear exhaust hanger corroded away but exhaust secure

Pass 4 Sep 2015 217,689 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

chassis and body patched and undersealed

n/s front oil seal weeping

oil leak

rear silencer mount deterorated

Fail 4 Sep 2015 217,689 miles

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

Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)

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

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

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

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

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

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

chassis and body patched and undersealed

n/s front oil seal weeping

oil leak

rear silencer mount deterorated

Pass 8 Sep 2014 214,322 miles

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

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

Oil leak

n/d front swivel hub oil seal leaking

underside corroded and undersealed

Fail 28 Aug 2014 214,232 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Oil leak

n/d front swivel hub oil seal leaking

underside corroded and undersealed

Fail 18 Jul 2014 214,152 miles

Brake pedal has no servo assistance (3.3.B.2)

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

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

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

Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)

Towbar locking device inadequate (6.6.3b)

Vehicle structure inadequately repaired seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

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

Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings (2.2.B.1h) DANGEROUS

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

Oil leak

chassis heavely undersealed

Pass 16 Nov 2012 199,879 miles

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

Tow ball/hitch not fitted at time of test

chassis & brake pipes undersealed

offside rear chassis & chassis rail rusted, checker plate fitted across chassis rail

Fail 7 Feb 2012 190,679 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (3.3.A.1b)

Items removed from driver's view prior to test

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

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

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

front brake discs are corroded

nearside headlight has slight movement when the engine is ticking over

rear brake discs are corroded

Pass 7 Feb 2012 190,679 miles

front brake discs are corroded

Items removed from driver's view prior to test

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

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

nearside headlight has slight movement when the engine is ticking over

rear brake discs are corroded

Pass 9 May 2011 185,012 miles
Fail 3 May 2011 185,011 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 15 Feb 2010 167,114 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 4 Apr 2009 154,591 miles
Pass 2 Apr 2008 146,099 miles
Pass 12 Apr 2007 14,179 miles
Fail 7 Apr 2007 14,172 miles

Offside Front Drag link end ball pin shank loose (2.2.B.1c)

Pass 18 Mar 2006 133,401 miles
Fail 11 Mar 2006 13,329 miles

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

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

M972 SWY is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.5%.

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 M972 SWY, 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 M972 SWY?

You can check the full history of M972 SWY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M972 SWY registered?

M972 SWY is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 7 September 1994.

Is M972 SWY safe to buy?

The MOT history for M972 SWY shows 33 tests with a 54.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M972 SWY 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 M972 SWY. 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.