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M997 SYB

1994 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires3 Feb 2027
Tests35 (21 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate60%

Mileage

135,119 mi
Last recorded135,119 miles
Recorded on4 Feb 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

RegistrationM997 SYB
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 14 fail
Pass 4 Feb 2026 135,119 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 6 Jan 2026 135,045 miles

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 Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 30 Dec 2024 132,221 miles

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fail 30 Dec 2024 132,221 miles

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

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play drop arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

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

Pass 5 Jan 2024 129,271 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Fail 3 Jan 2024 129,271 miles

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

Offside Front Fuel system component leaking lift pump (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too far to the right (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 20 Jan 2023 126,442 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 17 Jan 2023 126,442 miles

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

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

Rear Brake hose leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.12 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

Offside Front Valve stem slightly damaged (5.2.3 (j))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 15 Jan 2022 123,619 miles

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

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

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

Fail 14 Jan 2022 123,619 miles

Front Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened (7.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.1.5 (a))

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

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

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

Pass 14 Jan 2021 120,649 miles

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

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

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Offside Rear Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

Fail 13 Jan 2021 120,649 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn radial arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn radial arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Central Front Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Offside Rear Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

Pass 23 Jan 2020 117,484 miles

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

Fail 22 Jan 2020 117,484 miles

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

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

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

Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) drop arm loose (2.3 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 24 Jan 2019 114,669 miles
Pass 25 Jan 2018 112,387 miles

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 17 Jan 2017 109,155 miles
Pass 12 Jan 2016 106,044 miles

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

Oil leak

Fail 12 Jan 2016 106,044 miles

Nearside Front Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Oil leak

Pass 13 Jan 2015 103,796 miles

nearside tyre showing signs of cracking

Fail 13 Jan 2015 103,796 miles

Brake servo leaking (3.6.C.1c)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

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

damper bush is worn

nearside tyre showing signs of cracking

washer jets could do with adjusting

Pass 13 Jan 2014 100,833 miles

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

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

slight play in offside front wheel bearing

Fail 13 Jan 2014 100,833 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

Offside Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

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

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

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

slight play in offside front wheel bearing

Pass 11 Jan 2013 97,569 miles

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

Pass 12 Jan 2012 93,784 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

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

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

Fail 10 Jan 2012 93,784 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

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

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

Pass 11 Jan 2011 90,806 miles
Pass 12 Jan 2010 87,727 miles
Fail 11 Jan 2010 87,727 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 13 Jan 2009 84,285 miles
Fail 13 Jan 2009 84,285 miles

Front registration plate letter/figure incomplete (6.3.1c)

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

Pass 15 Jan 2008 81,613 miles

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

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

front uj flange worn

Pass 12 Jan 2007 78,813 miles

slight leak on oil cooler pipe

Fail 17 Jan 2006 75,923 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete (1.5.A1b)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 17 Jan 2006 75,923 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

M997 SYB is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60%.

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 M997 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 M997 SYB?

You can check the full history of M997 SYB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M997 SYB registered?

M997 SYB is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1994.

Is M997 SYB safe to buy?

The MOT history for M997 SYB shows 35 tests with a 60% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M997 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 M997 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.