1985 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · C238 FWO
1985 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 11 Oct 1985. Recorded mileage 136,199 miles. MOT expired on 13 Sept 2024.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1985 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Sept 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,199 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
C238 FWO Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 26/09/2024
- 136,199 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C238 FWO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1985 Land Rover Defender (C238 FWO) between September 2022 and September 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 26 September 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced chassis legs (6”; “Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush both front (5.3.2 (c))”; “Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced battery tray (”.
C238 FWO Mileage History
- 06/09/2022134,599 mi
- 15/09/2023135,109 mi+510 mi
- 26/09/2024136,199 mi+1,090 mi
Average of roughly 778 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
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