1985 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · C317 NRM
1985 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 11 Nov 1985. Recorded mileage 301,129 miles. MOT expired on 16 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1985 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 301,129 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.
C317 NRM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2025
- 301,129 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C317 NRM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1985 Land Rover Defender (C317 NRM) between July 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Central Prop shaft securing bolt loose (6.1.7 (a) (i))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))”; “Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevent”.
C317 NRM Mileage History
- 19/07/2023294,839 mi
- 08/08/2023294,862 mi+23 mi
- 09/08/2023294,872 mi+10 mi
- 18/10/2024297,852 mi+2,980 mi
- 17/10/2025301,129 mi+3,277 mi
Average of roughly 2,799 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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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