1989 Jaguar XJR 3.6L Petrol · A15 LAR
1989 Jaguar XJR (3.6L, petrol). First registered 09/02/1989. Recorded mileage 76,395 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJR
- Year / Origin
- 1989 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/07/2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 76,395 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1989
- Engine
- 3590cc
A15 LAR Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/07/2023
- 76,395 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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A15 LAR Mileage History
- 17/12/202176,354 mi
- 17/12/202176,359 mi+5 mi
- 07/07/202376,395 mi+36 mi
Average of roughly 26 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
A15 LAR 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 1989 Jaguar Xjr (A15 LAR) between December 2021 and July 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 July 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Suspension (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: “Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))”; “Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A potentially desirable classic with remarkably low mileage for its age. Proceed with caution regarding long-term maintenance, but the recent MOT history is clean.
When considering this 3.6L petrol XJR, your primary focus should be on verifying the mechanical integrity of the engine and cooling systems, as MOT records only capture basic safety and emissions compliance. While the 2023 MOT passed with no defects, ensure you ask for documentation regarding any recent fluid changes or timing belt replacements, which are critical for a vehicle of this age.
Negotiate based on the documented service history rather than the MOT status alone. Because this is a high-displacement engine, check for any signs of oil leaks or cooling system issues that might not have triggered an MOT failure but could indicate significant upcoming costs. Ensure the blue paintwork and trim are consistent with the low mileage recorded.
Running this Jaguar will be significantly more expensive than a modern equivalent. The 3590cc engine will result in high fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving, and you should expect to be in a higher insurance group due to the model's performance pedigree.
Maintenance costs for a 1989 Jaguar can be unpredictable. While the MOT history doesn't show recent failures, the aggregate data for this model highlights exhaust, corrosion, and tyre issues as common failure points. Budget for specialist parts and labour, as typical maintenance for a vehicle of this era often exceeds the costs of a standard commuter car.
Based on the aggregate data for this model, pay close attention to the exhaust system and the underside of the vehicle for signs of corrosion. Even though the 2023 MOT recorded no defects, age-related rust is a primary failure reason for this specific Jaguar model in the wider dataset.
Additionally, inspect the condition of the tyres and the braking system. While the 2021 failure was recorded without specific defect details, it is wise to check for uneven tyre wear or perished rubber, which are common issues for vehicles that have covered low annual mileages like this one.
This 1989 Jaguar XJR is a rare example of a late-80s performance saloon, showing just 76,395 miles over its 37-year lifespan. The MOT history shows a relatively recent period of stability, with no defects recorded in the 2021 or 2023 tests. Given the model's aggregate data shows an average annual mileage of only 2,740, this vehicle's usage pattern aligns with typical low-use classic profiles.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.4% average MOT pass rate, with common failures linked to exhaust, corrosion, and tyres.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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