DVLA verified

JAGUAR XJ1988 · 3.6L PETROL

E57 JCF

Vehicle Insight Summary

1988 JAGUAR XJ — PETROL, 3590cc. This vehicle has 180,265 miles on record. MOT status: no valid MOT. Tax: not taxed. Review the complete history and specs.

MOT
Expired
Expires 29/01/2017
Tax
SORN
Statutory Off Road Notification
Fuel
PETROL
Year
1988
Engine
3590cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The roadworthiness of this vehicle is highly questionable due to a complete lack of recent testing and documented maintenance. The last recorded MOT took place in January 2016 at 180,265 miles, meaning the car has gone uncertified for over ten years. While the 2016 test was a pass, the failure just days prior revealed critical structural deficiencies. The absence of any data since 2016 makes it impossible to determine the current state of the mechanical or safety-critical components. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a vehicle of 38 years years, averaging approximately 4,700 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant stagnation in use. Between August 2013 at 177,744 miles and January 2016, the car covered only 2,521 miles over nearly two years. This suggests the vehicle likely spent extended periods in long-term storage, which often accelerates the degradation of rubber components, fluid seals, and internal corrosion regardless of the low odometer reading. A buyer's inspection must prioritize the structural integrity of the chassis and body. The 2016 failure flagged multiple points of excessive corrosion affecting the strength of the inner sills, chassis mountings, and seat belt anchorages. These are serious structural risks that often worsen rapidly if left untreated. Furthermore, the buyer should inspect the rear suspension, as the record previously noted deteriorated bushes and play in the suspension arms, which would have perished or seized further during a decade of inactivity. Mechanical attention is also required for the braking and power steering systems. The 2013 record indicated multiple oil leaks, power steering seepage, and an exhaust leak, alongside corroded brake disc back plates. Given the decade-long gap in records, any seals are likely compromised and the brake calipers may be seized. The previous history of inner tyre wear on the front also suggests geometry or suspension issues that were never fully addressed.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

Free vehicle health score

45
/ 100 · Below Average

Public record health check: Below Average.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
A score of 45 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for E57JCF

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Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked

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Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: Jun 4, 2026, 12:42 AM
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The roadworthiness of this vehicle is highly questionable due to a complete lack of recent testing and documented maintenance. The last recorded MOT took place in January 2016 at 180,265 miles, meaning the car has gone uncertified for over ten years. While the 2016 test was a pass, the failure just days prior revealed critical structural deficiencies. The absence of any data since 2016 makes it impossible to determine the current state of the mechanical or safety-critical components. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a vehicle of 38 years years, averaging approximately 4,700 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant stagnation in use. Between August 2013 at 177,744 miles and January 2016, the car covered only 2,521 miles over nearly two years. This suggests the vehicle likely spent extended periods in long-term storage, which often accelerates the degradation of rubber components, fluid seals, and internal corrosion regardless of the low odometer reading. A buyer's inspection must prioritize the structural integrity of the chassis and body. The 2016 failure flagged multiple points of excessive corrosion affecting the strength of the inner sills, chassis mountings, and seat belt anchorages. These are serious structural risks that often worsen rapidly if left untreated. Furthermore, the buyer should inspect the rear suspension, as the record previously noted deteriorated bushes and play in the suspension arms, which would have perished or seized further during a decade of inactivity. Mechanical attention is also required for the braking and power steering systems. The 2013 record indicated multiple oil leaks, power steering seepage, and an exhaust leak, alongside corroded brake disc back plates. Given the decade-long gap in records, any seals are likely compromised and the brake calipers may be seized. The previous history of inner tyre wear on the front also suggests geometry or suspension issues that were never fully addressed.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

Checking the history for this 1988 Jaguar Xj (E57 JCF), we found 5 MOT results in the period of August 2013 to January 2016.

With 3 passes and 2 failures, the lifetime MOT pass rate stands at 60%. While not perfect, the history shows a relatively typical pattern of MOT passes and fails.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Lighting (10 issues), Bodywork (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 12 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

A total of 6 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Offside Rear Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)”; “Offside Rear Outer Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mou”; “Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountin”.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

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