1989 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Petrol · F870 FPW

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 June 2024 resulted in a PASS, although the test carried two Minor defects and three advisories that should be examined closely. The Minor items concerned both windscreen wiper blades being defective, which is a straightforward replacement but worth noting that the deterioration of both sides simultaneously often indicates prolonged standing or general neglect of routine consumables. The advisories comprised product contamination on both headlamp lenses, which can reduce light output noticeably at night and will progressively worsen without polishing or replacement, and light oil misting from the offside rear shock absorber, which is an early indicator that the damper seal is beginning to fail. Looking at the preceding years, the maintenance trend shows a degree of deterioration: the 2022 and 2021 tests were entirely clean, but the 2023 test flagged all four brake discs as worn, pitted, or scored along with a thinning offside rear brake pad, and the 2024 test has now added suspension and wiper concerns. This trajectory suggests that deferred maintenance rather than active neglect is the prevailing theme, but it does indicate the vehicle is entering a phase where multiple wear items are reaching the threshold of needing attention. The recorded mileage of 64,715 miles across approximately 37 years equates to an average of around 1,749 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for any road vehicle and particularly low for a Jaguar XJS that would historically have been used as a grand tourer. There is a notable gap in the MOT history between 2018 and 2021, although this most likely reflects the vehicle being placed off-road rather than a genuine cessation of use, as MOT testing was suspended during parts of that period. Such low annual mileage carries its own set of mechanical implications quite distinct from high-mileage wear. Brake discs and calipers can corrode and seize from prolonged standing, resulting in uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox or differential oils degrade by calendar age rather than mileage, while rubber components including tyres, coolant hoses, drive belts, and fuel lines perish regardless of how little the car has been driven. The presence of original or aged brake discs pitted on all four corners in 2023 is entirely consistent with a vehicle that sees limited regular use. From a prospective buyer's perspective, the recurring advisories warrant direct physical verification before purchase. The rear shock absorber oil misting noted in 2024 should be inspected by hand for fresh seepage and the damper body examined for streaks below the seal, as shock replacement on these vehicles is not a trivial undertaking. The 2017 failure for a rear shock absorber with a serious fluid leak demonstrates that this corner has a history of damper deterioration, so a thorough test drive over uneven surfaces is essential to listen for clonking noises that often accompany failing rear dampers and worn suspension bushes. The 2017 and 2018 advisories for rear suspension arm and trailing arm bushes showing perishing mean the rear suspension is the weak point of this chassis; on test, accelerate and decelerate firmly while listening for rear-end thuds or feeling for vagueness over bumps, and visually inspect the bushes for cracking, splitting, or compression set. The brake disc advisories from 2023 should be confirmed by inspecting the disc faces for lipping, uneven wear, or corrosion pitting that has deepened since the test, and the offside rear pad should be measured for remaining thickness. In addition to the documented items, the age and usage profile of this XJS demands attention to several time-served components that do not require MOT scrutiny. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread depth, and the spare should be checked for similar deterioration. The 12V battery should be load tested, since intermittent use leads to chronic undercharging and sudden battery failure, and the alternator output verified at idle and under load. Inspect the coolant hoses, fuel lines, and brake flexible hoses for surface cracking and bulging, all of which are thirty-seven years old at most. Look for evidence of standing corrosion on the underbody, around the rear subframe mounting points, and along the sill seams, as long periods of inactivity combined with the British climate frequently accelerate structural oxidation. Verify that the cooling system has been flushed and refilled within the last two to three years, that brake fluid has been renewed annually as recommended, and that the engine oil and filter are recent. Finally, check the service book and any supplementary invoices to confirm that cambelt or timing chain service intervals have been observed, as timing chain failure on the AJ6 engine can be catastrophic.