2015 Jaguar XJ 3.0L Diesel · LW15 JPU

The latest MOT test passed on 31 July 2026, although the result introduced several advisories regarding tyre condition and a minor lighting defect. The overall maintenance trend appears somewhat unstable; while the vehicle showed no defects in 2024 and early 2025, the major failure in August 2025 concerning the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) indicates a significant electronic fault that required attention. The recent shift from electronic issues to consumable wear, specifically regarding the tyres, suggests the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related degradation is becoming more prominent than mileage-related wear. The recorded mileage of 27,428 miles is exceptionally low for an eleven-year-old vehicle, representing an annual average of approximately 2,493 miles. While this suggests minimal wear on the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain, such low usage often implies the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary. This pattern of use can be detrimental to a luxury saloon of this complexity, as it can lead to the hardening of rubber components, the degradation of fluids, and the development of corrosion on braking surfaces and exhaust systems due to a lack of regular thermal cycling and moisture evaporation. Immediate attention must be paid to the tyres highlighted in the most recent advisory. The nearside front tyre shows edge wear and sidewall damage, while the rear tyres are exhibiting signs of cracking and perishing. On a test drive, you should listen for any rhythmic humming, thumping, or vibration, which may indicate structural compromise or uneven wear, and monitor the steering for any pulling to one side. Furthermore, given the previous major failure of the SRS system, it is essential to confirm that the airbag warning lamp illuminates upon ignition and then extinguishes correctly, and that no warning messages appear during operation, as this would indicate a recurring fault with the safety restraint modules or sensors. Due to the low mileage and age, you should also conduct a thorough inspection of components that perish with time rather than distance. Check the brake discs for heavy corrosion or pitting and ensure the calipers are not binding due to inactivity. Inspect all suspension bushes, coil springs, and engine mounts for signs of cracking or perishing. It is also critical to verify the service history to ensure that oil, coolant, and brake fluid changes have been conducted on a calendar basis, as these fluids degrade regardless of mileage. Finally, check the health of the 12V battery and inspect various seals and hoses for signs of drying or leaking, which are common in vehicles that have been used infrequently.