1995 Jaguar XJS 4.0L Petrol · N241 BRH

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as it approaches its most recent test on 30 July 2026 at 124,634 miles. While the car passed its latest inspection, the tester flagged multiple mechanical issues including slight play in both nearside and offside rear wheel bearings, a worn gearbox rubber mount, and general underbody corrosion. These recent advisories follow a period of frequent failures and inconsistent repairs, suggesting that while the car remains legally roadworthy, the mechanical integrity is degrading. The mileage profile shows the car has covered approximately 124,634 miles over 31 years, averaging roughly 4,000 miles per year. This low annual usage is consistent with a classic vehicle but often leads to specific maintenance challenges. The records show long periods of inactivity, such as the gap between June 2019 and January 2021, and again between April 2022 and March 2024. Such intermittent use frequently correlates with the issues seen in the history, particularly regarding seals, fluid quality, and electrical components. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking and emissions systems. The history shows a recurring pattern of braking issues, with the offside front service brake being flagged for binding in both March 2024 and August 2025, and front brakes being noted as imbalanced in August 2025. Furthermore, the exhaust and emissions systems have been a persistent problem, with multiple failures in 2021, 2022, and 2017 due to excessive carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and lambda readings. These repeated failures suggest underlying engine management or combustion issues that may not be fully resolved. Structural and suspension components require close attention. The recent report of general underbody corrosion and the 2017 failure involving a weakened anti-roll bar attachment bracket indicate that the chassis and subframes need a detailed inspection for rust and fatigue. Additionally, the recurring reports of wheel bearing play and steering rack free play since 2019 suggest that the suspension and steering assemblies are reaching the end of their service life. Any purchase should be contingent on a professional assessment of the chassis integrity and the current state of the gearbox mounting and rear wheel bearings.