1983 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Petrol · A246 KVF

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-07-21 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, following a failed test on 2025-07-14—though the failure reason remains unspecified. The preceding MOT in 2024-07-11 also passed without issues, suggesting a stable roadworthiness trend over the past year. However, the abrupt failure just seven days before the last pass raises questions about whether critical components were overlooked or if the vehicle was driven briefly between tests. Without explicit fault details, the lack of recurring advisories or defects in recent tests implies no obvious pattern of neglect, but the 2025 failure warrants further scrutiny of systems that commonly fail without warning, such as electrical faults, suspension binding, or brake binding. The recorded mileage of 115,001 miles over approximately 43 years equates to an average of around 2,674 miles per year, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The most recent mileage jump appears between the 2024 and 2025 tests, where the vehicle likely accumulated roughly 10,000 miles in a single year—an unusually high spike for such an old car. This suggests either a period of heavier use or a prolonged period of inactivity followed by rapid mileage accumulation. The gap between the 2025 failure and pass also indicates the vehicle was driven shortly after a test, which could mean the fault was intermittent or easily missed during inspection. Given the sparse MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, which are common failure points in high-mileage Jaguars. The binding brakes noted in some older XJS models should be tested for uneven wear or seized calipers, as this was a frequent cause of MOT failures in similar vehicles. Structural integrity is another concern—check for corrosion in the subframe, sills, and wheel arches, as rust can compromise the chassis over decades of low-mileage use. Finally, the electrical system should be thoroughly checked, as intermittent faults often go unnoticed until a test. Given the 2025 failure, a pre-purchase diagnostic focusing on these areas is essential.