1991 Jaguar XJS 3.6L Petrol · A5 OBH

As a seasoned automotive inspector evaluating this 1991 Jaguar XJS, I can confirm that the vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on May 23, 2025, with zero recorded defects or advisories. Reviewing the broader test trajectory reveals a generally stable maintenance trend following a brief period of mechanical intervention in early 2023. During that 2023 testing cycle, the car faced failures concerning a non-functional windscreen washer, a serious rear shock absorber fluid leak, and a dangerously inefficient parking brake, alongside various advisories regarding suspension lock wire and brake hardware. The subsequent clean pass in 2025 indicates that these specific historical defects have been successfully rectified, restoring the vehicle to a fully roadworthy standard for the time being. The recorded mileage stands at 38,713 miles, which equates to an annual average of roughly 1,106 miles over its thirty-five-year lifespan. This exceptionally low usage profile heavily implies that the Jaguar has spent extended periods in storage or been treated strictly as a fair-weather classic. While low mileage is often attractive to collectors, prolonged periods of standing introduce distinct mechanical risks, including rubber degradation, fluid breakdown, and the formation of corrosion on static components. Prospective buyers should not view this low figure as an absolute guarantee of mechanical perfection, but rather as an indicator that the car requires careful physical scrutiny of rubber and hydraulic items that degrade with age rather than active wear. Given the vehicle's history and low usage, your physical inspection and test drive must focus heavily on historical advisory items and age-related deterioration. Pay close attention to the suspension system, referencing the previous advisories regarding worn anti-roll bar linkage bushes and corroded coil springs across all four corners. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking, clunking, or creaking over uneven road surfaces, which would indicate degraded rubber bushes or structural strain within the complex independent rear suspension setup. Furthermore, inspect the rear shock absorbers for any recurrence of the misting or fluid leaks noted in past tests, and verify that the parking brake holds firmly on an incline, directly addressing the efficiency warnings from the 2023 MOT failures. Finally, thoroughly examine the peripheral systems and consumables that suffer from intermittent use and calendar aging. Inspect the tyre sidewalls closely for micro-perishing, cracking, or flat spots caused by long periods of sitting stationary, and check the date codes to ensure the rubber is not excessively old regardless of tread depth. Brake discs are prone to heavy surface corrosion when a vehicle is laid up, so check for a grinding sensation or pulsation through the brake pedal during stopping. Verify the health of the twelve-volt battery and examine the engine bay for signs of the minor oil leaks noted in the 2024 records, ensuring that all vital fluids have been changed on a time-elapsed basis rather than waiting for mileage intervals to accrue.