2003 Jaguar XJ 4.2L Petrol · AJ03 DBU

The Jaguar XJ presents a stable roadworthiness trend, with the most recent test on 3 October 2022 returning a pass at 134,497 miles and no defects recorded. The prior attempt on 30 September 2022 failed at 134,492 miles, yet the DVSA entry lists no defects, indicating an administrative or presentation issue at the test centre rather than a mechanical fault. Across the five recorded tests from January 2020 to October 2022, the vehicle cleared every examination with no advisories or reported wear, showing consistent compliance with statutory standards. The odometer climbed from 128,845 miles in January 2020 to 134,497 miles by October 2022, a total of 5,652 miles over roughly 33 months. That equates to near 2,000 miles per year, well below the 5,848-mile annual average implied by the age. The sparse record shows no rapid accumulation and no standing gaps beyond the usual twelve-month cycle. Low yearly use on a 2003 saloon often means prolonged idle periods, which can allow fluid degradation and corrosion to develop unseen by the tester. A buyer should still commission a physical inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and subframe mounts, as the XJ's aluminium structure hides age-related fatigue that a clean MOT will not capture. Brake discs and calipers warrant measurement for binding or uneven wear after long storage. Exhaust emissions and underbody structural integrity should be checked for rust, particularly around sills and crossmembers where moisture gathers on low-mileage cars left outdoors. The absence of advisories across four passes suggests the previous keeper addressed consumables before each test. The September 2022 failure with zero defects remains anomalous and should be clarified with the issuing garage. Given the 23-year age and light use, pre-purchase scrutiny of mechanical elastomers and corrosion remains the prudent step.