1985 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Petrol · C870 APO
1985 Jaguar XJS (5.3L, petrol). First registered 13 Oct 1985. Recorded mileage 55,486 miles. MOT valid until 28 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJS
- Year / Origin
- 1985 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 55,486 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
C870 APO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/11/2025
- 55,486 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C870 APO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1985 Jaguar Xjs (C870 APO) between July 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
C870 APO Mileage History
- 28/07/202254,797 mi
- 31/07/202354,833 mi+36 mi
- 31/10/202454,870 mi+37 mi
- 29/11/202454,879 mi+9 mi
- 24/11/202555,486 mi+607 mi
Average of roughly 207 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Jaguar Jaguar XJS
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: JAGUAR XJS
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Inboard Rear Brake Caliper Seizure and Fluid Overheating(Serious)
Until mid-1993, all XJS models utilized inboard rear disc brakes mounted directly to the differential housing within the rear suspension subframe. Due to their close proximity to the hot differential and exhaust pipes, the brake calipers suffer from extreme heat soak, boiling brake fluid, and hardening hydraulic piston seals. Road grime and inaccessible location mean the calipers frequently seize, while differential output shaft oil leaks saturate the brake pads, causing severe brake fade, handbrake failure, and requiring a laborious complete rear subframe drop to repair.
- Floorpan, Jacking Point, and Radius Arm Mount Corrosion(Serious)
The XJS bodyshell is susceptible to hidden corrosion, particularly on cars built before the 1994 introduction of full galvanization. Road spray and blocked scuttle drains trap moisture within the double-skinned floorpans, sills, and front chassis legs. The rear suspension radius arm forward mounting points on the floor are especially vulnerable; rust here weakens rear axle location, creating dangerous instability under heavy braking and cornering that results in immediate MOT failure.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (C870 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as C870APO.
KAWASAKI
Z1100 R1
KAWASAKI
Z1100 R1
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
TOYOTA
CELICA
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL
HONDA
MTX200
LAVERDA
SFC1000
PORSCHE
911
MZ
UNKNOWN
YAMAHA
RD500 LC
HONDA
GL1200
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
JAGUAR XJS Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1985 model year cars.
- Inboard Rear Brake Caliper Seizure and Fluid OverheatingSerious
Until mid-1993, all XJS models utilized inboard rear disc brakes mounted directly to the differential housing within the rear suspension subframe. Due to their close proximity to the hot differential and exhaust pipes, the brake calipers suffer from extreme heat soak, boiling brake fluid, and hardening hydraulic piston seals. Road grime and inaccessible location mean the calipers frequently seize, while differential output shaft oil leaks saturate the brake pads, causing severe brake fade, handbrake failure, and requiring a laborious complete rear subframe drop to repair.
- Floorpan, Jacking Point, and Radius Arm Mount CorrosionSerious
The XJS bodyshell is susceptible to hidden corrosion, particularly on cars built before the 1994 introduction of full galvanization. Road spray and blocked scuttle drains trap moisture within the double-skinned floorpans, sills, and front chassis legs. The rear suspension radius arm forward mounting points on the floor are especially vulnerable; rust here weakens rear axle location, creating dangerous instability under heavy braking and cornering that results in immediate MOT failure.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.