1989 Jaguar XJR 3.6L Petrol · D290 DEF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 1 April 2026 with no defects recorded, indicating that at the point of examination it met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements. The overall trend across the available DVSA history is broadly stable and reassuring, with seven passes and a single failure recorded in March 2025. That single failure related only to an insecure nearside rear exhaust mounting, which was evidently rectified to allow a pass on the same date later the same day, and there are no advisories listed at any test. The absence of recurring advisories for wear items such as suspension components, brake components, or corrosion suggests either diligent maintenance or limited use, both of which are consistent with the low annual mileage. For a thorough evaluation, however, it is worth requesting the full advisory history from previous tests to confirm that minor wear items were not simply overlooked. The recorded mileage of 165,774 miles over approximately 37 years equates to an annual average of around 4,480 miles, which is notably low even for a classic vehicle. There is a clear gap in testing between 2020 and 2025 where no MOT tests were conducted, corresponding with periods of likely non-use or exemption, while the recorded mileages between 2018 and 2020 suggest consistent but modest use. Low annual mileage of this nature carries specific mechanical implications distinct from high-mileage wear. Vehicles that stand for extended periods commonly suffer from dried and cracked rubber components, fluid degradation, internal corrosion in the braking and fuel systems, and electrical gremlins stemming from a chronically undercharged or aged battery. Given the age and low usage profile of this Jaguar XJR, particular attention during a physical inspection should be directed towards the condition of all rubber components, including tyres, where sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than tread wear is a common concern, even on tyres that appear to have adequate tread depth. The brake system should be examined for seized or binding calipers and corroded brake discs, which frequently occur on vehicles that have stood idle; a test drive should reveal any pulling to one side, grinding noises, or a spongy brake pedal. The 12V battery is highly likely to be at or beyond its service life given the calendar age, so its state of charge and load test output should be verified before purchase. All fluid systems, including engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and gearbox and differential oils, are time-expired on a vehicle of this standing and should be regarded as due for replacement regardless of recorded mileage, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and prone to moisture absorption over decades. Further inspection should focus on the cooling system, where perished hoses, a degraded radiator, and corrosion within the heater core are prevalent age-related issues on vehicles of this vintage. The exhaust system should be physically examined for mounting integrity and corrosion, particularly at joints, hangers, and heat-shield fixings, as the recorded failure indicates this remains an active service item. Underneath the vehicle, a thorough check for structural corrosion, particularly around the suspension mounting points, jacking points, and sill outriggers, is essential on any 37 year old Jaguar, as salt ingress and standing moisture accelerate corrosion even when mileage is low. Finally, verify the authenticity of service book stamps and cross-reference any available records to confirm the timing belt or chain replacement interval, fuel system cleanliness, and the condition of the ignition system, all of which are critical to the continued reliability of this classic model.