1988 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Petrol · E290 FRO
1988 Jaguar XJS (5.3L, petrol). First registered 01 Feb 1988. Recorded mileage 55,998 miles. MOT valid until 30 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJS
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 55,998 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.
E290 FRO Key Findings
- 19 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/05/2026
- 55,998 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E290 FRO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
19 MOT tests are recorded for this 1988 Jaguar Xjs (E290 FRO) between August 2008 and May 2026.
The record contains 17 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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: “Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)”; “Nearside Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)”; “Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)”.
E290 FRO Mileage History
- 04/08/200893,074 mi
- 08/08/200893,074 mi
- 23/06/200993,074 mi
- 29/06/201093,180 mi+106 mi
- 29/06/201145,159 mi-48,021 mi
- 21/06/201245,649 mi+490 mi
- 10/06/201346,387 mi+738 mi
- 24/06/201446,786 mi+399 mi
- 09/05/201649,996 mi+3,210 mi
- 10/05/201752,250 mi+2,254 mi
- 10/05/201752,250 mi
- 05/07/201854,347 mi+2,097 mi
- 21/06/201955,047 mi+700 mi
- 04/01/202155,411 mi+364 mi
- 01/04/202255,631 mi+220 mi
- 16/03/202355,751 mi+120 mi
- 23/04/202455,803 mi+52 mi
- 10/04/202555,982 mi+179 mi
- 02/05/202655,998 mi+16 mi
Average of roughly -2,090 miles per year across 19 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
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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 1988 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.
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