1989 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Petrol · F444 DCL
1989 Jaguar XJS (5.3L, petrol). First registered 05 Apr 1989. Recorded mileage 133,915 miles. MOT valid until 17 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJS
- Year / Origin
- 1989 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 133,915 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.
F444 DCL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/07/2026
- 133,915 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
F444 DCL 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 1989 Jaguar Xjs (F444 DCL) between April 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 July 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: Bodywork (10 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 24 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: “Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner ”; “Rear Service brake excessively binding Nearside + Offside (1.2.1 (f))”; “Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced outer”.
F444 DCL Mileage History
- 06/04/2024129,448 mi
- 11/05/2024129,471 mi+23 mi
- 21/05/2025132,330 mi+2,859 mi
- 19/07/2025132,364 mi+34 mi
- 08/07/2026133,915 mi+1,551 mi
Average of roughly 1,982 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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: Average
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.
- Marelli V12 Twin-Rotor Ignition Distributor Melt and Catalytic Fire Risk(Serious)
V12 models manufactured between 1989 and 1993 feature a Marelli digital electronic ignition system utilizing a single distributor with a two-tiered rotor arm firing each cylinder bank independently. If the rotor arm develops dielectric breakdown or the secondary coil fails, one entire 6-cylinder bank loses spark while the fuel injection continues spraying fuel. The raw unburnt petrol pours into the glowing hot catalytic converters, melting the ceramic substrate and creating an immediate, severe engine bay and underbody fire risk.
- 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 1989 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.
- Marelli V12 Twin-Rotor Ignition Distributor Melt and Catalytic Fire RiskSerious
V12 models manufactured between 1989 and 1993 feature a Marelli digital electronic ignition system utilizing a single distributor with a two-tiered rotor arm firing each cylinder bank independently. If the rotor arm develops dielectric breakdown or the secondary coil fails, one entire 6-cylinder bank loses spark while the fuel injection continues spraying fuel. The raw unburnt petrol pours into the glowing hot catalytic converters, melting the ceramic substrate and creating an immediate, severe engine bay and underbody fire risk.
- 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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