2001 Jaguar XJR 4.0L Petrol · FA51 XAD

The 2001 Jaguar XJR presents a stable mechanical trend, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 20 October 2025 at 144,241 miles. The tester recorded zero defects on this occasion, confirming the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards. However, the record shows a recurring pattern of failing the initial test attempt before passing on the identical mileage. In October 2025, the car failed on the 15th before passing on the 20th, mirroring the exact scenario from October 2024 when it failed on the 18th and passed on the 23rd. While the absence of recorded defects on the failure dates is unusual, likely indicating an immediate rectification of a dangerous or major fault on the same day, the trend suggests the vehicle is presented for testing right at the boundary of its tolerance limits. The recorded mileage of 144,241 miles equates to an average of roughly 5,770 miles per year, which is notably low for a 25-year-old vehicle. This low annual mileage implies lighter use or prolonged periods of standing. The data reveals a declining usage pattern over the last three years. Between the October 2023 test at 140,433 miles and the October 2024 test at 142,876 miles, the car covered 2,443 miles. This dropped significantly to just 1,365 miles over the following twelve months leading to the October 2025 test. Such low mileage accumulation raises concerns about deterioration from standing rather than driving, particularly regarding perishable rubber components and fluid degradation. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on components that degrade with age and inactivity rather than just mileage. The repeated same-day failures and passes suggest the tester found a critical fault that required immediate attention; a thorough inspection of the braking system is prudent, checking for binding calipers or corroded brake discs that can seize when the car sits. Suspension bushes and coil springs on this high-performance saloon are prone to perishing and cracking during long stationary periods. Examine the undercarriage closely for structural corrosion, as older Jaguars can suffer from rust compromising structural integrity. Verify the condition of the tyres for sidewall cracking and check the exhaust system for corrosion, ensuring the emissions system remains compliant despite the declining mileage.