2012 Jaguar XJ 3.0L Diesel · OV12 OPO

A clean and unblemished MOT record defines this 2012 Jaguar XJ, with no advisories, warnings, or component defects recorded across any of its tests. The most recent examination on 4 February 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, continuing a stable pattern of roadworthiness that includes passes in January 2024 and January 2025. Two prior failures are listed within the dataset, both dated just days before subsequent passes in January 2025 and February 2026, and notably both carried no recorded defects. This pattern suggests minor issues were identified and rectified between the failure and re-test appointments, which is entirely consistent with routine pre-test rectification rather than any underlying mechanical concern. The absence of corrosion advisories, brake component wear notes, or suspension concerns across multiple consecutive tests is a reassuring indicator for a premium executive saloon now in its fourteenth year. Recorded mileage of 85,020 against an age of approximately fourteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,073 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this class and vintage. There are no extended gaps between MOT tests that would imply long periods off the road, and the continuity of annual testing confirms the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout its life. While the annual mileage is modest rather than excessively low, it is sufficient to keep mechanical seals, brake components, and drivetrain lubricants exercised, reducing the risk of dry-start wear or seized calipers sometimes associated with vehicles that cover very few miles. The absence of any mileage-related defects or advisories across the recorded tests further reinforces a consistent usage profile rather than one characterised by sporadic or inconsistent operation. Given the complete absence of recorded advisories across the MOT history, the inspection focus should shift toward age-related wear typical of a Jaguar XJ approaching the mid-decade mark. Particular attention should be paid to the air suspension system, which is a known complexity on this model. During a test drive, listen for any hiss from the compressor on cold start, observe whether the vehicle settles to ride height promptly after being unlocked, and check for uneven corner stance that could indicate a failing air strut or drier. Any warning messages relating to suspension or ride height on the instrument cluster should be treated seriously, as replacement components are costly. Steering feedback should remain precise and free of clonking over uneven surfaces, with particular attention to the front lower control arm bushes and wishbone rear bushes, which are common wear items on this platform. Brake feel should be firm and progressive, with no pedal judder under moderate deceleration that would indicate warped front discs, and the vehicle should pull neither left nor right under braking. Inspect the inner faces of all four wheels for visible corrosion on the brake discs, particularly around the outer edges where rust pitting tends to develop first. Given the vehicle's age, examine the underside carefully for any oil residue from the engine or automatic gearbox, as the ZF transmission used in this model can develop sump gasket seepage with age. Finally, check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster, ensure all infotainment and climate control functions operate correctly, and verify that the electronic parking brake releases and re-applies smoothly, as module faults can develop. The clean MOT history provides a strong baseline, but a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the XJ platform remains highly advisable given the complexity of the vehicle's systems.