1997 Jaguar XJ 3.2L Petrol · SEE 113

The 1997 Jaguar XJ presents a stable and largely positive roadworthiness record. The most recent MOT, conducted on 10 September 2025 at 95,576 miles, passed with zero defects whatsoever, indicating the vehicle was presented in a well-maintained condition at that time. Looking at the broader trend, the maintenance pattern is stable and arguably improving. While the 2024 test at 93,920 miles flagged four separate advisories concerning tyre wear and inner sill corrosion, the subsequent 2025 test shows these issues were fully rectified. The nearside and offside front tyres were replaced or had sufficient tread restored, and the rusted, holed inner sills were repaired to the tester's satisfaction. This demonstrates a responsive owner who addressed identified faults promptly. The mileage accumulation tells a story of very light, consistent use. The vehicle has covered approximately 10,930 miles over the six-year period from the September 2020 test at 84,646 miles to the September 2025 test at 95,576 miles. This equates to roughly 1,820 miles per year during that window, even lower than the overall lifetime average of around 3,300 miles per year. The annual increments between tests are remarkably steady, with no sudden spikes or suspicious gaps in the record, suggesting the car was used regularly for short journeys rather than sitting unused for extended periods. Despite the clean recent history, the 2024 advisories on inner sill corrosion warrant careful attention. Although the rust holes were noted as being away from the main suspension mounts at that time, any corrosion on a 29-year-old unibody saloon should be treated with caution. A prospective buyer should have the vehicle inspected on a lift to verify the quality of those sill repairs and check for any new corrosion forming along the inner sills, floor pans, and around the jacking points. The front tyre wear advisories from 2024, specifically the edge wear pattern, suggest potential issues with front wheel alignment or worn suspension bushes and track rod ends. Even though new tyres resolved the immediate failure point, the underlying cause of that uneven wear should be investigated to prevent the new tyres from developing the same problem. The braking system and suspension components, particularly the front coil springs and dampers, should also be thoroughly checked given the age of the vehicle, regardless of the clean MOT outcome.