2005 Jaguar XJ 4.2L Petrol · V8 CET

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, boasting a clean MOT pass from September 2025 at 132,461 miles. This represents a marked improvement in condition following a period of significant mechanical instability in mid-2024. While the car suffered multiple failures in a short window, the absence of advisories or defects in the most recent test suggests that the previous owner addressed the accumulated suspension and exhaust issues, bringing the vehicle to a stable state for the moment. At 132,461 miles over 21 years, the XJ has averaged approximately 6,300 miles per year, which is consistent with low-intensity usage for a luxury saloon. There is a notable spike in mileage accumulation between March 2023 and September 2024, where the car covered over 13,000 miles in just 17 months. This rapid use likely correlates with the cluster of failures seen in August 2024, as the increased cycles accelerated the wear on rubber components and ball joints that were already showing signs of age. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front end geometry, as the history shows recurring issues with track rod ends, anti-roll bar linkages, and lower suspension arm bushes. The tester flagged multiple perished dust covers in 2024, which indicates a tendency for rubber components to dry and crack on this vehicle. Additionally, the fluctuating front service brakes noted in August 2024 suggest thin or warped brake discs, which should be checked for thickness and run during a test drive to ensure they were properly replaced rather than merely cleared.