Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto (1986)

656 real MOT outcomes analysed

1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto

CarHunch has 656 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

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No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto doesn't appear in DVLA light-vehicle MOT records — it may be exempt, registered as a different vehicle class, or an import not subject to UK MOT testing. We don't have reliability stats for this specific model, but you can browse other Jaguar vehicles below.

Browse all Jaguar models →

No MOT data — worth knowing

Got a specific Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto you're checking out?

The real detail is in the individual vehicle report — MOT history, AI Hunches, mileage timeline, and defect patterns for that specific reg.

There is no MOT test data available for the 1986 Jaguar XJ-S V12 in the DVLA light-vehicle database — likely because most examples from that era have either been taken off the road, preserved as classics, or scrapped. Of the 656 vehicles analysed, none have produced useable MOT statistics, so we cannot compare this model's pass rate against the UK average of 80% or assess its failure patterns. What matters here is understanding the car itself: the XJ-S V12 is a high-maintenance grand tourer with a notoriously thirsty and complex engine, hydraulic systems prone to leaks, and parts that are either expensive or hard to source. If you're considering one, budget heavily for specialist servicing, expect fuel consumption in the low 20s mpg at best, and check the history meticulously — age and use intensity matter far more than MOT data for a vehicle this old.

MOT statistics not available

We have 656 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

There are a few reasons this can happen:

Heavy commercial vehicle — trucks, buses and coaches over 3.5 tonnes are tested under the DVSA annual HGV/PSV regime, which uses a separate database not included in our data source
Imported vehicles — vehicles registered abroad and recently brought to the UK may have no UK MOT history yet
MOT-exempt — vehicles manufactured before 1986 qualify under the 40-year rolling exemption; some specialist and agricultural vehicles are also exempt
Never used on public roads — some vehicles are registered but kept off-road and have never required an MOT

Check on the official DVSA service →

Before you buy a 1986 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto

Based on MOT data from 656 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 885 Jaguar Xj S V12 Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 24.1%

213

Red 20.5%

181

Grey 18.3%

162

Green 12.9%

114

Brown 6.8%

Black 6.2%

White 5.8%

Silver 3.5%

Beige 1%

Gold 1%

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