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Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) (1971-1975) reliability

Not enough data

Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12)
1971-1975CoupePETROL

Based on 359 tests of E-Type models registered 1971-1975.

Series 3 (V12) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
35910.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

How the E-Type Series 3 (V12) compares

At each age below, see how the E-Type Series 3 (V12) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 15,509 tests across 8 Jaguar models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateJaguar average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
35910.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Visibility

Worth checking

Inspect the visibility carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the E-Type Series 3 (V12).

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    No clear edge over the Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Mercedes-Benz CLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.8%

    No clear edge over the Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,725 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    MG B GT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.4%

    No clear edge over the Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,331 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,275 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Jaguar E-Type name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on E-Type Series 3 (V12) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 573 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
31%
Steering
20%
Emissions
6%
Bodywork
4%

Wear items

Lighting
36%
Brakes
33%
Tyres
6%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 6% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Series 3 (V12) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Jaguar E-Type models of this age

This list covers every Jaguar E-Type built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 3 (V12) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    6.7%
    Advisory: 109Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Wheel bearing has slight play

    6.1%
    Advisory: 103Fail: 5 (5% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    3.8%
    Advisory: 72Fail: 11 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Major

    Windscreen washer not working or not giving enough fluid

    2.4%
    Advisory: 8Fail: 22 (73% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Suspension ball joint dust cover badly deteriorated

    1.9%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,235 tests

Looking at a Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (V12) (1971-1975) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 359 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 359 MOT tests on Jaguar E-Type models first registered between 1971-1975. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.