Jensen Interceptor Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Jensen Interceptor car check
Is the Jensen Interceptor reliable? We analysed 4,348 real MOT tests across 581 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Jensen Interceptor? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Jensen Interceptor is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid, parking brake: efficiency below requirements and headlamp not working on main beam. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Jensen Interceptor.
Jensen Interceptor Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Jensen Interceptor. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Jensen Interceptor MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Jensen Interceptor to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Jensen Interceptor Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Jensen Interceptor fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Jensen Interceptor Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Jensen Interceptor owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Jensen Interceptor MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Jensen Interceptor year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | 121 | 82.6% | 38,568 | 45,812 | 78,253 |
| 1975 | 246 | 84.6% | 28,322 | 49,565 | 69,767 |
| 1974 | 542 | 80.4% | 19,460 | 50,654 | 72,016 |
| 1973 | 638 | 81.3% | 41,105 | 59,714 | 73,201 |
| 1972 | 625 | 82.2% | 29,734 | 60,001 | 75,603 |
| 1971 | 430 | 80.0% | 42,505 | 57,037 | 72,640 |
| 1970 | 494 | 80.2% | 26,327 | 68,018 | 82,626 |
| 1969 | 448 | 81.9% | 29,418 | 67,389 | 86,848 |
| 1968 | 298 | 81.5% | 43,725 | 64,868 | 75,908 |
| 1967 | 55 | 81.8% | 31,446 | 55,458 | 72,426 |
How Long Does a Jensen Interceptor Last?
Based on 581 Jensen Interceptor vehicles on UK roads.
Jensen Interceptor Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Jensen Interceptor MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Jensen Interceptor
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
84.6% MOT pass rate from 246 tests
80.0% MOT pass rate from 430 tests
The best year to buy a used Jensen Interceptor is 1975, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 84.6% across 246 tests. The 1971 model year has the lowest pass rate at 80.0% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Jensen Interceptor Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jensen Interceptor THIS CAR | 81.3% | 4,348 | 57,692 mi | 59 yrs |
| Jensen Jensen-healey | 74.8% | 2,492 | 60,312 mi | 55 yrs |
| Jensen Interceptor III Auto | 79% | 2,012 | 58,700 mi | 55 yrs |
| Jensen CV8 | 82.7% | 1,315 | 50,146 mi | 63 yrs |
| Kawasaki ZX600-J1 | 82.9% | 1,847 | 16,670 mi | 26 yrs |
Compared to the Jensen Jensen-healey (74.8% pass rate) and the Jensen Interceptor III Auto (79.0% pass rate), the Jensen Interceptor outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Jensen Interceptor you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Jensen InterceptorShould you buy a used Jensen Interceptor?
The Jensen Interceptor has an overall MOT pass rate of 81.3% across 4,348 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Jensen Interceptor are windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (158 recorded failures), parking brake: efficiency below requirements (102), and headlamp not working on main beam (72). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Jensen Interceptor owner drives around 343 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Jensen Interceptor models stay on UK roads for around 59 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.