1997 Jaguar XJ · 1,241 MOT tests
1997 Jaguar XJ reliability
1997 Jaguar XJs fail 27.3% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 23 XJ years (1,241 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XJs: 22.6%)
- 27.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XJs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 100,060
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,241
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- Strong point: steering, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Jaguar XJ
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.1%
- Lights and electrics9.8%
- Body, chassis and structure7.1%
- Brakes6.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Tyres3.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.71%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.42%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.18%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.18%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.01%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 1.85%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Common advisories
Wheel bearing slight play (14.59%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (12.97%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.04%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.75%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.67%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.94%)
Other years
Every Jaguar XJ year
The full picture: Jaguar XJ reliability. Before you pay for any Jaguar XJ, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Jaguar XJ reliable?
1997 Jaguar XJs fail 27.3% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 23 XJ years (1,241 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Jaguar XJ MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.71% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.42% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Jaguar XJ have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Jaguar XJ shows 100,060 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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