1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Jaguar XJ MOT pass rate and common faults

618 MOT tests in 2024. 73.0% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time73.0%
Failed or needed repairs27.0%
Typical mileage at test101,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 618 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.9%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.9%
  7. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.8%
  8. Wheel bearings: has excessive play1.6%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.6%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics12.9%
  2. Suspension12.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks10.8%
  4. Body & chassis9.2%
  5. Brakes8.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  7. Tyres3.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Wheel bearings: has excessive play14.2%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.9%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Jaguar XJ?

In 2024, 73.0% of 1997 Jaguar XJ cars passed their MOT first time, across 618 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Jaguar XJ?

The most common failure reasons were integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Jaguar XJ reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).