JAGUAR E-TYPE (1990)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 51 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4200cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4200cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the JAGUAR brand average of 88%.
At 36 years old, 82% of JAGUAR E-TYPEs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 51 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,145 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
51,145
Average miles
266,400
Expected for age
The average 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE has 51,145 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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About the 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE
The 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE is a premium performance with a 4200cc petrol engine. 51 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 51,145 miles at 36 years old, JAGUAR E-TYPE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE Fuel Costs
The 4200cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE
At 36 years old, the JAGUAR E-TYPE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1990 JAGUAR E-TYPE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAGUAR E-TYPE(1990) | 82% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1992) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1992) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| TVR GRIFFITH(1992) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| JAGUAR XJ(1992) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Jaguar Models
Explore other Jaguar cars or similar models in the same category.
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JAGUAR XE
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JAGUAR XJS
1992 · 4000cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
1992 · 3950cc Petrol
TVR GRIFFITH
1992 · 3948cc Petrol
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