JAGUAR XJ (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 282 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
282
Avg Mileage
83,101 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1990 JAGUAR XJ reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 34 years old, 86% of JAGUAR XJs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 282 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,101 miles.
How does the 1990 JAGUAR XJ compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 JAGUAR XJ has 83,101 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a JAGUAR XJ?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 77%. The 1990 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 1990 JAGUAR XJ cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
JAGUAR XJ by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92% | 411 | 32,227 mi |
| 2019 | 94% | 1,023 | 35,571 mi |
| 2018 | 93% | 1,682 | 44,709 mi |
| 2017 | 93% | 2,143 | 54,518 mi |
| 2016 | 91% | 2,811 | 64,986 mi |
| 2015 | 91% | 2,316 | 67,462 mi |
| 2014 | 89% | 2,511 | 81,854 mi |
| 2013 | 87% | 2,758 | 93,880 mi |
| 2012 | 89% | 2,482 | 93,337 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 4,043 | 100,648 mi |
| 2010 | 84% | 3,442 | 107,407 mi |
| 2009 | 85% | 1,332 | 97,971 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 2,030 | 101,627 mi |
| 2007 | 82% | 2,721 | 103,444 mi |
| 2006 | 82% | 2,874 | 103,550 mi |
| 2005 | 80% | 2,105 | 106,159 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 3,267 | 108,216 mi |
| 2003 | 81% | 3,134 | 110,063 mi |
| 2002 | 77% | 955 | 92,681 mi |
| 2001 | 79% | 972 | 91,862 mi |
| 2000 | 78% | 888 | 90,401 mi |
| 1999 | 77% | 1,298 | 91,922 mi |
| 1998 | 77% | 2,154 | 92,573 mi |
| 1997 | 80% | 2,029 | 105,434 mi |
| 1996 | 82% | 1,861 | 104,724 mi |
| 1995 | 79% | 1,401 | 101,040 mi |
| 1994 | 86% | 635 | 87,486 mi |
| 1993 | 82% | 401 | 88,629 mi |
| 1992 | 82% | 328 | 89,641 mi |
| 1991 | 82% | 243 | 95,193 mi |
| 1990 | 86% | 282 | 83,101 mi |
Checking a specific JAGUAR XJ?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 JAGUAR XJ
The 1990 JAGUAR XJ is a premium performance with a 5345cc petrol engine. 282 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 1990 cars for reliability.
With an average of 83,101 miles at 34 years old, JAGUAR XJ 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 XJ Fuel Costs
The 5345cc 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 XJ?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
JAGUAR XJ Reliability Trend
Newer JAGUAR XJs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 JAGUAR XJ
At 34 years old, the JAGUAR XJ 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 1990 JAGUAR XJ
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XJS (1990) 82% pass rate (-4%) from 1,011 tests
- MERCEDES 500 (1991) 87% pass rate (+1%) from 356 tests
- MERCEDES SL (1991) 86% pass rate (same) from 288 tests
- PORSCHE 928 S (1991) 81% pass rate (-5%) from 181 tests