Jaguar XJ (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,154 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3980cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol3980cc28 years old2,154 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3980cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Jaguar brand average of 88%.

77% of MOT tests on Jaguar XJs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 2,154 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,573 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models124th of 325(top half)

Rank among Jaguar models263rd of 292(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+2%(75% avg)

vs Jaguar average-11%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,573

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jaguar XJ had 92,573 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 77%. The 1998 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+4%

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+8%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+2%

TVR Chimaera

1998 · 3948cc Petrol

£2,588/year

92%

+15%

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About the 1998 Jaguar XJ

The 1998 Jaguar XJ is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3980cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,154 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 92,573 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1998 Jaguar XJ Fuel Costs

The 3980cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Jaguar XJ?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jaguar XJ Reliability Trend

Newer Jaguar XJs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Jaguar XJ

At 28 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 28 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 risk

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 93k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 1998 Jaguar XJ stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
TVR Chimaera(1998)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Jaguar XJ

Is the 1998 Jaguar XJ reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 1998 Jaguar XJs ended in a pass, from 2,154 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Jaguar XJ cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Jaguar XJ?

77% of 2,154 MOT tests on the 1998 Jaguar XJ ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 124th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Jaguar XJ has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Jaguar XJ has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2002 the lowest at 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Jaguar XJ?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jaguar XJ is 92,573 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.