JAGUAR XJ (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 955 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3996cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3996cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the JAGUAR brand average of 88%.
At 24 years old, 77% of JAGUAR XJs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 955 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,681 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
92,681
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 JAGUAR XJ has 92,681 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 77%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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
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About the 2002 JAGUAR XJ
The 2002 JAGUAR XJ is a premium performance with a 3996cc petrol engine. 955 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 92,681 miles at 24 years old, JAGUAR XJ owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 JAGUAR XJ Fuel Costs
The 3996cc 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 2002 JAGUAR XJ?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 JAGUAR XJ
At 24 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 JAGUAR XJ's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 24 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 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 2002 JAGUAR XJ stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAGUAR XJ(2002) | 77% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| PORSCHE 911(2004) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2003) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| BMW 645(2004) | 83% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| NISSAN 350 Z(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£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.
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