Is the 2004 JAGUAR XJ reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of JAGUAR XJs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,267 tests. That's 4 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 JAGUAR XJ cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 JAGUAR XJ?

The 2004 JAGUAR XJ has a 78% MOT pass rate based on 3,267 tests in 2026. This ranks 156 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year JAGUAR XJ is most reliable?

The 2019 JAGUAR XJ has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 77%.

JAGUAR XJ (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 JAGUAR XJ?

The average mileage for a 2004 JAGUAR XJ is 108,216 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,267 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3555cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol3555cc22 years old3,267 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3555cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3555cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,907

Per month£242/mo

Per week£56/wk

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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 22 years old, 78% of JAGUAR XJs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,267 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,216 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars156th of 491(top 32%)

Rank among JAGUAR models262th of 299(top 88%)

vs national average-4%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+6%(72% avg)

vs JAGUAR average-10%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,216

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 JAGUAR XJ has 108,216 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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%. The 2004 sits between the two at 78%.

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

LAND ROVER FREELANDER

2006 · 3192cc Petrol

£2,397/year

70%

-8%

MERCEDES E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

same

PORSCHE BOXSTER

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

+8%

PORSCHE 911

2006 · 3824cc Petrol

£2,097/year

90%

+12%

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About the 2004 JAGUAR XJ

The 2004 JAGUAR XJ is a premium performance with a 3555cc petrol engine. 3,267 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 108,216 miles at 22 years old, JAGUAR XJ owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 JAGUAR XJ Fuel Costs

The 3555cc 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 2004 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 78% 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 2004 JAGUAR XJ

At 22 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

Based on the 2004 JAGUAR XJ's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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

Watch out

With an average of 108k 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 2004 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(2004)	78%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2907
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2006)	70%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£510
MERCEDES E(2004)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£510
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660
PORSCHE 911(2006)	90%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£810

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.