Jaguar XJR (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 790 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4000cc28 years old790 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4000cc)

~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

79% 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%.

79% of MOT tests on Jaguar XJRs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 790 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,156 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models99th of 325(top half)

Rank among Jaguar models249th of 292(bottom 16%)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+4%(75% avg)

vs Jaguar average-9%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,156

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jaguar XJR had 107,156 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Jaguar XJR by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	93%	191	47,058 mi
2017	95%	133	58,591 mi
2016	92%	165	49,299 mi
2015	83%	75	53,356 mi
2014	91%	183	62,913 mi
2013	93%	30	74,665 mi
2008	89%	157	87,799 mi
2007	84%	348	94,403 mi
2006	77%	294	99,136 mi
2005	82%	167	101,910 mi
2004	77%	370	108,410 mi
2003	84%	541	112,539 mi
2002	79%	99	108,492 mi
2001	82%	328	113,959 mi
2000	81%	172	100,269 mi
1999	80%	298	106,393 mi
1998	79%	790	107,156 mi
1997	87%	189	106,536 mi
1996	84%	187	112,362 mi
1995	74%	325	107,723 mi
1994	85%	80	121,359 mi
1993	76%	33	83,103 mi
1992	83%	47	96,642 mi
1991	100%	64	20,438 mi
1990	89%	106	132,962 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+2%

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+6%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-2%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

same

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About the 1998 Jaguar XJR

The 1998 Jaguar XJR is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 790 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 107,156 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jaguar XJR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Jaguar XJR Fuel Costs

The 4000cc 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 XJR?

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 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jaguar XJR Reliability Trend

Newer Jaguar XJRs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Jaguar XJR

At 28 years old, the Jaguar XJR 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

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

Watch out

With an average of 107k 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 XJR 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 XJR(1998)	79%	£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
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same

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 XJR

Is the 1998 Jaguar XJR reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 1998 Jaguar XJRs ended in a pass, from 790 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Jaguar XJR 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 XJR?

79% of 790 MOT tests on the 1998 Jaguar XJR ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 99th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Jaguar XJR has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Jaguar XJR has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1995 the lowest at 74%. 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 XJR?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jaguar XJR is 107,156 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.