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JAGUAR XJS (1991)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 659 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

5343cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol5343cc35 years old659 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5343cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 5343cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 35 years old, 85% of JAGUAR XJSs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 659 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,709 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars55th of 179(top 31%)
Rank among JAGUAR models189th of 299(top 63%)
vs national average+3%(82% avg)
vs 1991 cars average+7%(78% avg)
vs JAGUAR average-3%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,709

Average miles

vs

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 JAGUAR XJS has 82,709 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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?

The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1991 sits between the two at 85%.

JAGUAR XJS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199685%58788,555 mi
199589%94583,454 mi
199485%83092,143 mi
199384%92593,514 mi
199278%61889,147 mi
199185%65982,709 mi
199082%1,01180,247 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1991 JAGUAR XJS

The 1991 JAGUAR XJS is a premium performance with a 5343cc petrol engine. 659 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 82,709 miles at 35 years old, JAGUAR XJS 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.

1991 JAGUAR XJS Fuel Costs

The 5343cc 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 1991 JAGUAR XJS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

JAGUAR XJS Reliability Trend

Newer JAGUAR XJSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 JAGUAR XJS

At 35 years old, the JAGUAR XJS 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1991 JAGUAR XJS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 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 83k 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 1991 JAGUAR XJS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
JAGUAR XJS(1991)85%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
MERCEDES 500(1991)87%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
MERCEDES SL(1991)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
JAGUAR XJ(1990)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
PORSCHE 928 S(1991)81%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£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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Related Guides

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