CarCostCheck

Jaguar XJS (1992)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 618 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4000cc34 years old618 tests89k 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

78% 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%.

78% of MOT tests on Jaguar XJSs from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 618 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 89,147 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1992 models77th of 172(top half)
Rank among Jaguar models258th of 292(bottom 12%)
vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)
vs 1992 models average+1%(77% avg)
vs Jaguar average-10%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

89,147

Average miles

vs

236,800

Expected for age

The average 1992 Jaguar XJS had 89,147 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-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 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 78%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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 1992 Jaguar XJS

The 1992 Jaguar XJS is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 618 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 89,147 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1992 Jaguar XJS 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 1992 Jaguar XJS?

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 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jaguar XJS Reliability Trend

Newer Jaguar XJSs 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 1992 Jaguar XJS

At 34 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.

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 34 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 89k 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 1992 Jaguar XJS stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Jaguar XJS(1992)78%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,888
Porsche 911(1990)91%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,588-£300
Land Rover Range Rover(1994)80%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJ(1994)86%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738-£150
TVR Griffith(1992)88%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738-£150

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 1992 Jaguar XJS

Is the 1992 Jaguar XJS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 1992 Jaguar XJSs ended in a pass, from 618 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1992 Jaguar XJS 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 1992 Jaguar XJS?

78% of 618 MOT tests on the 1992 Jaguar XJS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 77th of 172 models first registered in 1992 (top half).

Which year Jaguar XJS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Jaguar XJS has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1992 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1992 Jaguar XJS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 Jaguar XJS is 89,147 miles, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-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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Related Guides

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