Jaguar XKR (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 853 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3996cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3996cc28 years old853 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3996cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Jaguar brand average of 88%.

81% of MOT tests on Jaguar XKRs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 853 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,546 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models77th of 325(top 24%)

Rank among Jaguar models231st of 292(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Jaguar average-7%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,546

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Jaguar XKR had 86,546 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1998 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Jaguar XKR by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	96%	53	49,483 mi
2012	91%	794	54,876 mi
2011	90%	1,481	56,107 mi
2010	87%	1,814	64,541 mi
2009	85%	1,370	64,929 mi
2008	86%	1,576	68,918 mi
2007	84%	2,772	75,451 mi
2006	81%	748	76,800 mi
2005	83%	660	73,570 mi
2004	80%	725	77,209 mi
2003	84%	800	78,534 mi
2002	78%	912	84,236 mi
2001	79%	1,123	83,837 mi
2000	83%	967	86,318 mi
1999	82%	1,319	83,341 mi
1998	81%	853	86,546 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

same

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+4%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-4%

Land Rover Range Rover

1999 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-2%

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About the 1998 Jaguar XKR

The 1998 Jaguar XKR is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3996cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 853 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 24% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 86,546 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jaguar XKR 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.

1998 Jaguar XKR 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 £1,958 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 XKR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jaguar XKR Reliability Trend

Newer Jaguar XKRs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Jaguar XKR

At 28 years old, the Jaguar XKR 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 87k 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 XKR 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 XKR(1998)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Land Rover Range Rover(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£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 1998 Jaguar XKR

Is the 1998 Jaguar XKR reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1998 Jaguar XKRs ended in a pass, from 853 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Jaguar XKR cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Jaguar XKR?

81% of 853 MOT tests on the 1998 Jaguar XKR ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 77th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 24%).

Which year Jaguar XKR has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Jaguar XKR has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2002 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 1998 Jaguar XKR?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Jaguar XKR is 86,546 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.