1997 Jaguar XJ 4.0L Petrol · H2 XJE
1997 Jaguar XJ (4.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 78,295 miles. MOT valid until 22 Oct 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJ
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,295 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
H2 XJE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/10/2026
- 78,295 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
H2 XJE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Jaguar Xj (H2 XJE) between January 2024 and October 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 October 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Power steering pipe/hose leaking (2.1.5 (a))”.
H2 XJE Mileage History
- 24/01/202471,127 mi
- 31/01/202471,128 mi+1 mi
- 24/10/202473,734 mi+2,606 mi
- 20/10/202576,567 mi+2,833 mi
- 24/10/202678,295 mi+1,728 mi
Average of roughly 2,608 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Jaguar Jaguar XJ (X350/X351)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution when considering th
When viewing this vehicle, prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering systems. The 2024 MOT failure for a leaking power steering pipe is a significant point of interest; ensure that the repair was carried out to a high standard and that there are no lingering fluid leaks under the engine bay. Given the age of the vehicle, check for any signs of recent under-sealing or chassis repairs that might mask ongoing corrosion issues.
Request to see all historical service invoices to verify how the suspension components—such as the coil springs, wheel bearings, and bushes noted in the 2023 MOT—have been addressed. Since the Jaguar XJ is a complex luxury saloon, ensure all electrical features, including seat adjustments and climate control, are fully functional, as these can be costly to rectify on a model of this vintage.
As a 3.2L petrol saloon, this Jaguar XJ will be expensive to run. Expect fuel consumption to be heavy, especially in urban environments, and consider that parts for this era of Jaguar can be difficult to source and potentially costly.
Insurance may be manageable if registered as a classic, but standard premiums could be high due to the vehicle's age and market value. Annual maintenance should be budgeted generously, as the age of the vehicle makes it prone to age-related component fatigue beyond what is captured in annual MOT testing. Estimated annual running costs are £2,200-£2,800, factoring in fuel, insurance, and routine maintenance.
Focus your inspection on the front suspension arms and the steering rack. The 2024 MOT record specifically identified corrosion on the front lower suspension arms, so look for flaking metal or fresh paint that might hide structural degradation. Check the power steering reservoir and hoses for any dampness or weeping fluid.
Additionally, inspect the rear sub-frame and suspension bushes. The 2023 MOT highlighted wear in the rear sub-frame pins and bushes, as well as the rear lower suspension arm bushes. While these did not result in a failure at the time, they are critical wear items that can significantly affect the ride quality and handling of this luxury saloon. Ensure tyres are evenly worn, as uneven wear often points to underlying alignment issues caused by worn suspension components.
This 1997 Jaguar XJ, finished in green, has covered 76,567 miles over its 29-year lifespan. The MOT record shows a mix of clean passes in 2024 and 2025, contrasted against a failure in early 2024 for a leaking power steering hose and suspension corrosion. The vehicle’s history indicates a pattern of wear in suspension components and bushes that should be monitored closely by any prospective buyer.
The Jaguar XJ is a classic luxury model, though aggregate data shows that suspension arms and headlamps are common failure points, which aligns with the history observed for this specific vehicle.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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