1997 Jaguar XJ 3.2L Petrol · K5 ART
1997 Jaguar XJ (3.2L, petrol). First registered 15 May 1997. Recorded mileage 83,444 miles. MOT expired on 15 Dec 2022. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJ
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Borehamwood
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Dec 2022
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 83,444 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
K5 ART Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/11/2021
- 83,444 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
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.
K5 ART Mileage History
- 16/11/202183,426 mi
- 18/11/202183,444 mi+18 mi
Average of roughly 3,365 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
K5 ART MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Jaguar Xj (K5 ART) between November 2021 and November 2021.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 November 2021 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), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). 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: “Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases back box (6.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases back box (6.1.2 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution. This vehicle h
The primary concern is the five-year absence of MOT records. You must investigate why the vehicle has been stationary and check for issues associated with long-term storage, such as seized brake calipers, perished tyres, and degraded fuel. Ensure you verify if the corroded front coil springs, which were listed as advisories during the last passed test, were ever replaced.
Negotiate the price heavily to account for the cost of a full mechanical recommissioning and a new MOT test. Request any available service records to see if maintenance continued while the car was off the road, as the MOT data alone cannot confirm the vehicle's current mechanical state.
The 3239cc petrol engine will result in high fuel consumption and falls into a higher vehicle excise duty (tax) bracket based on its engine size and age. Insurance costs for a classic Jaguar XJ are typically moderate, but specialist cover is recommended.
Maintenance costs for this era of Jaguar can be significant, particularly for suspension and engine components. Given the age and the recorded corrosion issues, expect higher-than-average annual spending to keep the vehicle roadworthy. The estimated annual running cost is likely to be high due to the engine displacement.
Prioritise an inspection of the chassis and suspension. Specifically, check the front coil springs for the corrosion noted in the 2021 MOT records and inspect the rear exhaust back boxes for leaks. Given the model's aggregate data, pay close attention to the condition of the headlamps and the integrity of the suspension arms.
Check all rubber bushings and hoses for cracking or perishability, which is common in vehicles that have sat idle for several years. A thorough inspection of the braking system is essential to ensure no components have seized during the period of inactivity.
This 1997 Green Jaguar XJ features a 3.2L petrol engine and recorded 83,444 miles at its last MOT test in 2021. The available history shows a failure in November 2021 due to corroded front coil springs and major exhaust leaks at the back boxes. While the mileage is low for its age, the significant gap in testing presents a substantial risk to a buyer.
The Jaguar XJ has an average MOT pass rate of 81.9%, with frequent failures related to headlamps, suspension arms, and tyres.
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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