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Jaguar Xj car check

Find out if a Jaguar Xj has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

Typical price
£13,84989 at dealers
MOT failure rate
19.4%115k tests
Known problems
5across XJ40 to X351
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Xj are you looking at?

Each Xj generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. Structural corrosion reducing rigidity

    Safety risk X300, X308

    The steel monocoque structure on X300 and X308 XJs suffers from corrosion that can compromise structural integrity, particularly around suspension mounting points and sill sections. This is distinct from cosmetic rust and represents a safety-critical failure where the car's structural rigidity is reduced. The aluminium-bodied X350 and X351 generations are not affected by this issue.

    What to check: Inspect the sill sections along both sides of the car for visible rust, particularly where the sills meet the front and rear wheel arches. Look for brown staining, bubbling paint, or actual holes. Check the rear suspension mounting points visible from underneath - these are critical structural ar...

  2. Subframe mounting point corrosion

    Safety risk X300, X308

    The prescribed areas within 30cm of subframe and suspension mounting points are particularly vulnerable to corrosion on steel-bodied XJs. This affects the structural integrity around critical suspension attachment points and can lead to suspension components detaching from the body. MOT data shows failures at nearly 68 times the fleet average. This is a safety-critical issue that can cause sudden loss of vehicle control.

    What to check: Inspect the visible rear subframe mounting points from underneath using a torch. Look for rust, cracking, or deformation around the mounting brackets. Check the front subframe mounting areas visible through the wheel arches - remove any plastic covers if accessible. Look for rust staining or corr...

  3. Wheel bearing wear

    Wear item XJ40, X300, X308, X350, X351

    XJ models show exceptionally high wheel bearing failure rates across all generations, with MOT data showing failures at over 90 times the fleet average. The heavy weight of the XJ combined with complex suspension geometry places high loads on wheel bearings. Failure typically manifests as excessive play rather than noise, making it primarily detectable through physical inspection rather than audible symptoms.

    What to check: Jack up each corner of the car and grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Rock the wheel - any play indicates bearing wear. Spin each wheel by hand and listen for grinding or rumbling sounds. Check for play by grasping the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it - this...

  4. Power steering system malfunction

    Wear item X300, X308

    Hydraulic power steering systems on X300 and X308 XJs suffer from pump failure and fluid leaks at nearly 28 times the fleet average failure rate. The high-pressure hydraulic system is prone to seal failure, particularly in the steering pump and rack assembly. Loss of power steering assistance makes the heavy XJ extremely difficult to manoeuvre, especially at parking speeds.

    What to check: Check the power steering fluid reservoir (typically located near the brake master cylinder) - fluid should be clear red or amber, not black or contaminated with metal particles. Look for fluid leaks under the car, particularly around the steering rack area and pump mounting. Inspect visible high-...

  5. Suspension component dust cover deterioration

    Wear item X350, X351, X300, X308

    Rubber dust covers protecting suspension ball joints, track rod ends, and steering rack gaiters deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate on XJ models. MOT data shows failures at over 500 times the fleet average. While not immediately dangerous, failed dust covers allow contamination of critical suspension joints, leading to accelerated wear and eventual joint failure. This affects all generations but is particularly severe on the 4.2L X350 models.

    What to check: Inspect all visible suspension ball joint boots and steering rack gaiters for splits, tears, or missing sections. Focus on the outer CV joint boots, track rod end boots, and lower ball joint covers. Look for grease leakage around joint areas which indicates a failed dust cover. Check that rubber ...

What Xjs cost at dealers now

From 89 used Xjs we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£13,849
Typical mileage
72,611 miles
Price change vs last month
+33.4%

Xj MOT results

19.4%

of Xj MOT tests end in a fail, from 114,922 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Suspension ball joints wornSuspension
  2. Anti-roll bar links wornSuspension
  3. Suspension joint dust cover missing or no longe...Suspension

Check the Xj you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Xj questions

Is the Jaguar Xj reliable?

19.4% of Xj models fail their MOT based on 114,922 tests analysed. That’s about average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being structural corrosion reducing rigidity. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Jaguar Xj?

The most serious known issues are structural corrosion reducing rigidity, subframe mounting point corrosion, wheel bearing wear. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Xj has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Jaguar Xj has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Jaguar Xj has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Xj has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Jaguar Xj for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Jaguar Xj HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Xj faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Jaguar Xj fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Xj is suspension ball joints worn. 19.4% of Xj models fail overall, based on 114,922 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Xj

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.