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Jaguar Xjr car check

Find out if a Jaguar Xjr 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
£15,0546 at dealers
MOT failure rate
20.9%10k tests
Known problems
5across X300 to X351
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Xjr are you looking at?

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

  1. Subframe and mounting point structural corrosion

    Safety risk X308

    The aluminium monocoque body structure on X308 XJRs suffers from galvanic corrosion where steel suspension mounting points are welded to the aluminium chassis. Road salt accelerates this process, causing structural weakness at critical load-bearing areas within 30cm of suspension, subframe, and spring mounting points. MOT data shows this generation fails structural integrity tests at 17.1 times the national fleet average at higher mileages. This is a known issue specific to Jaguar's early aluminium construction methods, resolved in later generations with improved joining techniques.

    What to check: Examine the underside of the car with a torch, paying particular attention to where the rear suspension mounting points meet the body structure. Look for white powdery residue (aluminium oxide) or brown staining around weld joints. Check the area around the front subframe mounting points for any ...

  2. Suspension joint dust cover deterioration

    Wear item X350

    The rubber dust covers (gaiters) protecting ball joints and suspension bushes on X350 XJRs degrade rapidly, failing at 251 times the national fleet average. Once the protective cover fails, dirt and moisture contaminate the joint, accelerating wear and causing premature failure of expensive suspension components. This affects both front and rear suspension systems and is particularly problematic on the complex multi-link rear setup. The issue is specific to the rubber compounds used during this generation's production period.

    What to check: Examine all visible ball joint dust covers on the front suspension - look for splits, tears, or missing sections of rubber. Pay particular attention to the lower ball joints which are most exposed to road debris. Check the rear suspension links and bushes for deteriorated rubber boots - the multi...

  3. Wheel bearing excessive play

    Wear item X308, X350

    Wheel bearings on X308 and X350 XJRs develop excessive play at 16.1 times the national fleet average, particularly at higher mileages. The heavy weight of these luxury performance saloons, combined with the stresses from the performance-oriented suspension setup, accelerates bearing wear. Failed wheel bearings create safety risks and can damage the hub assembly, ABS sensors, and surrounding suspension components if not addressed promptly.

    What to check: Jack up each corner of the car and grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Rock it vigorously - any movement indicates bearing wear. Repeat at 3 and 9 o'clock positions to check for different types of bearing failure. Spin each wheel by hand and listen for grinding, rumbling, or irregular n...

  4. Steering rack gaiter deterioration

    Wear item X350

    The rubber gaiters (dust boots) protecting the steering rack on X350 XJRs fail at nearly 20 times the national fleet average. These protective covers prevent dirt and moisture from contaminating the steering rack mechanism and damaging the internal seals. Once the gaiter fails, the power steering fluid leaks out and contaminants enter the system, leading to expensive steering rack replacement. The issue appears to be related to the rubber compound quality used during this generation's production.

    What to check: Examine the steering rack gaiters on both sides - these are the accordion-style rubber boots where the tie rods enter the steering rack. Look for splits, tears, or missing sections. Check for power steering fluid leakage around the rack area - this appears as red or amber fluid on the ground or c...

  5. Shock absorber bush wear

    Wear item X308, X350

    The rubber bushes in the shock absorber mountings on X308 and X350 XJRs wear excessively, failing MOT tests at 9.4 times the national fleet average. These bushes isolate the shock absorber from the body structure and control suspension geometry. When they wear, handling deteriorates and the car develops knocking noises over bumps. The issue affects both front top mounts and rear shock bushes, with the complex rear multi-link suspension being particularly vulnerable.

    What to check: Examine the top of each front shock absorber where it meets the body - look for cracked, perished, or separated rubber in the top mount assembly. Check the rear shock absorber mounting bushes for similar deterioration - these may require jacking the rear to inspect properly. Look for rust stainin...

What Xjrs cost at dealers now

From 6 used Xjrs we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£15,054
Typical mileage
82,043 miles
Price change vs last month
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Xjr MOT results

20.9%

of Xjr MOT tests end in a fail, from 10,073 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Suspension ball joints wornSuspension
  2. Transmission joint, belt or chain wornBodywork
  3. Power steering faultSteering

Check the Xjr 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

Xjr questions

Is the Jaguar Xjr reliable?

20.9% of Xjr models fail their MOT based on 10,073 tests analysed. That’s about average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being subframe and mounting point structural corrosion. 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 Xjr?

The most serious known issues are subframe and mounting point structural corrosion, suspension joint dust cover deterioration, wheel bearing excessive play. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Xjr has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Jaguar Xjr 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 Xjr 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 Xjr 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 Xjr 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 Xjr 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 Xjr 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 Xjr fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Xjr is suspension ball joints worn. 20.9% of Xjr models fail overall, based on 10,073 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Xjr

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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.