Jaguar Xjs car check
Find out if a Jaguar Xjs 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
- £19,5469 at dealers
- MOT failure rate
- 26.2%65 tests
- Known problems
- 8across XJS-Early to XJS-Late
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which Xjs are you looking at?
Each Xjs generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.
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Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points
Safety risk XJS-Early, XJS-LateMOT data shows the XJS fails at 12.1x the fleet average for load-bearing structure corrosion within 30cm of suspension mounting points. This affects the structural integrity around spring mountings, shock absorber towers, and subframe attachment points. The XJS monocoque construction means suspension loads are transmitted through relatively thin steel sections that are prone to corrosion from trapped moisture and road salt. Once structural integrity is compromised around suspension mountings, the car becomes unsafe to drive and requires extensive welding or replacement sections.
What to check: Inspect the rear wheel arches from inside the boot, looking for brown staining or flaking metal around the shock absorber mountings visible through the carpet. Check the front suspension turrets (visible when the bonnet is raised) for any cracking, corrosion, or deformation around the shock mount...
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Power steering system failure
Wear item XJS-Early, XJS-LateMOT data shows the XJS fails at 207.3x the fleet average for power steering fluid leaking or system malfunction, the highest failure rate in the entire dataset. The XJS power steering system uses a belt-driven pump feeding a rack-and-pinion system through high-pressure hoses. Common failures include pump seal deterioration, rack seal failure, and high-pressure hose rupture. The system operates at high pressure and the components are now 30+ years old with limited parts availability.
What to check: Check the power steering fluid reservoir (located on the engine bay firewall) - fluid should be clear red, not black or foamy. Look for dark staining on the ground under the car, particularly around the steering rack area and front suspension. Inspect visible power steering hoses for signs of wee...
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V12 Cylinder Heads
Engine damage risk XJS-Early, XJS-LateThe V12 engine uses aluminium cylinder heads that are prone to cracking due to thermal stress from the engine's operating temperature and inadequate cooling system maintenance. The heads can crack between valve seats or around the combustion chamber, leading to coolant loss into the cylinders or external leakage. This is a well-documented issue across all V12 XJS models, with failure typically occurring when the cooling system has not been properly maintained or the engine has overheated.
What to check: Check coolant level in the expansion tank - low level without external leaks may indicate internal consumption through cracked heads. Remove the oil filler cap and look for white mayonnaise-like deposits indicating coolant contamination in the oil system. Check the coolant for oil contamination -...
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Wheel bearing failure
Wear item XJS-Early, XJS-LateMOT data shows the XJS fails at 71.4x the fleet average for wheel bearings with excessive play. The XJS uses conventional taper roller bearings at all four corners that require periodic adjustment and greasing. The bearings are subjected to high loads due to the car's weight (1,700kg) and wide wheels, while age and lack of maintenance cause seal deterioration and grease breakdown. Failed bearings create dangerous handling characteristics and can seize completely.
What to check: Jack up each corner of the car and check for wheel play by grasping the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and rocking - any movement indicates bearing wear. Spin each wheel by hand listening for grinding, rumbling, or rough rotation that indicates bearing damage. Check for grease staining aroun...
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AJ6 Head Gasket
Engine damage risk XJS-Early, XJS-LateThe AJ6 straight-six engine is prone to head gasket failure, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles. The gasket fails due to thermal cycling between the aluminium head and iron block, exacerbated by cooling system neglect. Early symptoms include external coolant seepage from the head-to-block joint, progressing to internal failure where coolant enters the combustion chambers or oil system. This is a well-documented issue requiring engine-out repair due to access limitations in the XJS engine bay.
What to check: Look for white crystalline deposits around the cylinder head-to-block joint indicating dried coolant leakage. Check oil condition on the dipstick for contamination - oil mixed with coolant appears milky or has a coffee-with-cream appearance. Check coolant in the expansion tank for oil contaminati...
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Brake binding and handbrake inefficiency
Safety and MOT risk XJS-Early, XJS-LateMOT data shows the XJS fails at 26.6x the fleet average for handbrake efficiency below 50% and 17.6x for brake binding. The XJS uses rear disc brakes with an integral handbrake mechanism that is prone to seizure due to corrosion and lack of use. The brake calipers, particularly at the rear, suffer from piston corrosion and seal degradation causing both binding when applied and poor release when the brake is lifted. Front calipers also bind due to age-related seal failure.
What to check: Check that the handbrake lever travels 3-5 clicks - more indicates poor adjustment or worn mechanism, less indicates binding or seized cables. Look at all brake discs for scoring, heat discoloration, or excessive thickness variation indicating binding brakes. Check for uneven tyre wear patterns t...
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Rust
Safety and MOT risk XJS-Early, XJS-LateThe XJS is particularly susceptible to corrosion around the windscreen frame and rear wheel arches due to design features that trap moisture. The windscreen surround uses a rubber seal that can deteriorate allowing water ingress, while the rear arches have complex double-skin construction with drainage holes that become blocked. This leads to water accumulation and accelerated corrosion from the inside out. The problem is compounded by the car's age with most examples now 25-45 years old.
What to check: Inspect the windscreen surround carefully for bubbling paint, brown staining, or visible corrosion around the chrome trim and rubber seal areas. Check inside the rear wheel arches by removing carpet or trim panels in the boot area to look for brown staining or actual rust holes. Look along the re...
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Suspension spring failure
Wear item XJS-Early, XJS-LateMOT data shows the XJS fails at 10.9x the fleet average for fractured or seriously weakened springs. The XJS uses conventional coil springs that are subjected to high loads due to the car's 1,700kg weight and are now 25-45 years old. Spring failure typically occurs due to corrosion at the spring seats combined with metal fatigue, particularly on cars that have been stored in damp conditions or driven infrequently. Failed springs affect handling safety and can damage other suspension components.
What to check: Check vehicle ride height by comparing front to rear and side to side - a low corner indicates a broken or compressed spring. Visually inspect all springs for obvious breaks, cracks, or corrosion damage around the coils. Look for contact marks between spring coils indicating collapse or settling....
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
What Xjs cost at dealers now
From 9 used Xjs we track on UK dealer websites.
- Typical asking price
- £19,546
- Typical mileage
- 87,320 miles
- Price change vs last month
- +7.7%
Xjs MOT results
of Xjs MOT tests end in a fail, from 65 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Power steering faultSteering
- Emissions failureExhaust & Emissions
- Headlight faultLights & Electrics
Check the Xjs 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
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
Xjs questions
Is the Jaguar Xjs reliable?
26.2% of Xjs models fail their MOT based on 65 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 8 known problems to watch for, the most serious being structural corrosion around suspension mounting points. 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 Xjs?
The most serious known issues are structural corrosion around suspension mounting points, power steering system failure, v12 cylinder heads. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Xjs has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Jaguar Xjs 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 Xjs 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 Xjs 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 Xjs 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 Xjs 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 Xjs 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 Xjs fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the Xjs is power steering fault. 26.2% of Xjs models fail overall, based on 65 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the Xjs
Other Jaguar car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.