Used car guide

1992 Jaguar XJS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1992 Jaguar XJSs, from 221 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 221 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

221MOT tests in 2025
77%pass first time (all 1992 cars: 69%)
2,600typical miles a year
24%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1992 Jaguar XJS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    24% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    18% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    16% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Tyres
    13% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Steering
    8% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Jaguar XJS?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1996198Suspension 19%
1995328Brakes 21%
1994288Suspension 19%
1993292Lights and electrics 26%
1991262Suspension 22%
1990342Lights and electrics 22%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1992 Jaguar XJSs registered in 1992. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score