1995 Jaguar XJR: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Jaguar XJR?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Jaguar XJR than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Wheel bearings2.5× usual
  Jaguar XJR

  18.1% All 1995 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Jaguar XJR

  12.8% All 1995 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 1995 Jaguar XJR MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Jaguar XJR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  21% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Jaguar XJR

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1995 Jaguar XJR as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1995 Jaguar XJR as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?