Used car guide

2005 Jaguar XJR: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Jaguar XJR first registered in 2005: we looked at the 276 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 276 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

276MOTs of 2005 cars, done in 2023–2025
71%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%)
5,400typical miles a year
36%had suspension flagged

Common 2005 Jaguar XJR MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Jaguar XJR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    36% 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
    30% 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.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    8% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Jaguar XJR

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Jaguar XJR?

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Other years

Every year of the Jaguar XJR compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018247Tyres 27%
2017157Tyres 21%
2016187Tyres 26%
2015103Tyres 21%
2014133Tyres 24%
2008231Suspension 31%
2007462Suspension 32%
2006373Suspension 33%
2004508Suspension 37%
2003710Suspension 35%
2002215Suspension 29%
2001397Suspension 30%
2000356Suspension 32%
1999338Suspension 28%
1998636Suspension 38%
1997196Suspension 35%
1996186Suspension 25%
1995282Lights and electrics 32%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Jaguar XJR cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score