1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Jaguar Xjs MOT pass rate and common faults

191 MOT tests in 2024. 79.6% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time79.6%
Failed or needed repairs20.4%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 191 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working1.6%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.6%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.6%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits1.0%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics13.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks12.6%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  4. Suspension3.7%
  5. Brakes3.7%
  6. Steering1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.9%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play6.3%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Jaguar Xjs?

In 2024, 79.6% of 1996 Jaguar Xjs cars passed their MOT first time, across 191 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Jaguar Xjs?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Jaguar Xjs reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).