Used car guide

2005 Jaguar XK8: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Jaguar XK8s, from 591 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

591MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,600typical miles a year
30%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 Jaguar XK8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    30% 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.

  • Tyres
    20% 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
    19% 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
    15% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    7% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% 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.

Looking at a Jaguar XK8?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004531Suspension 34%
2003552Suspension 31%
2002568Suspension 33%
2001628Suspension 33%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Jaguar XK8s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score