Used car guide

2004 Jaguar XKR: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Jaguar XKRs, from 401 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 401 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

401MOT tests in 2025
78%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
3,700typical miles a year
32%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2004 Jaguar XKR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    32% 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
    21% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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
    10% 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.

  • 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.

Looking at a Jaguar XKR?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012329Suspension 22%
2011635Suspension 25%
2010827Suspension 30%
2009627Suspension 33%
2008740Suspension 38%
20071,232Suspension 37%
2006362Suspension 35%
2005341Suspension 31%
2003444Suspension 32%
2002517Suspension 33%
2001590Suspension 31%
2000515Suspension 27%
1999453Suspension 30%
1998248Suspension 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Jaguar XKRs registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score