Used car guide

2008 Jaguar XKR: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Jaguar XKRs, from 740 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

740MOT tests in 2025
74%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
4,000typical miles a year
3.3×the usual rate for ball joint dust cover

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Jaguar XKRs than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Ball joint dust cover3.3× usual
    Jaguar XKR
    15.7% All 2008 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends1.9× usual
    Jaguar XKR
    10.4% All 2008 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Link ball joint covers2.1× usual
    Jaguar XKR
    7.2% All 2008 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Wheels2.1× usual
    Jaguar XKR
    4.7% All 2008 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Better than most

Engine oil leaks: 2.7% here, against 12.5% of all 2008 cars. Brake discs: 5.8% here, against 14.8% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Jaguar XKR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    38% 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
    25% 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.

  • Brakes
    18% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    15% 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
    6% 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
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

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
2011635Suspension 25%
2010827Suspension 30%
2009627Suspension 33%
20071,232Suspension 37%
2002517Suspension 33%
2001590Suspension 31%
2000515Suspension 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Jaguar XKRs registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score