Used car guide

2009 Jaguar XKR: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Jaguar XKRs, from 627 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

627MOT tests in 2025
77%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
4,100typical miles a year
3.2×the usual rate for ball joint dust cover

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Jaguar XKRs than on all cars registered in 2009.

  • Ball joint dust cover3.2× usual
    Jaguar XKR
    14% All 2009 cars
    4.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.8% of all 2009 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.

Better than most

Tread depth: 10.5% here, against 22.6% of all 2009 cars. Coil springs: 3.3% here, against 12.4% of all 2009 cars.

By area

The share of 2009 Jaguar XKR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    33% 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.

  • 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% 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 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%
2008740Suspension 38%
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 2009 Jaguar XKRs registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score