2008 Jaguar X-Type: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Jaguar X-Type?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Jaguar X-Type than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm4.2× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  15.5% All 2008 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  10.9% All 2008 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Sub-frame1.9× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  14.5% All 2008 cars

  7.8%

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

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Body structure rust or damage2.8× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  6.1% All 2008 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Rust in key structural areas5× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  4.5% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 2008 Jaguar X-Type MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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
  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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Jaguar X-Type

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2008 Jaguar X-Type as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2008 Jaguar X-Type as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Jaguar X-Type as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?