2002 Jaguar XKR: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Jaguar XKR?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Jaguar XKR than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings3.3× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  4% All 2002 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2002 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.

• Anti-lock braking system3.1× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  3.7% All 2002 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Engine warning light2× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  3.8% All 2002 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2002 Jaguar XKR MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Jaguar XKR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  34% 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
  24% 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
  23% 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
  22% 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
  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
  9% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Jaguar XKR

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around sub-frame mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2002 Jaguar XKR as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2002 Jaguar XKR as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Jaguar XKR as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?