2008 Jaguar XKR: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Jaguar XKR?

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

• Ball joint dust cover3× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  13% All 2008 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, 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.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  9.5% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.4% 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.

• Wheels2.4× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  5% All 2008 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, 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.

• Link ball joint covers1.8× usual
  Jaguar XKR

  5.9% All 2008 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.8% 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.

Common 2008 Jaguar XKR MOT failures and advisories

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
  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
  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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% 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 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 ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 Jaguar XKR as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Jaguar XKR as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Jaguar XKR as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?