1999 Jaguar XK8: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Jaguar XK8?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Jaguar XK8 than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2× usual
  Jaguar XK8

  9.4% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 4.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings3.8× usual
  Jaguar XK8

  5% All 1999 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.5% of all 1999 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 system3.3× usual
  Jaguar XK8

  3.6% All 1999 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.1% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Jaguar XK8 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Jaguar XK8 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  23% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  12% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Jaguar XK8

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Jaguar XK8 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around sub-frame mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 1999 Jaguar XK8 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1999 Jaguar XK8 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?