2002 Jaguar XKR 4.2L Petrol · AE52 ABZ

Across five consecutive DVSA test entries spanning 2021 through late 2025, this 2002 Jaguar XKR presents an unbroken sequence of pass results with no advisories, failures, or component defects recorded. That clean sheet indicates the vehicle has consistently met the statutory roadworthiness thresholds at each annual inspection, with no specific wear items flagged for monitoring by the tester. Mechanically, this is a notably tidy public record, though it is worth recognising that MOT testing evaluates safety and emissions compliance at a fixed moment rather than confirming the broader mechanical integrity of a 24 year old vehicle. The most recent pass on 22 October 2025 with no defects recorded sits at the end of an unblemished run, reinforcing that the car has not developed any test-visible deterioration over the recorded period. The recorded mileage of 74,165 miles against an approximate 24 year lifespan equates to an annual accumulation of around 3,090 miles, which is markedly below average for a vehicle of this age and substantially lower than what would be expected of a performance grand tourer used regularly. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2021 onwards at broadly consistent intervals, suggesting the car has been kept in active use throughout this window rather than declared off the road. Critically, lower annual mileage on a car of this vintage carries its own mechanical considerations: prolonged standing periods can accelerate deterioration of rubber components, drive seals, coolant hoses, brake caliper pistons and hydraulic system seals, and the underbody, even when annual mileage remains modest. Conversely, the major drivetrain components, including the supercharged 4.2 litre V8, automatic transmission, and rear final drive, will have experienced proportionally fewer thermal cycles and load events than a higher mileage equivalent, which can be beneficial for internal wear. Given the absence of any flagged components in the recorded tests, there is no specific advisory history to direct a targeted inspection towards, and a prospective buyer must therefore approach the evaluation on component condition rather than test data. During a physical examination, particular attention should be paid to the underbody and suspension subframes for any surface or structural corrosion, especially around the front suspension turrets, rear suspension mounting points, and the sills, as these are common corrosion zones on XKRs of this generation and would not necessarily be recorded as an MOT failure unless they had advanced significantly. The brake system, including discs, calipers, flexible hoses, and the ABS sensor rings, warrants a close visual check for any binding calipers, perished flexible hoses, or corroded handbrake mechanisms, as low mileage does not prevent these items from seizing through infrequent use. A test drive should focus on any signs of knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, any vibration or wander from the steering that could indicate worn tie bars or bushes, and any hesitation, misfire, or rough running from the supercharged V8 that might suggest ageing ignition components or fuel system deposits. The convertible body structure on this XKR also merits careful assessment independent of the MOT record. Hood condition, hydraulic ram operation, and the integrity of the rear screen should be checked for water ingress, and the door shuts, boot lid, and bonnet should be examined for even gaps that suggest the body remains sound. On the test drive, listen for any clonks from the rear suspension over speed humps, check for transmission hesitation or harsh shifts, and verify that the supercharger engages smoothly without any chain rattle or whining bearing noise from cold. Finally, a compression test or at least a thorough inspection of the cooling system, including the radiator, expansion tank, water pump, and viscous cooling fan coupling, is advisable on any 24 year old Jaguar V8, as these are known wear items whose condition cannot be inferred from clean MOT entries alone.