2010 Jaguar XF 3.0L Diesel · AX10 EYP

The 2010 Jaguar XF most recently passed its MOT on 23 January 2025 with three advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle remains roadworthy but is now showing early signs of age-related wear that warrant close attention. Reviewing the trajectory of recent tests, the maintenance trend appears to be gradually worsening rather than deteriorating sharply, as the 2022 and earlier tests were issued with no advisories at all, while the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests have each carried at least one advisory related to suspension or structural condition. It is also worth noting that the vehicle failed an MOT on 21 March 2019 on two major defects concerning an inoperative horn and an airbag or supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault; although the immediate re-test the following day was passed with no advisories, these items demonstrate that the car should be checked for any persistent or recurring electrical faults, particularly within the supplemental restraint system and ancillary warning circuits. With a recorded mileage of 162,896 miles against an age of approximately sixteen years, this XF has covered an annual average of around 10,181 miles, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a luxury saloon of this vintage and suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for long periods. There are no substantial gaps in the MOT record that would imply extended periods of inactivity, and the mileage accumulation appears steady, which is generally favourable for mechanical condition as it reduces the risk of seized components, perished rubber, and degraded fluids associated with low or sporadic use. That said, the absolute mileage is high for a complex premium vehicle, meaning that wear-related consumption of suspension, braking, drivetrain, and cooling system components must be assumed to be advanced. The 2025 advisories are particularly relevant for any prospective buyer. The advisory regarding light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber suggests the unit is beginning to lose hydraulic fluid through its seal; while not yet a failure, the rate of deterioration typically accelerates once misting becomes visible, and on a test drive you should listen for a looser or less controlled ride over undulating road surfaces, particularly at the rear. The worn front lower suspension arm pin or bush on both sides is a more urgent concern, as these components locate the front suspension geometry directly, and progressive wear can manifest as a knocking or clunking noise over speed humps and during sharp direction changes, vague or wandering steering response, and uneven or feathered inner-edge tyre wear. The advisories from 2023 concerning slight play in the nearside rear upper suspension arm ball joint, taken together with the latest front bush wear, suggest that a complete suspension refresh including arms, bushes, and possibly rear subframe mounting bushes may be approaching, which on a Jaguar XF can represent a significant cost. The structural corrosion advisory underneath, although not compromising rigidity at present, should be physically inspected with a torch and ideally placed on a ramp to verify that no serious perforation or load-bearing rust has developed beyond the surface areas observed. Beyond the recorded advisories, a high-mileage sixteen-year-old XF of this calibre demands a thorough age-appropriate inspection regardless of MOT status. The brake discs are highly likely to exhibit lipping and surface corrosion from general wear and infrequent heavy braking, so the car should be road-tested from cold for any juddering through the steering wheel or brake pedal, and a visual check should confirm the discs are within minimum thickness rather than at the legal wear limit. The tyres should be carefully inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on vehicles of this age even where tread depth remains adequate, and the age code on each tyre sidewall should be reviewed, as rubber older than seven years is considered compromised regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as Jaguar electrical systems are sensitive to voltage drops and a weak battery can cause a range of spurious fault codes. All fluid services, including engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and automatic transmission fluid, should be verified against the manufacturer schedule, as calendar-based degradation of brake fluid in particular leads to a noticeable spongy pedal feel and reduced boiling point resistance. Finally, the cooling system should be pressure-tested for leaks, the timing chain or chain-driven ancillaries listened to on cold start for any rattle, and a diagnostic scan conducted for any stored fault codes, particularly within the transmission, electronic stability control, and supplementary restraint system modules, before committing to purchase.