2006 Jaguar XK 4.2L Petrol · DX06 VVG

The most recent DVSA examination on 11 February 2026 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator for any prospective buyer. However, the broader pattern over the last two years is worth scrutinising. Both the 2025 and 2026 MOT cycles show a failed test followed immediately by a pass on the very next working day, suggesting that the vehicle was presented with rectifiable issues, repaired, and resubmitted within hours. While this is a common and legitimate practice, the absence of any recorded defect details on the failure notices is unusual. It may indicate that items were removed from the test record under the day-one fail category or that the tester applied the early re-test exemption. The overall trend cannot be described as worsening, but it is also not a clean run of straightforward passes, and a buyer should satisfy themselves as to what specifically prompted each refusal by requesting the original failure documentation or a service invoice covering the relevant period. With 75,364 miles recorded against a 2006 registration, this XK has covered an average of only around 3,768 miles per year over its life, which is substantially below the typical mileage for a car of this age. Low annual mileage of this nature often correlates with periods of extended standing, particularly relevant for a prestige sports tourer that may be used only in fair weather. While lower mileage preserves major drivetrain components, prolonged inactivity is notoriously damaging to vehicles of this calibre. Brake discs can corrode and develop lipping or surface pitting, caliper pistons and slide pins can seize, and the sophisticated electronic and pneumatic systems, particularly the Active Differential Control, suspension struts, and convertible or coupe body seals, can suffer from seal dry-out and actuator failure when rarely exercised. Given the clean defect record but the low usage profile, a prospective buyer should carry out a series of practical physical checks. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, or ozone degradation, as rubber deteriorates with age regardless of tread depth, and a 20-year-old car on original-dated tyres should have them replaced regardless of wear. The 12-volt battery is almost certainly due for renewal, given its calendar age, and a load test should be requested; a weak battery on a Jaguar of this era is a common cause of a cascade of electronic faults. All fluids, particularly brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and the automatic transmission fluid, should be checked for service history, as they degrade with time even if mileage is low. The underbody and brake calipers should be examined on a ramp for corrosion and seized pistons, and the handbrake mechanism confirmed fully operative after extended standing. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to suspension noises over uneven surfaces, as perished bushes and dampers are a common consequence of low use. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no pulling, grinding, or shudder, and a standing brake pull-up test will confirm the calipers are not binding. Transmission changes should be smooth and timely, the engine should reach operating temperature quickly without warning lights, and a careful listen for timing chain rattle on cold start is advisable, as Jaguar AJ-V8 chain tensioners are known to wear with age. Finally, all electronic features, including the infotainment, climate control, electric seats, and any suspension or differential mode settings, should be fully exercised, as faults in these systems on a low-mileage example frequently reflect long-standing lack of use rather than recent deterioration, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist is strongly recommended.