2004 Jaguar XK8 4.2L Petrol · FC04 HHS

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 September 2025 resulted in a PASS, but this outcome should be viewed in proper context. The pass came just twelve days after a previous failure on 4 September 2025, where the vehicle presented three major defects, including an inoperative or malfunction-indicating engine management warning lamp, an ABS warning lamp indicating a fault, and an offside front headlamp not functioning on dipped beam, alongside an inability to test headlamp aim. The clustering of electrical and powertrain-related major failures immediately prior to the pass suggests remedial work was carried out specifically to achieve a passable certificate rather than indicating a stable mechanical state. Both the 2025 pass and fail noted an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, and the subsequent pass added an advisory for slight play in the offside rear wheel bearing, signalling a progressive wear pattern that requires ongoing attention. The recorded mileage of 122,949 miles across approximately 22 years equates to an annual average of around 5,589 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and type. Jaguar XK8 models are grand tourers engineered for sustained high-speed cruising, and such low annual usage is characteristic of a second car, a seasonal vehicle, or one that has experienced extended periods of standing. While low mileage preserves major mechanical components from wear, prolonged standing introduces its own risks, including corrosion of braking surfaces, degradation of rubber bushes and seals, flat spots in tyres, and deterioration of lubricants and coolant. The MOT history reflects no significant gaps in testing, suggesting the vehicle has been used and maintained continuously, but the low average mileage reinforces the need for particular scrutiny of age-related degradation as outlined below. A review of the recent MOT history reveals several recurring defect areas that warrant careful physical inspection and attention during a test drive. The suspension system has been a consistent source of advisories, with corroded rear coil springs noted in both 2021 and 2024, a worn nearside rear shock absorber bush and an excessively worn offside front upper suspension arm ball joint flagged in 2022, and a perished offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover recorded in 2023. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly from the rear, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering in the steering, which would indicate worn suspension linkages or bushes. Given that the offside rear wheel bearing now shows slight play, this should be monitored closely, as progression will manifest as a humming or growling noise that changes with road speed, and left unaddressed, the bearing failure could lead to excessive play and potential seizure. Tyre condition also demands close attention, with repeated advisories for nearside front tyre cuts and edge wear, and an offside rear tyre approaching the legal limit, indicating possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry. Beyond the recorded defects, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough age-appropriate inspection given the vehicle's calendar age of 22 years and its pattern of low usage. Inspect all tyres, including the spare, for sidewall perishing and cracking, as age-hardened rubber can fail suddenly regardless of tread depth, and verify that all tyres are of matching age and manufacturer. Examine the brake discs for severe corrosion lipping, which on a standing vehicle can lead to brake shudder and judder under heavy application, and check for binding calipers by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely on a level surface. Open the bonnet and inspect for perished hoses, particularly given the 2021 coolant leak advisory, and verify the condition of all drive belts for cracking. Check the 12V battery, which typically requires replacement every five to six years, and ask for evidence of recent replacement along with servicing records confirming time-based fluid changes, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid. Finally, the recurring engine oil leak advisories and underbody corrosion notes from 2022 warrant a thorough examination on a ramp to assess the severity of any oil seepage from the engine or gearbox, and to evaluate the structural integrity of corroded underbody surfaces, particularly around the rear wheel arches where corrosion was previously noted.