2009 Jaguar XKR 5.0L Petrol · HC05 XKR

The Jaguar XKR’s most recent MOT, conducted just three months ago at 56,114 miles, passed with a single advisory for a minor central front oil leak—no major defects were recorded. However, the broader trend over the past two years reveals a pattern of recurring, though non-critical, issues rather than outright failure. The vehicle has been tested six times since 2024, with failures in March 2024 and March 2025 primarily tied to administrative faults (registration plates) and minor suspension/brake wear, rather than catastrophic mechanical failures. The most recent advisory in April 2026 suggests the oil leak remains stable, while the rear brake calliper leak from 2025 has not reappeared, indicating either a repair or a condition that has not worsened. That said, the persistence of corrosion advisories—particularly to sub-frames and suspension components—implies long-term neglect of rust prevention, a concern that will only deepen over time. The vehicle’s mileage of 56,114 miles over 17 years equates to an average of roughly 3,300 miles annually, a figure that, while lower than average for a high-performance sports car, does not suggest extreme underuse. The gaps between tests are irregular: a 12-month interval between the 2024 and 2025 tests, followed by a shorter 11-month gap to the 2026 test, with no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation. The lack of high-mileage jumps or extended periods of inactivity means consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension have not been subjected to extreme wear, but the low mileage does not absolve the need for scrutiny of structural integrity, as corrosion advisories have recurred since 2024. The most notable outlier is the near-identical mileage readings for the failed and passed tests in March 2025 (54,276 vs. 54,280), suggesting the vehicle may have been tested consecutively to resolve administrative issues rather than mechanical concerns. A prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the suspension and sub-frame corrosion, as these have been flagged repeatedly since 2024. The rear anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers were deemed severely deteriorated in 2024, a condition that, if unaddressed, could lead to binding or premature failure—particularly in a high-performance vehicle where suspension precision is critical. The near-side rear brake calliper leak from 2025 warrants inspection of the hydraulic system for potential fluid contamination or hose degradation, while the offside rear brake pads were recorded at 75% wear, indicating they are approaching replacement. Structural rust, though not yet classified as serious, has been noted on sub-frames and suspension frames since 2024, and its progression should be assessed, especially around welds and joints. The oil leak advisory from 2025 and 2026 suggests the engine bay may require closer examination for potential gasket or seal degradation, though no excessive leakage has been recorded. Tyres, wiper blades, and lighting are likely to be standard consumables requiring replacement, but their condition should be verified independently.