1997 Jaguar XK8 4.0L Petrol · J2 TYY

The Jaguar XK8 presents a stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 7 April 2025 at 68,969 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend is steady rather than worsening, though the same-date failure on 7 April 2025 with no defects listed points to an administrative or procedural rejection rather than a mechanical fault. Prior tests in April 2024 at 68,531 miles, March 2023 at 67,251 miles, and April 2022 at 66,863 miles all passed cleanly with no advisories raised on brakes, suspension, exhaust emissions, or structural corrosion. At roughly 29 years old the car shows 68,969 recorded miles, an average of about 2,378 miles per year. The mileage crept up only 438 miles between April 2022 and March 2023, then 280 miles to April 2024, and just 438 miles to the 2025 test. Such low annual use over a long period suggests the XK8 spent extended intervals stationary, a pattern that often masks aged rubber components and fluid degradation not captured by a pass with no defects. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of the suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers, as low-mileage Jaguars of this era commonly develop perished rubber and binding brakes through lack of use. The clean MOT record gives no evidence of structural rust or failing emissions, but DVSA tests do not strip panels or assess interior mechanical wear. Given the sparse but consistent history, previous keepers appear to have stored the car rather than neglected active repair. Verify the 2025 same-day fail was clerical, and confirm fluid changes, tyre sidewall condition, and underbody corrosion before purchase.