2002 Jaguar XKR 4.0L Petrol · LM02 LDX

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 March 2026 recorded a PASS outcome with no defects or advisories noted, indicating that at the point of test the vehicle met the minimum roadworthiness standards required for a car of this age. Reviewing the broader test history, however, reveals an unusual pattern that warrants careful attention from any prospective buyer. The vehicle was submitted for test on 26 February 2026 and failed, yet just twelve days later on 10 March 2026 it was presented again and passed. A comparable sequence occurred in March 2025, with a failure recorded on the same day as a pass. While the absence of recorded defect details on the failure entries prevents precise identification of the issues, such back-to-back test cycles typically suggest either intermittent faults that are difficult to reproduce under stationary test conditions, or remedial work carried out between the two examinations. The maintenance trend therefore cannot be confidently classified as stable or improving on the strength of these outcomes alone, and verification of the rectification work undertaken between the failed and passed tests would be highly advisable. At 98,118 recorded miles over a 24-year service life, this XKR is achieving an average annual mileage of approximately 4,088 miles, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a performance grand tourer of this era. Such low mileage is not inherently problematic but it carries specific mechanical implications, particularly relating to periods of standing or infrequent use. Extended periods of inactivity can lead to degraded oil films on internal engine components, moisture accumulation within the brake hydraulic system, oxidation of brake disc surfaces, sticking or binding brake calipers, deterioration of fuel system components, and discharge of the 12V battery. Conversely, the relatively modest mileage suggests that major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission and differential are unlikely to have suffered excessive wear from high cumulative use, provided they have been started and brought up to operating temperature periodically. Given the age of the vehicle and the apparent low annual usage, particular attention should be directed towards age-related degradation that does not necessarily correlate with odometer readings. The tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a set of original-equipment or aged tyres on a car of this vintage would warrant replacement for safety. The brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion and seizure, with a test drive conducted to confirm straight-line stability under braking and to detect any shuddering, pulling to one side, or grinding noises that would indicate warped discs or binding calipers. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as extended standing periods commonly cause premature battery failure, and the charging system should be verified to ensure the alternator is maintaining correct voltage. Fluid servicing on a vehicle of this age and usage profile should not be assumed to have been carried out at correct intervals, as calendar-based degradation of engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid is often overlooked on low-mileage examples. The cooling system in particular merits close inspection on the AJ-V8 engine, with checks for evidence of coolant leaks from the plastic coolant elbows, water pump weepage, and any signs of corrosion around the coolant expansion tank. The suspension, including coil springs, control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links and the rear self-levelling suspension components fitted to the XKR, should be examined for perishing or sagging, with a test drive over uneven surfaces to listen for clonks or knocking that would indicate worn bushes or tired dampers. Finally, the service book should be reviewed to confirm regular servicing regardless of low mileage, ideally with annual oil and filter changes irrespective of distance covered, and any evidence of long-standing periods without documented maintenance would be a legitimate point of negotiation or further investigation.