2008 Jaguar XJ 2.7L Diesel · MJ57 SVE

The 2008 Jaguar XJ passed its most recent MOT on 13 January 2026 at 158,035 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance pattern that is neither stable nor reassuring. Two advisories were noted at that latest test: a rear brake pipe corroded and contaminated with grease or other material, and a rear sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened. These are not new problems. The sub-frame advisory has persisted across multiple tests, and the brake pipe corrosion flagged in January 2026 suggests ongoing exposure to moisture and road salt without adequate underbody protection. The vehicle has passed every MOT on record, yet the recurring nature of corrosion-related advisories points to a car that has been kept running rather than proactively maintained. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent but moderate use. From 119,810 miles in January 2023 to 131,040 miles in January 2024, the car covered roughly 11,230 miles in twelve months. The following year it added 15,832 miles, reaching 146,872 by January 2025. In the most recent period, from January 2025 to January 2026, it added 11,163 miles. This averages out to approximately 8,780 miles per year over its eighteen-year life, which is typical for the age. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops in the odometer record, and the annual testing pattern has been consistent since at least 2023. The mileage itself is not a concern, but the wear it has produced on a car of this age and value is worth scrutinising closely. A buyer should pay particular attention to the rear sub-frame and brake pipework. The sub-frame corrosion advisory appeared at the January 2026 test and was already noted as present but not seriously weakened. On a Jaguar XJ of this generation, rear sub-frame corrosion can progress rapidly once it takes hold, and remedial welding or replacement is expensive. The corroded rear brake pipe flagged at the same test is a direct safety concern. A pipe contaminated with grease may be masking active corrosion beneath, and any MOT tester noting this combination is signalling that the braking system's hydraulic integrity deserves immediate inspection. Suspension components have also drawn repeated attention. The offside rear upper suspension arm bush was flagged in both the January 2024 failure and re-test, and shock absorber bushes were noted as worn in January 2023. These are typical wear items on a heavy saloon, but their recurrence suggests the suspension has not been comprehensively refreshed. A thorough inspection of all suspension bushes, ball joints, and dust covers is advisable, along with a close visual check of the sub-frame mounting points and brake lines. The electrical faults, such as the inoperative registration plate lamp and headlamp aim issue from 2024, appear to have been rectified at re-test and are less concerning, though a buyer should verify all lighting functions work correctly on the day of inspection.