2017 Jaguar F-Type 3.0L Petrol · S6 XAW

The Jaguar F-Type’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning instability in engine diagnostics, with two consecutive failures in May 2026 for the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) issue, despite a clean pass in April 2025. The repeated failure on 2026-05-18—just two miles before passing—suggests either an intermittent fault or a delayed response to a persistent underlying problem. The absence of defects in the 2026-05-18 pass, combined with the immediate re-failure, implies the tester may have overlooked a critical warning or that the fault was temporarily masked. This pattern of engine-related instability is not trivial; it indicates the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics system has been compromised at least twice in the past year, which could point to wiring, sensor failure, or deeper engine management issues. The lack of advisories or further details in the pass suggests the tester did not probe beyond the immediate MIL failure, leaving unresolved whether the system was merely inoperative or actively reporting a genuine fault. The recorded mileage of 22,358 miles at the latest test date is unusually low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging just 2,484 miles annually—a figure that suggests either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between tests is irregular: the 2024 pass at 18,786 miles followed a 1,788-mile interval (roughly 150 miles per month), while the 2025 test spanned 1,788 miles again, yet the 2026 tests occurred over just two miles. This abrupt clustering of tests in May 2026, combined with the low overall mileage, raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven to the test centre specifically to pass, rather than as part of regular use. The 2024 failure for both the MIL and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) at 18,785 miles—just one mile before passing—mirrors the 2026 pattern, reinforcing the suspicion of either intermittent faults or selective maintenance to meet MOT deadlines. Given the repeated MIL failures, a buyer should prioritise a thorough diagnostic check of the engine management system, including wiring harnesses, sensors (particularly the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors), and the ECU itself. The TPMS failure in 2024, while not repeated, indicates the system may be unreliable; verify if the sensors are functional and whether the warning light operates correctly. The absence of structural or suspension advisories in the record does not guarantee their integrity—corrosion in the subframe, worn suspension bushes, or binding calipers could still exist without triggering MOT defects. Inspect the underbody for rust, especially around the wheel arches and sills, and test the brakes for uneven wear or binding, as the F-Type’s performance-oriented braking system is prone to heat-related issues. The low mileage makes fluid checks (brakes, power steering, coolant) critical, as standing fluids degrade seals and components over time.