2008 Jaguar XK 4.2L Petrol · XK02 XXX

A recurring weakness in the suspension dust‑cover assemblies defines this XK’s MOT record – the off‑side front track‑rod end ball‑joint cover failed a week before the most recent test, and earlier passes were punctuated by rear‑suspension rod ball‑joint dust‑cover failures on both sides and low headlamp‑aim advisories. The pattern shows that while the latest 24 February 2026 MOT was passed, the vehicle has required repeated attention to the same protective components, suggesting a systemic issue with the integrity of those covers rather than isolated, one‑off faults. At 33 064 mi after 18 years the annual mileage averages roughly 1 800 mi, well below typical usage for a sports coupé of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited driving or storage, which can preserve wear items but also allow rubber seals, bushings and protective coatings to dry out or corrode unnoticed. The MOT history is otherwise continuous, with annual tests and no large gaps, indicating the vehicle has been presented for inspection each year despite the modest mileage. When you inspect the car, focus first on the front and rear suspension rod ends and their dust‑cover housings. Look for cracked, rusted or missing covers, and feel for any play in the track‑rod ends and rear ball joints by rocking the wheels at the 12 o’clock position; any clunk, knock or excessive movement under bumps could signal wear that the dust‑cover failures have allowed to accelerate. Verify that the headlamp units are correctly aimed – a low‑beam that shines below the centreline of the road can indicate mis‑alignment that previously triggered advisories, and it should be adjustable without excessive effort. Finally, confirm that the supplementary restraint system warning lamp remains extinguished after the recent pass; a lingering SRS fault can hide a faulty airbag module or sensor and will not be cleared by a simple visual check. While brakes have never been recorded as defective, a low‑mileage car can still harbour glazed pads or corroded discs, so listen for pedal pulsation or squeal under braking and feel for any pull or vibration. A thorough test drive that includes steady‑state cruising, gentle cornering and a short hard‑brake will reveal whether the suspension, steering and safety systems are truly sound after the series of dust‑cover repairs.