2004 Jaguar XK8 4.2L Petrol · XK04 KPS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend indicates a shift from minor neglect to reactive repairs. The most recent MOT test on May 8 2025 at 17,100 miles passed following a failure just two days prior for structural defects in both the nearside and offside front tyres. While the immediate safety defects were rectified, the presence of structural tears suggests the rubber components have suffered from age-related perishing or impact damage rather than simple tread wear. At 17,100 miles over 22 years, this XK8 reflects an exceptionally low average of approximately 777 miles per year. The data shows long periods of inactivity, such as the 362 miles covered between November 2023 and May 2025. This low usage pattern explains the minimal wear on the drivetrain and engine but introduces significant risks regarding the degradation of stationary components. The gap between tests in 2021 and 2023 shows the car sat for long durations, which often correlates with the issues noted in subsequent tests. A buyer must physically inspect the recurring oil leaks noted in 2022 and 2023. The tester flagged the sump pan and drive shaft knuckle joints as sources of non-excessive leaks, which are common on low-mileage vehicles where seals dry out and shrink from lack of use. Furthermore, the slight corrosion on the nearside rear coil spring reported in 2023 requires close monitoring for structural integrity, as moisture retention is higher on cars that spend long periods stationary. The structural failure of the front tyres in 2025 is a primary indicator that the rubber components have reached the end of their functional life. An inspection should check all tyres for cracking, sidewall bulging, or flat spots, regardless of remaining tread depth. Given the mileage history, the buyer should also verify the condition of the suspension bushings and brake lines, as these parts often fail due to time and oxidation rather than mechanical mileage.