2010 Jaguar XK 5.0L Petrol · XK08 BAT

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this Jaguar XK, centred on the rear suspension and brake components rather than any outright failures. The 2023 and 2026 tests bookend a sequence in which the vehicle has consistently passed, but the rear axle has attracted repeated advisories. Both rear lower suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn in 2022 and again in 2023, the nearside rear lower shock absorber bush was noted in the same two consecutive tests, and the nearside rear brake disc showed pitting and scoring across 2021, 2022, and 2023. The 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests came back with no defects recorded at all, which suggests either remedial work was carried out on these components in the interim or the wear has stabilised at a level below the advisory threshold. Either way, the recent record is unblemished, but the buyer should not assume the earlier concerns have been resolved without documentary evidence such as invoices for replacement arms, bushes, or rear brake discs. Mileage accumulation has been steady rather than sporadic, with 102,500 recorded miles spread across a 16-year lifespan at roughly 6,400 miles annually. This figure is broadly typical for the vehicle's age bracket and there are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, with the earliest MOT shown being January 2019 and continuous yearly tests thereafter through to February 2026. Such consistency in annual mileage reduces the risk of long stationary periods that can degrade brake discs through corrosion, harden rubber bushes, and allow brake fluid to absorb moisture, although the rear brake disc pitting observed in the early 2020s still warrants attention. The mileage is also high enough that major drivetrain consumables beyond the MOT scope, such as timing chains, engine mounts, and automatic transmission fluid, will have seen significant use and should be assessed independently. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension geometry should be the primary focus of any physical inspection. With both lower arm bushes and a shock absorber bush flagged as worn in 2022 and 2023, the rear end is the most likely source of deterioration. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when accelerating or braking, and feel for vagueness or a degree of wandering at the rear axle on undulating roads. With the vehicle stationary, attempt to rock the rear wheels laterally by hand to detect play in the bushes; any perceptible movement suggests the components have worn beyond the advisory threshold. Examine the rear brake discs visually through the wheel spokes for a pronounced lip at the outer edge, which would confirm renewed wear after the earlier pitted state, and check for binding or dragging by confirming the rear wheels rotate freely by hand when cool. The 2020 advisories noted both front brake discs as being in excessively poor condition and an offside front inner road wheel distortion, items that did not reappear in subsequent tests and are likely to have been addressed. Nonetheless, the front discs and the distorted wheel should still be checked; the buyer should look for scoring or a corroded lip on the front discs and inspect the offside front wheel rim for any visible buckle, crack, or run-out that might affect balance at speed. Vibration through the steering wheel between 50 and 70 mph, or a feeling of tramlining over cambers, would indicate the wheel distortion is still influencing handling. Given the XK's relatively high mileage for a premium GT, it is also prudent to check for oil leaks from the engine and transmission, to verify smooth operation of the convertible or coupé roof mechanism where applicable, and to confirm that any warning lights on the instrument cluster clear promptly on start-up.