1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Jaguar XK8 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,123 MOT tests in 2024. 75.9% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

116Well above average
Passed first time75.9%
Failed or needed repairs24.1%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,123 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.0%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.0%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.4%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.4%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.3%
  8. Washers: not working1.3%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  10. Wheel bearings: has excessive play1.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics14.3%
  2. Suspension12.6%
  3. Brakes11.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks6.7%
  5. Body & chassis5.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  7. Tyres2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.6%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.5%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play8.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Jaguar XK8?

In 2024, 75.9% of 1997 Jaguar XK8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,123 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Jaguar XK8?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Jaguar XK8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 116, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).