1997 Jaguar XK8 · 1,856 MOT tests
1997 Jaguar XK8 reliability
1997 Jaguar XK8s fail 24.9% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 9 XK8 years (1,856 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XK8s: 25.9%)
- 24.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XK8s: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 87,800
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,856
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 54% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Jaguar XK8
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.9%
- Lights and electrics9.3%
- Brakes7.8%
- Body, chassis and structure3.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.7%
- Tyres3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.18%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.75%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.16%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.94%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.56%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Windscreen washers not working 1.51%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.96%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.34%) · Wheel bearing slight play (9.43%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (6.79%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.3%) · Shock absorber bush slightly worn (6.2%)
Is a 1997 Jaguar XK8 reliable?
1997 Jaguar XK8s fail 24.9% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 9 XK8 years (1,856 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Jaguar XK8 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.18% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (2.75% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (2.16% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Jaguar XK8 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Jaguar XK8 shows 87,800 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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