JAGUAR XK (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,496 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4196cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4196cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the JAGUAR brand average of 88%.
At 18 years old, 83% of JAGUAR XKs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,496 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,582 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,582
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 JAGUAR XK has 74,582 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2008 sits between the two at 83%.
JAGUAR XK by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 JAGUAR XK
The 2008 JAGUAR XK is a premium performance with a 4196cc petrol engine. 1,496 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 74,582 miles at 18 years old, JAGUAR XK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 JAGUAR XK Fuel Costs
The 4196cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 JAGUAR XK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
JAGUAR XK Reliability Trend
Newer JAGUAR XKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 JAGUAR XK
At 18 years old, the JAGUAR XK is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 JAGUAR XK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 18 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 JAGUAR XK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAGUAR XK(2008) | 83% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| JAGUAR XF(2008) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2006) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| VOLVO XC90(2009) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| PORSCHE 911(2006) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Jaguar Models
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JAGUAR XF
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