2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  23.1% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Suspension arm3.7× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  11.4% All 2003 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Diesel smoke emissions10× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  8% All 2003 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 0.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Sub-frame2.7× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  12.2% All 2003 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  49% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  22% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 10× as often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?