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

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

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

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  28.2% All 2003 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  19.4% All 2003 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 2.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm3.2× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  10.1% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, 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.

• Engine warning light3.1× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  8.5% All 2003 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Sub-frame2× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  9.3% All 2003 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, 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 petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  47% 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
  41% 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
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% 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
  17% 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.

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

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2003 Jaguar X-Type petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?