2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Sub-frame2.6× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  13.1% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  13.9% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Diesel smoke emissions10.2× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  8.2% All 2004 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 0.7% of all 2004 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.

• Coil springs1.6× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  17.5% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.7% of all 2004 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 arm2.9× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  9.8% All 2004 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 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
  54% 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
  46% 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
  32% 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
  31% 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
  25% 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
  18% 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 2004 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 sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 10.2× as often on the 2004 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?