2007 Jaguar X-Type diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Jaguar X-Type diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Jaguar X-Type diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Suspension arm3.6× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  11.6% All 2007 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  11.6% All 2007 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 1.8% of all 2007 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.

• Sub-frame2.1× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  12.7% All 2007 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

• Wheel bearings2.4× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  6.8% All 2007 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.5× usual
  Jaguar X-Type

  4.9% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2007 Jaguar X-Type diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 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
  39% 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
  35% 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
  15% 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
  14% 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 2007 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 suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2007 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 3× as often on the 2007 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2007 Jaguar X-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?