2003 Jaguar XJ · 6,120 MOT tests
2003 Jaguar XJ reliability
2003 Jaguar XJs fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 23 XJ years (6,120 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XJs: 22.6%)
- 29.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XJs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 33% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 106,568
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,120
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 82% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Jaguar XJ
Fail rate by area
- Suspension11.6%
- Brakes9.7%
- Lights and electrics9.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.9%
- Steering4.1%
- Tyres3.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.01%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.73%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Track rod end dust cover damaged 2.29%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the ball joint, which speeds up wear and may lead to a costly replacement.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.25%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.14%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.94%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.68%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.48%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.33%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.14%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.85%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (6.75%)
Other years
Every Jaguar XJ year
The full picture: Jaguar XJ reliability. Before you pay for any Jaguar XJ, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Jaguar XJ reliable?
2003 Jaguar XJs fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 23 XJ years (6,120 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Jaguar XJ MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.01% of tests), ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (2.73% of tests), track rod end dust cover damaged (2.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Jaguar XJ have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Jaguar XJ shows 106,568 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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