2003 Jaguar XK8 · 1,993 MOT tests
2003 Jaguar XK8 reliability
2003 Jaguar XK8s fail 27.4% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 9 XK8 years (1,993 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XK8s: 25.9%)
- 27.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar XK8s: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 32% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 81,415
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,993
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 2.9% of tests fail here (8% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 61% 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 XK8
Fail rate by area
- Suspension11.1%
- Brakes9.2%
- Lights and electrics7.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Tyres3.4%
- Body, chassis and structure3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 3.61%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.26%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.46%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.86%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.51%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.46%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.28%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.78%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.87%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.37%) · Wheel bearing slight play (4.37%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.11%)
Is a 2003 Jaguar XK8 reliable?
2003 Jaguar XK8s fail 27.4% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 9 XK8 years (1,993 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Jaguar XK8 MOT?
Most often abs warning lamp shows a fault (3.61% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.26% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (2.46% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Jaguar XK8 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Jaguar XK8 shows 81,415 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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