2005 Jaguar X-Type: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Jaguar X-Types, from 2,027 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Jaguar X-Types than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Engine oil leaks1.7× usualJaguar X-Type25.1% All 2005 cars14.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt 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 springs1.8× usualJaguar X-Type19.7% All 2005 cars10.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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.
- Sub-frame2.1× usualJaguar X-Type14.5% All 2005 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Suspension arm2.7× usualJaguar X-Type11.2% All 2005 cars4.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt 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 mountings1.9× usualJaguar X-Type11.1% All 2005 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Number plate lights: 2% here, against 8.2% of all 2005 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 3.2% here, against 7.3% of all 2005 cars.
By area
The share of 2005 Jaguar X-Type MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension51% 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.
- Brakes37% 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.
- Tyres32% 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 electrics27% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks27% 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.
- Rust and bodywork19% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3,452 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 3,570 | Suspension 51% |
| 2007 | 2,604 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 2,453 | Suspension 52% |
| 2004 | 1,991 | Suspension 52% |
| 2003 | 1,638 | Suspension 47% |
| 2002 | 1,048 | Brakes 44% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Jaguar X-Types registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score