Used car guide

2003 Jaguar XJR: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Jaguar XJRs, from 231 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 231 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

231MOT tests in 2025
75%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,400typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for ball joint dust cover

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Jaguar XJRs than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Ball joint dust cover3.1× usual
    Jaguar XJR
    14.7% All 2003 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends2.1× usual
    Jaguar XJR
    13.4% All 2003 cars
    6.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

By area

The share of 2003 Jaguar XJR MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    38% 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
    27% 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
    16% 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
    16% 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 leaks
    9% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Jaguar XJR?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007151Suspension 37%
2006124Suspension 34%
2004167Suspension 43%
2001114Suspension 34%
2000112Suspension 28%
1999105Suspension 30%
1998183Suspension 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Jaguar XJRs registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score