2003 Jaguar S-Type: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Jaguar S-Type?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Ball joint dust cover4.1× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  19.5% All 2003 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, 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 ends2.2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  13.9% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, 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.

• Sub-frame2.2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  12.3% All 2003 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2003 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.

• Engine warning light2.4× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  6.2% All 2003 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings2.9× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  4.1% All 2003 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Jaguar S-Type MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% 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 bodywork
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Jaguar S-Type

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?