CarCostCheck

JAGUAR S-TYPE (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,842 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2496cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol2496cc23 years old2,842 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2496cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2496cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the JAGUAR brand average of 88%.

At 23 years old, 74% of JAGUAR S-TYPEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,842 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,539 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars191th of 445(top 43%)
Rank among JAGUAR models284th of 299(top 95%)
vs national average-8%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+2%(72% avg)
vs JAGUAR average-14%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,539

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE has 93,539 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 74%.

JAGUAR S-TYPE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200776%4,04093,056 mi
200675%3,62199,809 mi
200574%3,33496,758 mi
200473%3,38497,511 mi
200374%2,84293,539 mi
200272%2,23692,600 mi
200168%1,44794,458 mi
200069%1,38383,714 mi
199969%1,34785,764 mi

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About the 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE

The 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE is a premium with a 2496cc petrol engine. 2,842 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 93,539 miles at 23 years old, JAGUAR S-TYPE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE Fuel Costs

The 2496cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

JAGUAR S-TYPE Reliability Trend

Newer JAGUAR S-TYPEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE

At 23 years old, the JAGUAR S-TYPE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 94k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
JAGUAR S-TYPE(2003)74%£1592£430Grp 25-38£2577
RENAULT CLIO(2005)67%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217-£360
HONDA CR-V(2005)70%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£560
MERCEDES E(2005)78%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£180
FORD MONDEO(2004)69%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217-£360

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Jaguar Models

Explore other Jaguar cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Jaguar S-type.

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