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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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2496cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
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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Mileage Analysis
93,539
Average miles
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
Similar Cars to Consider
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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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAGUAR S-TYPE(2003) | 74% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2005) | 67% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| HONDA CR-V(2005) | 70% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| MERCEDES E(2005) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
| FORD MONDEO(2004) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 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.
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JAGUAR XE
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RENAULT CLIO
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2005 · 1998cc Petrol
MERCEDES E
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