CarCostCheck

Jaguar XJR (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 541 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4196cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4196cc23 years old541 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4196cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£3,153
Per month£263/mo
Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Jaguar brand average of 88%.

84% of MOT tests on Jaguar XJRs from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 541 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 112,539 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models60th of 429(top 14%)
Rank among Jaguar models194th of 292(bottom half)
vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)
vs 2003 models average+12%(72% avg)
vs Jaguar average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,539

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Jaguar XJR had 112,539 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2003 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Jaguar XJR by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201893%19147,058 mi
201795%13358,591 mi
201692%16549,299 mi
201583%7553,356 mi
201491%18362,913 mi
201393%3074,665 mi
200889%15787,799 mi
200784%34894,403 mi
200677%29499,136 mi
200582%167101,910 mi
200477%370108,410 mi
200384%541112,539 mi
200279%99108,492 mi
200182%328113,959 mi
200081%172100,269 mi
199980%298106,393 mi
199879%790107,156 mi
199787%189106,536 mi
199684%187112,362 mi
199574%325107,723 mi
199485%80121,359 mi
199376%3383,103 mi
199283%4796,642 mi
1991100%6420,438 mi
199089%106132,962 mi

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About the 2003 Jaguar XJR

The 2003 Jaguar XJR is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4196cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 541 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 112,539 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jaguar XJR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Jaguar XJR Fuel Costs

The 4196cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Jaguar XJR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Jaguar XJR Reliability Trend

Newer Jaguar XJRs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Jaguar XJR

At 23 years old, the Jaguar XJR 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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

Watch out

With an average of 113k 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 XJR stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Jaguar XJR(2003)84%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)82%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153same
Porsche 911(2005)90%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003-£150
Land Rover Range Rover(2003)77%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£150
Rover 75(2004)69%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,503+£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Jaguar XJR

Is the 2003 Jaguar XJR reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2003 Jaguar XJRs ended in a pass, from 541 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Jaguar XJR cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Jaguar XJR?

84% of 541 MOT tests on the 2003 Jaguar XJR ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 60th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 14%).

Which year Jaguar XJR has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Jaguar XJR has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1995 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Jaguar XJR?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Jaguar XJR is 112,539 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Jaguar Models

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

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Jaguar XJR.

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