CarCostCheck

JAGUAR XJR (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 541 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4196cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4196cc23 years old541 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4196cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4196cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the JAGUAR brand average of 88%.

At 23 years old, 84% of JAGUAR XJRs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 541 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,539 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars62th of 445(top 14%)
Rank among JAGUAR models199th of 299(top 67%)
vs national average+2%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+12%(72% avg)
vs JAGUAR average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,539

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 JAGUAR XJR has 112,539 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 1991 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2003 sits between the two at 84%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2003 JAGUAR XJR

The 2003 JAGUAR XJR is a premium performance with a 4196cc petrol engine. 541 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2003 cars for reliability.

With an average of 112,539 miles at 23 years old, 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 £1,592 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 XJR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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

The JAGUAR XJR has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 JAGUAR XJR'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

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
JAGUAR XJR(2003)84%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005)82%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
PORSCHE 911(2005)90%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2097-£660
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2003)77%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
ROVER 75(2004)69%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2597-£160

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.

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

Related Guides

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