Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto (2003)

128 real MOT outcomes analysed • 22.8% first-time pass rate

2003 Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto

CarHunch analysed 128 real MOT records for the 2003 Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2003 Jaguar S-Type V6 SE Auto is a reliability concern: only 22.8% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, meaning nearly 4 in 5 arrive at their MOT with something already wrong. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare (0%), but the poor first-time pass rate reflects the age and complexity of these vehicles, with an average of 0.41 failures per test indicating persistent mechanical issues.

At an average of 103,445 miles, these cars are well-used, and the complete absence of advisories suggests that when they fail, it's usually for real problems rather than minor wear items—this is a vehicle that needs thorough pre-purchase inspection and realistic expectation of near-term repairs. If you're considering one, budget for immediate mechanical work and have a trusted Jaguar-specialist inspect it before committing, because the numbers suggest guesswork at purchase time will cost you money.

Below average reliability 57.2% below UK average
22.8%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.41
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2003 Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (65%) 83 0% 0
Other (34%) 44 66.4% 1.2
Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) 1 0% 0

2003 Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 15 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2021 (43% of peak).

35 15 2018 2021

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2021.

MOT History Averages

1.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.41
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Jaguar S Type V6 SE Auto:

1999 2000 2001