2004 Jaguar S-Type MOT pass rate: 68.3% (5,154 tests)
Is the 2004 S-Type getting worse?
Pass rate of 2004-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 68.2% +4.3 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 68.3% +4.2 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 68.5% +3.2 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2004 S-Type
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 1,973 | 31.9% |
| 2 | Brakes | 1,042 | 16.8% |
| 3 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 862 | 13.9% |
| 4 | Steering | 593 | 9.6% |
| 5 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 445 | 7.2% |
| 6 | Tyres | 412 | 6.7% |
All S-Type years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2,137 | 64.8% | -1.8 pts | 90,424 |
| 2002 | 3,261 | 65.3% | -0.3 pts | 88,489 |
| 2003 | 4,159 | 68.4% | +3.4 pts | 92,100 |
| 2004 (this page) | 5,154 | 68.3% | +4.0 pts | 91,423 |
| 2005 | 4,720 | 67.1% | +2.6 pts | 93,087 |
| 2006 | 5,050 | 69.8% | +5.4 pts | 96,887 |
| 2007 | 5,760 | 69.1% | +3.9 pts | 91,442 |
- Free MOT history checkThe exact car’s failures, advisories and mileage trail — sellers can’t edit it
- Topdon OBD2 scannersTopdon diagnostic scanners with full-system readouts
- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
FAQs
Is a 2004 Jaguar S-Type reliable?
2004-registered examples passed 68.3% of their MOT tests (5,154 tests, 2023–2025), +4.0 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 22 years old with a median 91,423 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2004 S-Type?
The median tested example shows 91,423 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Should I buy the petrol or diesel 2004 S-Type?
In this cohort petrols pass 69.2% of tests against 64.5% for diesels. Mileage and use can explain part of that gap, so treat it as a reason to inspect DPF and emissions history, not a fuel-type verdict.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.