hi... I am looking to buy a s-type with between 85,000-100,000 miles. I have seen a few on craigs list. I wanted to know what are the major issues with these cars I have to look for. Overall are they good cars? I have heard some unreliable issues with these cars. Tranny's fail early, engines leak, etc... Can anyone update me? thanks.

 

Unless you have deep pockets I would stay away from the 00 - 02 S Type - multiple issues... (4.0 V8 tensioners) trans failures, suspension woes (ball joints, upper control arms) - and trust me, this is coming from an owner of a 00 S Type w/ 4.0 V8... high maintenance costs are the only certain thing with the 00 - 02 models...

Spend your $$$ on the 03+ S Types - more bang for your buck and better reliability...

 

Yes, exactly what abonano said. Just today, I had a guy at the gas station compliment me on my 04 S-Type. After a bit of talking about how unique mine looked and all this stuff, he brought up the issue of reliablity. I told'em I haven't had one problem yet. He was shocked and mentioned his friend has an S-Type and he has problems with it all the time. My next question was; "What year is it?". His answer? "2002." I said "Well there's his problem." and proceeded to explain why people recommend buying 03+ and up.

We're not dissin' 02 and older S-Types at all, but Jaguar (and Ford) had a lot of issues for S-Types that didn't get addressed until 03 and up. Not to mention the advancements they made to the 03+ generation, you really should shoot for an 03 or later. If you can't afford an 03+, you probably can't afford to buy AND maintain an 02 or older S-Type. JbB

 

daboss 085

I have a 2003 Stype R with 62K on it for sale in the private classifieds on the forum for $9500. I feel the R gives you the best combination of luxury and performance. This is a one driver since new car and well maintained. Check it out. Platinum with Charcoal interior.

Thanks,

 

what about a 2000-2002 xtype?

 

X Types are produced from 2002.5 on - again the 03+ S Types are more valuable than the X Type...

 

i found a few decent ones for a good price, are they decent cars tho? i am looking at a few 2002 xtypes with around 85-90k. are they as bad as the 2000-2002 stypes?

 

I'd try to go later in the years on the X-Types also, they we're put together better as the years went on.

I understand you want a Jag, but buying a nice one for a little more money will save you a TON in the long run.

 

Total makes some good point. My take is on X-Types is that they look good on the outside, but are lacking on the inside. The X-Type is the only Ford era Jaguar that didn't feel like it was made by Jaguar but made by Ford.

Yes, buying an X-Type will give you the "I've got a Jag" mentality, but I've found their prices to be nearly as much as a same year and make S-Type, but clearly lacking in value. JbB

 

what about mechanically? do they have a lot of problems like the 2000-2002 types? or are they pretty good running cars with no problems.

 

Ok, I used to like the X-Type more than the S-Type. I still like the exterior better to be honest. BUT, after reading the X-Type forums for a while I went with a 2005+ S-Type since they're built so much better and have far less problems.

I promise you'll be a much happier with a later year S-Type.

 

Let me ask you this... how much are you looking to spend? Then we might be able to guide you in a better direction.. Mechanically, the earlier X Types are issue plagued as well hence total's comments above..

 

i am looking to spend around 4,000-4500. I have a 96 xj6 right now, but am having issues with my paint feeling, and dont wanna spend a couple grand on redoing it. plus the tranny is on its way and thats another 2 grand, so for like 4-5 grand I would rather get a different jag. I have seen quite a year x-types with 80k on them years 2002 private owners for around 4 grand.

 

I don't see the point of selling a money pit for a money pit.

 

Why do you think those "private" sellers are trying to unleash those "wonderful" 00 - 02 S Types and 02 X Types for only $4,000? Cause like you they don't want to dump another $3,000 - $5,000 or more into those vehicles.

Best advice to you is if you still have the urge to buy into a 00 - 02 model - read threads on this forum as to what to look for - also, invest in a mechanic that specializes in Jaguars to go through the entire vehicle with absolute emphasis on the engine, trans, HVAC and suspension cause I guarantee you there will be "hidden" woes that the normal consumer and even a shady tree mechanic will miss thinking things are "A - OK" - transmission case is sealed; prone to failure, even if it drives and shifts - that repair alone done right is anywhere from $2,500 - $3,500 the tensioner "death-rattle", while driving smooth... that repair - $1,500 if you catch those plastic tensioners before they break and if it breaks - $2,000 - $2,500 if your engine is not damaged and if it is damaged (like a valve smashing into a piston or two) you will be spending $2,500 - $4,000 on a used engine with a range of 75K - 125K or more on the odometer (that still might have the original plastic tensioners) if you go with the V8 model - about $1,000 or so less to replace the V6 model...see our points... Good Luck!

 

what about a 2003 xtype, 111k on the clock. what do you think?

 

I don't think you understand what we are saying.

I love Jaguar vehicles. Love them. Would I ever own a sub 2005? Not a chance. Now with the S-Types, 2003 is when they started to turn around and 2005+ is when they became what I would call reliable.

As far as X-Types go, from the pre-purchase research I did the same rules apply. Go for a 2005+ at least and even then they're not the same quality as the S-Type in terms of reliability and overall build. The interior isn't nearly as well appointed, they have an actual parking brake lever versus the electronic parking brake(EPB) in the S-Type.

As far as mileage, I'd never purchase one of these cars with that many miles. I'd be hesitant to buy a Jaguar with over 75k to be totally honest. I just don't want to deal with a high mileage luxury vehicle, I'd rather just drive my car.

At the end of the day, buy what you want, but know that we've warned you of the problems that exist in these older and high mileage cars.

 

There's no significant mechanical or technical differences between a 2003 and 2005 S-type. The differences were almost entirely cosmetic.

For the OP- if you've got a budget of only $4500, you're not going to get much of a Jaguar of any year or type that won't need work.

 

What Mikey says plus:

S-type pre 2003 vs post 2003 differences are well documented and consensus has the later model as preferable. However.

If tensioner update, thermostat,water pump have been done that takes a chunky bite from the argument. Further; if there is evidence of transmission maintenance ie oil change and or rebuild using the new improved parts, there goes another chunk of the cost concern.

If bushes/suspension components, shocks have been done, well......Why be put off by potential problems that have been been rectified at least for the time being?

Really, each vehicle needs to be considered regarding its service history, and as has been said, a rigorous pre purchase inspection would be at the top of my list.

If you don't want to outlay too much, don't let fear stop you at least considering earlier models.

If the car is still on the road, being driven around things can't be that bad can they?

 

Quite honestly, for $4500, I'd invest in an older RL or even a Q45 if you long for a V8. $4500 will also get a decent ES300, 99-03 TL or I30. These cars have a better reliability record as mileage climbs and parts are somewhat reasonable compared to the european marques. European cars have bling and they do draw their share of attention, but buying a high mileage Euro for a modest sum, will more than likely mean "broken down by the side of the road" attention...save up a few more bucks or stick with proven Japanese reliablity...