Buying an S Type what should I look for?

[Gazmo65]

As the title says I am looking at buying a year 2000 S type auto 3.0 what should I look out for,it has a full service history part main dealer and part local garage, and has 130000 miles on the clock, loads of receipts for work done. I know fuel consumption will be in the upper teens but that is acceptable as I dont do loads of miles its running costs and common faults I would like to know about  

[Old Peter]

Hi Gary, and welcome to the Club.

 

The s type is a very nice car both in its looks and its performance, and fuel consumption is not over the top for a big heavy car.

 

A big plus in the car you are looking at is it's full service history, and you will be able to check things like the age of the battery.

 

With my s type being on of latest produced and also a diesel, I have personally not come across any major issues myself.  I have heard that members have checked the condition of the sills and found elements of rust.

 

Other than that, if the car is nice and straight and all the electrics are working you should have a good car.

 

The club members are a friendly and helpful group of people and will also off good advice.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[Gazmo65]

Hi Peter thanks for the reply, I am just a little cautious as I have heard some negatives about these cars but have always wanted one and this car has become available so I am giving it some serious consideration, cant believe that the insurance is only £15.00 more than my current Rover 75, thats got to be a plus  

[Gazmo65]

Well I did it I went and bought myself a nice 2003 auto 3.0 SE with 118000 on the clock and full main dealer history up to 116000 :)

[podge72]

Make sure you check gearbox changes smoothly and does not make any odd noises. From my experience this will be a minimum of a torque converter (£1200 to replace) or maximum of total gearbox rebuild (£2500+).

Had this with mine (with the later ZF 6 speed box 2004-onwards). I believe the pre-facelift had the 5 speed and less complicated gearbox but basically, any noises at all walk away.

Good luck.

Shaun

[Stevenmckinlay]

Rusty sills, suspension bushes, front and rear, rear tie rods, vacuum leaks,

You'll know its a good car when it drives smooth and without effort. But look out for rusty sills as they are covers by plastic will that is what you see. Oh and brake pipes!! Well that's what I'd look out for. Plus the usual other stuff, kick here, kick there! Lol

[Stevenmckinlay]

Gearbox needs serviced even though jag says its sealed for life. So buy a good one and get the gearbox fluid changed and the filter asap. Macron 3 fluid I believe. Maybe not but I've got 10litres waiting to put in my gearbox as its playing up.

[Stevenmckinlay]

Jag stypes go for little money, nice cars with heritage and looks. The stype r are expensive but they are worth it. Supercar territory. Only obvious downside is small boot, shallow although long to rear seat.