Considering my first Jaguar

[jonvegas]

Hi all-

 

Brand new to this forum and considering buy a used S-Type. I'm hoping I can get some input from experienced owners. 

 

The Jaguar I'm looking at is an 2001 S-Type. It has 77,000 miles on it, there's no visible damage inside or out and has been pretty well looked after by it's current owner. However, the check engine light is on and there is a slight intermittent rumble when the car is idling. I'm wondering what to expect from the car in the way of upkeep, things to be on the lookout for and possible down-the-road expenses, as it's now about 15 years old. If it makes a difference, I live in Las Vegas where the heat can be murder on a car, regardless of its age. 

 

Thanks in advance. Hope to gain some knowledge! 

[Old Peter]

Hi Jon,

 

The S type is a very nice car, although I am a bit biased as they make them 6 miles from where I live.

 

77k miles is not a big mileage, and I assume the car you are looking at has the 3.0 litre engine which is a good and well tried engine.

 

The check engine light will come on if there is a minor issue, and an OBD code scanner will tell you the reason.

 

The S type is a sturdy car was well as a very quick one.

 

We had a very hot day yesterday, but the climate control kept me nice and cool on a drive back from London - 112 miles -- mostly at 70 miles per hour.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[jonvegas]

Hi Peter- Thanks for the input. The car is a blast to drive; I took it out for a test the other day and yes, it is quick!

 

Regarding the check engine light, the current owner (a friend) thinks it's on because the ignition coils need to be replaced. Not a big job and it should take care of a couple issues. The car shudders every now and then when it idles so hopefully this will do it. I'm no mechanic so I'm trusting the owner's judgement. He's had the car for about 4 years and knows it pretty well. 

[Old Peter]

 

Hi Jon,

 

I am pleased that you like the S Type.  We do make some rather good cars in the UK and not all Japanese, either!

 

There is a process in the UK which cleans out the fuel system called Terraclean, which originated in Canada, which I had done on my car last year and it made a great deal of difference.  It might be worth checking out.

 

The Jaguar does like high grade fuel and I always use the best quality, which has regularly given me over 40 miles per gallon which is rather important in the UK with the price of fuel being over $10 a gallon.

 

My s type is a diesel with the 2.7 litre engine, though!

 

Meanwhile, enjoy the Jaguar experience1

 

Regards,

 

Peter.