Newbie here - looking at buying an S-Type. advice appreciated

[bashdabish]

Hi all

 

As the title says, newbie here and looking to buy a 2.7d S-Type around 2005-2007. Seen a few on Autotrader but as always concerned about large maintenance costs. Seen mainly positive reviews saying very reliable but then read the odd review saying £1000 bill. I see that kind of comment about ford's and Vauxhalls so I know it can happen regardless of the marque.

 

Any words of advice on what to look for? Would I be expecting large bills? Would you recommend one or stay away? Any advice in general would be greatly appreciated.  :)

[Old Peter]

Welcome to the club, Greg.

 

When I bought my S type 2.7D just over two years ago, I had done a significant amount of research on the model.

 

I managed to find one fairly quickly - a late model with a low mileage, which is what to look for.  I would also recommend trying to get one through a main dealer, and even though the last ones were produced 8 years ago thee are still some good sources who will protect their reputation as a main dealer to make sure the car they sell is a good one.

 

Not many people know that Stratstone Jaguar - a pretty big chain of dealers - has a partner in Evans Halshaw to who they send the cars they do not want on their forecourt.  Worth knowing, as they will bring the car you want from wherever in the country it is located.

 

In the two years I have had the car, the biggest cost I have had is two new front tyres.

 

Servicing is important, and I use a mobile mechanic who I have used for years and his labour charges are tiny compared with main dealers.  You do not need to go to a main dealer.

 

In Doncaster there is a very well thought of Independent Jaguar specialist, whose address you will find in the Jaguar Owners Lounge, where there is a list of recommended garages.

 

The 2.7 Diesel engine is a very good one designed as a joint venture between Peugeot and Ford and was put into the early XF models.  The think to watch out for is that it has cam belts rather than chains and they need renewal  at 105k miles.  It also needs a good run and the occasional blast to make sure the DPF is regenerated.

 

Another thing to look out for when buying a Jaguar is to make sure that they have as many bells on whistles fitted.

 

I am sure that other s type owners will pass on their experiences, too.

 

I thoroughly enjoy my car, the best car I have ever driven.

 

Good Hunting,

 

Peter.

[bashdabish]

Excellent considered reply Peter, really appreciate you taking the time to put such a comprehensive response together. Seen a 56 plate on Evans Halshaw that has done 39k miles for £6991. All the bells and whistles too. It's more than I want to pay but making sure I get the right one from the right place is important as you say, will have to give it some serious thought.

 

Greg

[Old Peter]

 

Hi Greg, 

 

That car does look like a good buy.

 

We had the same dilemma when our X type was stolen  --  carjacked.

 

We needed a car to get around, and I had a wish list of what i wanted on an S Type, but the only one I could find advertised had 75k on the clock, £7500, and was in Dumfries.  I put out a request for what I wanted and got a 'phone call from Stratstone saying they had one fitting my requirements in Solihull for £10,250.  

 

I said that it was outside our budget, but we decided to have a look after a few days of thought, and when SWMBO saw it and sat in the driver's seat our budget was revised and we got it for £9750.

 

It has been a brilliant car.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.