S - Type Driver 2022

Hi N6JMX, Thanks for getting back to me, there was a small amount of water in the boot when I got the car but over the last few days it has filled up considerably about and inch worth of water in the wheel well. The smoke machine is a good shout, never thought of that, I knew there was a reason for having one 😆 I have heard that the boot seals can get dirt underneath them which creates a wicking effect and can lead to water ingress although having pulled the seal back there’s evidence of previous silicone which would suggest a different issue. I think I’ll remove the seal and soak it in the bath, and refit it with some silicone sealant after treating the rust that’s forming on the pinch welds and see if that makes any difference. Cameron

Hi all, I have recently picked up another S Type with only 14,000 miles on the clock. I have had it parked outside the last few days and have noticed the spare wheel well is filling up with water and getting under the battery tray, i believe it is coming from the main boot seal. I have poured water all around the boot seal with a watering can but I can’t see any obvious signs of water ingress, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Cameron

I have to admit, it was quite far gone I think most sane people would’ve called it a day but sometimes a car is valued more sentimentally than financially. Mechanically the S Types seem quite robust so I think providing I can keep up with the rust it will live on for a few more years. I’m currently torn between getting an X Type or another S Type to replace my main car with, perhaps a later model than the one I have with a few more toys.

Hi all, a long overdue update on my rust problems. I have finally gotten around to having the work done almost 2 years later, the main driving force behind it has been moving house and loosing the luxury of storage. It’s ended up being £3000 worth of welding but ultimately worth it to preserve another S Type for a few more years. My decision to save the car has actually proven to be quite a blessing because in between my Jag going for welding I was unfortunate enough to have quite a nasty smash in my main car on a rural road that resulted in it being written off, My S Type was my first car so I have ended up being back exactly where I started which makes me question if I should’ve stuck with an S Type all along. I’ll post some more photos once it’s all completed. Cameron.

Hi all, I was checking the break pad thickness for my grandad on his XJ when I noticed that the subframe had a surprising amount of surface rust considering that the car has only covered 13,000 miles and has never seen snow I’d of expected it to be pretty immaculate, i just wondered what you thoughts are I took some photos of what I could see but it needs putting up the ramps for a better inspection.

Hi thank you for replying, I couldn’t agree more all these German cars that seem to dominate the roads just don’t have the same class or ambiance of a Jaguar. As far as the breaks go I’ll give a few hard stops from 30 mph a try and see if it helps free anything up but I have got new disks and pads all round, it’s quite possible that it’s still got the same disks fitted nearly 21 years ago so I think it deserves a new set. The rear subframe is a real concern I think it’ll be a case of having it refurbished in the next few years but as it’s a weekend car and doesn’t get used in winter months I’m hoping it will hold out a little bit longer yet.

Hi Thanks for giving me some advice sorry for the late response work gets in the way. I took my jag for the MOT and all it failed on was the brakes being imbalanced across axels so new disks and pads all round should remedy that but the rust definitely needs attention which I am prepared to do, It’s going to be quite expensive to get it so the car can be preserved but it’s only done 65,000 miles and drives like a dream I think these cars will start to get pretty rare soon and we need to save them whilst we can I know the s type is a somewhat controversial car in jaguars history but it’s a car that has a soul and personality.

Hi all I’m looking for some advice on my S type it’s been off of the road for around a year now I can’t bring myself to part with it I have an mot booked next week and I know it will fail on a number of problems but I’m most worried about some rust I’ve discovered on the front passenger side sill and also some rubber bushings/mounts on the lower subframe I’ve attached some photos if anybody can give some advice id greatly appreciate it I’m debating weather it’s worth my time keeping it anymore or if I should let it go

Thank you for your advice and reply, I am going to pick it up tomorrow from the garage it’s currently at and then get 3 or 4 quotes from independent welders to help me make the decision weather I can viably keep the car. I’m prepared to spend up to £1000 to get the rust repaired but that’s my limit because i have also been quoted £700 on servicing and will need 2 new tyres and the car just isn’t worth that amount of money unless someone was going to take it on as a project. I’m keeping my options open and have priced up a couple of low mileage s types and xfs if I can’t afford to keep the car but the last thing I want is for it to be scrapped I will have a look at trading it in as well I hadn’t thought of that thank you again for your help it’s very much appreciated. Cameron

Hello Im new to the jaguar club I was hoping someone on here could give me some guidance on my much loved 2003 2.5 Litre V6 Jaguar S Type which has covered 65,000 miles. I took it for a service today at a trusted garage who called me back into the workshop because they had discovered that both rear jacking points, rear sub frame and sills are badly rotten, I asked them to estimate to cost for the rust to be repaired and was informed it would cost within the £2000 mark and considering I paid £2600 for the car in December I’m not sure I’m prepared to pay for the work to be carried out. I bought the car as my first car and have been learning to drive in it, I’m very close to passing my test so need to make a decision on the cars future fairly promptly but under no circumstances do I want it to be scrapped as the interior and general bodywork is in very good condition, if anybody has any advice I’d greatly appreciate you passing it on because I’m really struggling on weather I should sell the car on with an MOT or sell it for spares and repairs the garage recommended I sold it on whilst I can still get some of my money back out of it. Many Thanks Cameron