Old Peter

Hi Brian, That seems a good spec --- typical Jaguar optional extras, though. I have seen the XE -- a member who works for Jaguar brought one to a meet in September last year -- in Black with Black trim. A very nice car, although I prefer a lighter shade of trim. Regards, Peter.

Hi Steve, At an interim service I would expect a full check on all fluid levels, including screen wash and top up where necessary. Battery, steering and suspension should also be checked, and I would also expect exhaust and tyres too. Possibly some garages would also change one engine oil and filter. Some oils are guaranteed for two years. They will also stamp the service book, but I think a note from the owner saying that he/she has done that job using Jaguar recommended fluids should suffice. I would also expect a full report on any faults found and recommendations on what to do. Regards Peter.

Hi Steve, My s type does about 6,500 miles a year, [similarly with the other cars] and normally has an MOT and a service at the same time by the mechanic I have used for about 13 years. As I only do a relatively small mileage he has sometimes told me that he has only done an interim service as it didn't need a full service. As long as you are doing the normal things like checking the fluids etc and the car is performing well I guess than an interim service would be OK. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Brian. As Jim says - It will be a long wait but you will enjoy the Jaguar experience. Club members will look forward to your reports about your car. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, David. Sharing experiences with cars [irrespective of make] is always good, and that is how this club thrives. I used to have a 2.5 AWD x type manual, and I found it a great car to drive. It is quick and a great road holder. I look forward to your contributions and how you get on with the Jaguar. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, Tim. Key fobs seem to crop up from time for time. Going back to the dealer from whom you bought it is the first port of call you should make. If unsuccessful, there are quite a few auto electricians/locksmiths around who will do the job cheaper than a main dealer. There is also a topic on the Jaguar Owners Lounge which lists independent Jaguar specialists and recommended garages. On the question of the door mirror indicator have a look at the David Manners Group who will possible stock or source a new one, or look for a car breaker -- there are a few who specialise in Jaguar parts. You could also look at eBay and see what they throw up. Regards, Peter.

Jaguar suggest that you should not put additives in your fuel, and although I have put certain well known additives in occasionally, I generally would not recommend additives of uncertain quality. Terraclean is a proven process, and has been used my many members, including myself, with great success.

Welcome to the club, John. The club is a friendly one and there are loads of members with great expertise. My younger son bought a similar car to yours a few months ago and is absolutely delighted with it. It is about the only thing he asks his Dad for advice! Regards, Peter.

Nicely done, Paul. Good music needs good sound systems. I am a fan of live music with quite wide tastes from Handel at The Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, to the Dubliners at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield last night! Peter.

Hi Reg, I think that would be quite thin. Maybe three or four pieces of duct tape stuck together. Peter.

Hi Reg, and welcome to the club. I don't like metal to metal, but I not being able to see the size of the base of the leaper, I would suggest you cut out a gasket/washer from some suitable material before drilling. I have a stick on leaper on the bonnet of my s type and it appears to be very solid. Regards, Peter.

Hi Lisa, My younger son has an x type 2.0 litre Diesel and while researching the engine [Ford Duratorq] I found one owner who had an X Type 2.0 diesel with just over 200k on the clock. I used to have a rather splendid X Type 2.5 AWD which I would still have but for two scroats who carjacked me on my driveway. Pleased to say they were part of a 3 man gang who had been active in Birmingham for several years and who are now residing in one of HRH's prisons serving 8 years terms. My wife said "Turn a disaster into an opportunity" band I now have an s type which I longed for ever since I saw a friend restoring a Mk 1. Regards, Peter.

Hi Steve, welcome to the club. To sell a Jaguar, click on "Forums" and scroll down to "Jaguar Marketplace" and post your car for sale. Good luck. Peter.

I have had the fuel gauge tell me fuel is low twice. I use a Shell station 500 years away which is also one of the cheapest in the area, and so I usually fill up when it appears to be a quarter full. I just don't like warning lights, as they seem to come on when your wallet is low on cash! Peter.

Hi Lisa, and welcome to the club. I am no mechanical expert but at a guess it sounds like a fuel problem I had my S Type 2.7 Diesel Terracleaned as a preventative move and it certainly cleaned out the engine and improved the performance. I would recommend that your car is given that treatment. And to answer your digression, the X Type IS a real Jaguar. True, it has some Ford technology, but so do other cars including the Aston Martin, Morgans and Landrovers. Automotive practice has developed over the years and other than the body shell most Car Manufacturers use parts from many suppliers, most of them in the Midlands. Rolls Royce now has a BMW engine, and prior to that from 1946 it had a Buick engine which served it well till the BMW "takeover" Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, Andie. A photo of your pride and joy would be nice, too. I hope you enjoy the club --- the members are friendly and very helpful. Regards, Peter.

Hi Andrew, I love boats, but unfortunately since leaving the North West I have never lived near the sea. I did learn my way around sailing boats, though. When I was in Maryland quite a few years ago with over 35 degrees centigrade on the thermometer, I asked if I could borrow a boat -- hoping for a 14 footer with a single sail - I was loaned a 64 foot sloop plus a a crew of 3, and had the pleasure of taking it out to the bay with the spinnaker full of wind. I could not have a cool beer because the sloop was registered as a US Navy boat, and not allowed alcohol on board. I found out later that it had belonged to a certain John F Kennedy, whose family had given it to the Navy to look after , which they did! I never had to clean the heads, though! Peter.

Hi Nathan, If you locate a car that looks good, just post its location on this topic, and there could well be a member who could take the timeout to have a look at it. Regards, Peter.

Hi Steve, I have been googling around without much absolute success, but it could be fog lights. I found also that they were fitted with LED lights after 2010. Regards, Peter.

Hi Wayne, and welcome to the club. I have a s type on an 07 plate, and the rear light cluster is different, so I can't give you a definite answer. I would suggest though that Jaguar would not have put on a fitting such as rear lights is they did intend them not to work. They could be reflectors, though, and a torch in the dark should give you the answer. I think that an XK owner will give you a definite answer. Regards, Peter.

Hi Nathan, It is always best to buy a car near to the end of its production run, as all the issues have been ironed out by then. In some cars, too, there are more bells and whistles fitted. Having said that, you can come across an immaculate and well cared for car that has had one or two owners which would be a good buy. I have mostly bought cars from a main dealer, but usually not serviced by a main dealer, and would say that a main dealer will usually give a good warranty. When you find a good car you can also research the dealer. When I found my son's X type n November, I researched comments about the dealer and found nothing untoward. Another thing to remember is that you are a member on an International club with members all over the world as well as the UK and should you find one a for distance away, a member local to that will have a look at it for you and give you a report [plus photographs if possible] on its condition, so you can see if it is worth the journey to see it. Regards, Peter.

Hi Chris, I don't know why the region cycle was not performing properly -- can't even guess. I make sure I do a longish run - about 15 minutes at over 40mph AFTER the engine has got up to normal operating temperature -- about once a month. I'm well retired so a decent pub lunch in Derbyshire, or a trip to an English Heritage/NT property usually does it. Regards, Peter.

Some pics when it stops raining! It came up very well.

I used the same method, Jim, although I did use a toothbrush. Peter.

Hi Neil, Electrical foibles usually start with the battery. I would put it on charge until fully charged, and then disconnect it for 5 minutes [with the ignition off and the radio code written down] and the ECU should reboot. Then reconnect it. You will have to reset the one touch windows etc. Fingers crossed that it is solved. Peter.