Old Peter

Yes, Mick. The S Type in the SE version can be driven in genteel cruising mode, as it were, and yet, on a fast road with the S button lit up, it goes like the Chariot of Jehu -- verily like the wind! I have had diesels before, the Rover 418 had the Peugeot engine and sounded a bit like a Massey Ferguson on start up, and the Rover 420 which was quite smooth. Neither could match the quietness of the 2.7, the acceleration and the fuel economy. Regards, Peter.

I researched the S Type 2.7 diesel for a long time, Mick, when I was thinking of selling my old Rover. My list of requirements said that the car would be a diesel S Type, automatic, with SE specification in black or dark blue. So we finished up with an X type, Petrol, manual, with a brown steering wheel in metallic Red. When it was stolen, my wife said we should turn a disaster into an opportunity, and I started to look for the right S type. I put a query out to Stratstone concerning an S Type in Woverhampton in Black and I got a reply from a Stratstone in Solihull saying that they had just got in an S type that might fill the bill. I went and had a look and there was the Indigo Blue with Dove Grey two tone leather in beautiful condition. I had never driven anything as smooth as the diesel engine and I have enjoyed this car more than any other. Peter.

Just like the S type 2.7D, Mick. You can feel the surge when the second turbo kicks in at 2000 revs.

Looks really good, Richard. Peter.

The 2.2 x type diesel Sport has an official top speed of 137 mph and 0 - 60 will take just 8.5 seconds. The 2.5 x type Petrol version has an official top speed of 140 mph and will get from 0 - 60 in 7.9 seconds. There is so little difference that I would hazard a guess that a well tuned diesel could well out perform the petrol version. The s type 2.7 litre diesel performs almost as well as the 3.0 litre petrol model in spite of being 90 kg heavier. Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Ian. I don't know the answer to the question you pose, but I will look around and see what I can find. There might be some on on the Forum who has experience the same issue. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Andrew. There are quite a few xj8 owners who have much expertise. You need good steering on any car and especially a powerful one. How old was the MOT when you bought the car? I would be inclined to get it to a good garage ASAP. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, Martin, The S type is a great car to drive. Regards, Peter.

Hi Karl, I have just found a site -- Jag web world -- who say 6 litres and who supply a kit. Regards Peter

Welcome to the Club, Tony. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Brian. Your first job is to check that the battery in the car is the correct one for the Jaguar S type. I don't get my hands oily these days, but the electrics on the Jaguar do require the right power source. Regards, Peter.

Swiftcover quote £379, and Tesco £462. I will have to examine the policy content, but it is certainly cheaper than SAGA. Adrian Flux was over £700. Peter.

It all depends who you get to mend the car, should it go wrong. The main dealers are somewhat expensive but there are lot of good independent garages who can do the same job for much less. There is a good topic on the Forum which lists good independent garages across the country. Peter.

Welcome to the club, Tom. That looks a nice car at a very good price. There was a similar car at a local dealer for £9700 yesterday, with similar mileage on the clock. I noticed that because mine has got 54k on the clock. Regards, Peter.

That's hard work, Matthew, but it seems to have paid off. Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Ian. I am uncertain if your model is the AWD or RWD, although I think it must be RWD. It could well be the wheel bearings, although that should have been picked up when the car was serviced. Could it be something like the DSC? -- The warning light should come on if so. Is there any noise on the straight? There are quite a few members with a wealth of knowledge who will be able to pass on some experienced opinion. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Brian. The Jaguar experience is great, isn't it? Regards, Peter.

Hi Peter, The Sportbrake is a beautiful car. When I got my S type I was driven to the dealers in one. But your s type is worth far more than you will be offered and both my head and heart would push me towards keeping it. Regards, Peter.

Just an addition to my previous post. The handbook for my S type says that when towing at maximum allowed speed tyres should be inflated to 39 psi [25 bar]. I don't tow any more, so I had not looked up the detail. Your dealer should have a handbook for the XF, though. Peter.

I always used to put 10% more pressure in my tyres when I towed my caravan. My test was not scientific either, --- did the tyres get too warm was the criterion. Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Gavin. I am sure one of the many XJ owners in the club will know the answer to that one. Meanwhile, I am fairly certain that there are some wiring diagrams on the internet. Regards, Peter.

It is a bit steep, Charlie. Living within the Birmingham City area I expect they will put on a slight premium. I will have a look around, though and see what is available. We do have Tesco Clubcards, and I will check Tesco out, and the next time I walk up to the little branch of Lloyds in what they describe round here as "The Village" [a very old enclave in Sutton Coldfield] I will check out theirs as well. Regards, Peter.

I think I have some work to do. My quote from SAGA is £909. My car was stolen last year and not recovered. My insurance paid up, but it appears that they put on a heavy penalty if you have been the victim of a carjack. I am waiting for my current insurer [LV] to give me a quote. Peter.

Hi Margaret, I have used CDF and found them reliable. But if the can't do it, that's it. There is another mobile company called P and J Towbars who operate in the West Midlands Tel No 01926 512876. They might be worth a call to check price and ability to fit on an S type. I have used Indespesion for trailer hire and they seem very able and efficient in that respect. They have a place in Halesowen, but they are a National Company and there could be one in Coventry. It is a pity that you are not nearer me as I have a big drive!! Regards, Peter.