Old Peter

I think at lot does depend on whether or not you need to use the car when conditions are bad I used to do 25000 miles a year but since I retired in only do about 7000. Luckily the bus stop is 5o yards away and the railway station 600 yards away. There is also a supermarket 500 yards away. I ca make a choice whether to be lazy and use the car or leave it on the drive and get a 'bus or train. I do not live in the countryside, though, and a big city can be useful at times. However, if I was still doing a big mileage, I would certainly consider putting on winter tyres. Peter.

Hi Seb, What engine is in your X Type? I had an X Type [Manual] with a 2.5 litre Petrol engine with All Wheel Drive. It would return between 20 and 25 mpg on short trips but on longer trips I have had 37 mpg. Peter.

I wonder if it could be the wind in the roof rack -- anything a bit loose up there? Peter.

Interesting post, Martin. I drive an S Type 2.7 Diesel with 18" Pirellis and find that it is very good absorbing the bumps on poor road surfaces. And very quiet, too. Regards Peter

Hi Seb, I have just had a look on the internet -- X type Jaguar -- track rod ends -- and saw a pair on eBay for £16.95 and a few on other internet sites. Log in also the British Car Parts, as they have a some at reasonable prices. I always thought that they came in pairs, as personally I would not fit a single one, as it could leave some steering issues. I had an x type the same colour as yours on an 05 plate, which I really liked. Some other so and so liked it too and if I ever catch him and his mate I hope I have my shillelagh with me. Regards, Peter.

Seb, I have had a look at the site, and on the left it says "Left and Right outer." I looks as if they come in pairs but if there is a 'phone number a call to them might be worthwhile. Peter.

Welcome to the forum, Seb and enjoy it. I know you will enjoy your Jaguar, Regards Peter.

Another thing I have just remembered about the S Type, David. The diesel engine has twin turbochargers. One comes in at fairly low revs and the second comes in at 2000 revs, which is around 70 mph in top gear. When I drove the 185 miles to Weymouth this autumn I got 46.1 mpg by keeping the revs just under 2000. Regards, Peter.

That sounds like a great trip, David. I have driven all manner of cars and bikes over 60 odd years on the road, and currently an S type 2.7d SE. Without any doubt it is the most comfortable and well equipped car I have ever driven. Over 7000 miles with and S Type will be a comfortable ride and with a range on a full tank of diesel of over 450 miles you will need fewer stops. A good service before you go is all that you need, although I do not know the availability of Garages on the way. I look forward to seeing a picture of you and the Jaguar driving into Goa, with bags of swank! Regards, Peter.

Thanks Trevor. I will have to teach my mac book to do it!

We sit on the same Committee, but it only meets twice a year and I don't have his address. When I see him next I will give him my email address and get him to sent me some pictures. I will check my contacts and see if someone else has his email and take it from there.

It is a genuine one --- he has had it for quite a few years. He uses a BMW estate to his great dismay as Jaguar never made the S Type in an estate version.

I happen to know someone who restored one of these and will eventually sell it in order to raise funds to buy an F type! He said that you have to get one while you are still young --- he is a retired Air Line Pilot.

Hi Trevor, I will take some photos when the rain has stopped and email them to you. They do look good and keep a lot of muck off the sills. The Leaping Jaguar is a smaller version of the one on current models. The current one is too big for the s - type and this one came in a pair via ebay or Amazon -- one leaping left and the other leaping right. I appears that some people put them on the front wings or by the rear by the rear window. Regards, Peter.

I would be interested, Andrew. My first Jaguar was an x type with 17" wheels, which were an option as 16" wheels were standard. My s-type has 18" wheels, which are also an option over the standard 17" wheels. Peter.

Hi Andrew, and Welcome to the Club. I get the impression that x type and s type wheels are interchangeable -- I could be wrong though. My car has 18" wheels and my previous x type had 17" wheels which looked very similar. Peter.

Jessie has got her Christmas presents and they look good. Brand new splash guards [mud flaps] front and rear, plus a leaping Jaguar on the boot [7.5cm]. I have noticed a certain swagger when I drive out. Our American friends would say "She is sashaying down the road." Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Simon. There are a lot of great guys on here who are also very helpful. Peter.

I had a Rover Sterling for 11 years from a few months old. All the bells and whistles. I used to get a problem with the rear lights, but I found that a good bang with the flat of my hand cured it. It could well have been a loose or poor connection. It could be something similar with your Jaguar. Peter.

Hi Martyn, Does the car run or can you tell that something is wrong with the gearbox? Is it automatic or manual? There is a post on here about Independent Jaguar specialists based in Northfield. It might be worth a visit as they are highly recommended. Peter.

Hi Mark, I was at the Classic Motor Show this year and there was a small display of repaired and re-chromed parts --- mainly for motor cycles as they can be carried around in a van -- but I was assured that they also did parts for cars. It was called Ashford Chroming, and you can look it up on the internet. The quality of repair looked pretty good. As the name indicates, the works is based in Ashford, Kent, and it could be near enough for you to visit, but is certainly worth a 'phone call. A Four Twenty certainly needs support, and bits must now be rare. Good luck. Peter.

I was thinking about it but the dates are no good for me ----- too busy. If anyone is going, park at the Railway Station. It is easier to get to and cheaper.

I will add my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, too. For some reason I cannot emulate Trevor and put a picture on.

Thanks, Elwyn, I think that is what happened in my case. I have since bought a code reader, which at about £25 is cheaper than going to the Main Dealership and paying £69 for the information.

Over here the cost of a pair of bushes cost about £26 [eBay]. The rest must be labour charges. Over here the rate per hour a Jaguar Dealer charges is £138 per hour. I would guess that if you sourced the parts over here the shipping costs to Portugal would not be that high, and a good local mechanic would not charge that much to fit them. Do an internet search and see what come up. Parts Gateway would give you a firm quote for your car, as would Davis Manners Group.