What else could be wrong with this car?
#1
What else could be wrong with this car?
Howdy, ya'll! I normally hang out over in the XK8 forum but I'm looking at an S-Type so I wanted ya'lls input. Here's the car:
2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V-8
The dealer says it needs a head gasket. I'm pretty handy (you may have seen my videos) but still a head gasket seems like a lot of work, although I think I could manage. But how can I tell if it's REALLY a head gasket? Maybe it's rings, or maybe it has bent valves. Or maybe it's something else altogether. How can I tell before spending any money?
2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V-8
The dealer says it needs a head gasket. I'm pretty handy (you may have seen my videos) but still a head gasket seems like a lot of work, although I think I could manage. But how can I tell if it's REALLY a head gasket? Maybe it's rings, or maybe it has bent valves. Or maybe it's something else altogether. How can I tell before spending any money?
#2
#3
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#4
Get one of those coolant testers and perform the test. They may have the tester there, but you want to watch the test yourself or do it yourself.
The thought is that if it *is* a bhg, then it is unlikely to be rings. But, then again, you have to also look out for dropped valve seats due to the overheating. So, you also need a compression test and a pressure test.
If he won't keep it for $7k retail, figuring in his cost to repair, then you need to get him down towards $2k.
Don't let the itch make you bite too fast.
The thought is that if it *is* a bhg, then it is unlikely to be rings. But, then again, you have to also look out for dropped valve seats due to the overheating. So, you also need a compression test and a pressure test.
If he won't keep it for $7k retail, figuring in his cost to repair, then you need to get him down towards $2k.
Don't let the itch make you bite too fast.
Last edited by plums; 07-13-2012 at 08:11 PM.
#6
#7
Sam welcome back to the game!
Take what I type here for what its worth........Run far, Run fast from this one!
For the kinda money the seller is asking, you can get yourself into a post face lift 2005 MY for the money that you are gonna drop into this one.
I would not do it buddy!
BTW I would want to see ALOT more pictures than 3 of the drivers side front fender and one of the steering wheel. You know what I mean?
Take what I type here for what its worth........Run far, Run fast from this one!
For the kinda money the seller is asking, you can get yourself into a post face lift 2005 MY for the money that you are gonna drop into this one.
I would not do it buddy!
BTW I would want to see ALOT more pictures than 3 of the drivers side front fender and one of the steering wheel. You know what I mean?
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Robinb (07-15-2012)
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#12
Howdy, ya'll! I normally hang out over in the XK8 forum but I'm looking at an S-Type so I wanted ya'lls input. Here's the car:
2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V-8
The dealer says it needs a head gasket. I'm pretty handy (you may have seen my videos) but still a head gasket seems like a lot of work, although I think I could manage. But how can I tell if it's REALLY a head gasket? Maybe it's rings, or maybe it has bent valves. Or maybe it's something else altogether. How can I tell before spending any money?
2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V-8
The dealer says it needs a head gasket. I'm pretty handy (you may have seen my videos) but still a head gasket seems like a lot of work, although I think I could manage. But how can I tell if it's REALLY a head gasket? Maybe it's rings, or maybe it has bent valves. Or maybe it's something else altogether. How can I tell before spending any money?
My advise would be to STAY AWAY. You can do much, much better.
(she's pretty, though)
#13
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#15
Sam,
As you have already been advised, stick to the 2003-and-newer S-Type models. You will be much happier with the vehicle in the long run. I know you like to turn wrenches and make videos while you work, but you truly need to trust us long-time S-Type owners on this one....
How's your Saab convertible holding up?
As you have already been advised, stick to the 2003-and-newer S-Type models. You will be much happier with the vehicle in the long run. I know you like to turn wrenches and make videos while you work, but you truly need to trust us long-time S-Type owners on this one....
How's your Saab convertible holding up?
#16
I'd take a pass on that one as well. In fact, I'm passing on a 2000 S-Type that "looks good" but has a blown head gasket for $1800.00. I won't post the ad, but it's still up in the Austin Craigslist (in Buda) if anyone cares to look it up.
The pre 2003s seem to come with more than enough headaches that even a "bargain" like this one has been sitting around for quite some time.
The pre 2003s seem to come with more than enough headaches that even a "bargain" like this one has been sitting around for quite some time.
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#19
Howdy, ya'll! I normally hang out over in the XK8 forum but I'm looking at an S-Type so I wanted ya'lls input. Here's the car:
2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V-8
The dealer says it needs a head gasket. I'm pretty handy (you may have seen my videos) but still a head gasket seems like a lot of work, although I think I could manage. But how can I tell if it's REALLY a head gasket? Maybe it's rings, or maybe it has bent valves. Or maybe it's something else altogether. How can I tell before spending any money?
2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V-8
The dealer says it needs a head gasket. I'm pretty handy (you may have seen my videos) but still a head gasket seems like a lot of work, although I think I could manage. But how can I tell if it's REALLY a head gasket? Maybe it's rings, or maybe it has bent valves. Or maybe it's something else altogether. How can I tell before spending any money?
You shouldn't pay more than $500 for that car and its still a risk and a lot of work at any point. Stay away from it.