Hello All,
I am new to this forum but I have found that auto forums like this one are the best part of the internet.

My wife loves the Jaguar S-type starting with the 2000 body style. She has always wanted one. I think they are finally in my price range. I found one locally that is 2001 3.0 that is less than $3500. It has 92k miles but the owner states that it "needs new VVT accuators". I spent a few minutes reading about some of the fixes VVT errors. I am not sure how this owner knows that the VVTs are bad.
It is something that can fail on a vehicle this age and mileage?
Is it difficult to replace?
What about cost? it seems like they might be expensive.
It the price for this vehicle fair? and just deal with the issue?

I am not without some wrenching skill, so attempting a fix isn't something I will necessarily have to pay for, but if this is a engine killing item I might avoid it.

Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

It may have OBDII fault codes (DTCs).

Have a read about VVT issues & fixes by using Search for things like
P1383
P1388
actuator
false flagging

The last may or may not apply to that specific car.

They're great cars but I'd suggest a 2003 or later because a lot of redesign was done and they're better in various ways. May still be very cheap as people are scared off them as "exotic" / "import" etc.

 

As mentioned above, stick with the 2003-and-up models. Many improvements over the earlier S-Types that will save you significant money in the long run. The newer the better. And you must be able to DIY the majority of the necessary maintenance and repairs, otherwise these vehicles will consume your wallet very quickly....

Read the FAQ sticky threads at the top of this section of the forum. You'll find a ton of good information that will be very important when you decide to go looking for the right S-Type....

 

Agreed. I own both an '01 (pre-facelift) and '03 (facelift) and there is no doubt the '03 is a much better designed, higher quality car.

The '01 has issues with door locks not working correctly, trim pieces breaking, headliner peeling away, drooping front bumper trim, poorly designed dashboard, only 5-speed autotrans (not 6-spd as on '03), only 1 cup holder (not 2 as on '03), non-adjustable foot pedals, on-off button to activate cruise control (eliminated in '03), etc. Moreover, the '03 seems to ride and handle much better too.

However, I will say that the '01 has wider, more comfortable seats. And they seem to move way further back on their tracks than the '03. So if you or your wife are tall or large people, the '01 might be a better choice.

An '03+ will cost a few dollars more - $1500 difference for ours, both bought privately in early 2013 - but IMHO will be worth the extra $$.

 

The seat description sounds like the optional Sport type are not for you. The standard (non-Sport) should be like the '01 I think. (I've got Sport & love 'em but that's just me LOL)

 

I have to say, I have not had such a warm welcome from any other forum. This must be a really great group of guys. Thanks for the advice.

I think I will keep looking. This one just looked very clean, low mileage. I have a owned a 1st generation model in the past and it had very similar type of issues. The problems seem to get worked out after a few years.

 

Did not know my '03 seats were "sport" seats. I just know they're stiffer and narrower than the '01. I have no real complaints with them but my wife found them uncomfortable during a 10 hour road trip in the summer. She began to whimper like a little girl on the return home.