Running through a gambit of possibilities for a future addition to the family and I've run across a very clean looking '05 3L S-type with around 120k miles at a decent price.

Perusing through this board it seems that a few common ailments to the S-type are the electronic parking brake and phantom limp-mode/hard start issues (electrical in nature it appears).

I was wondering, what other common traits plague these cars, and if I were to go and have a look at one, what should one look for as far as tell-tale signs of possible future cardiac infarctions?

Many thanks in advance

 

I suppose the transmission is the quirkiest bit but usually behaves itself if a fluid change is done in the 70-100K mile range. make sure that yours shifts perfectly.

The battery has to be in top shape to avoid electrical oddities.

The V6 guys can comment on the o-ring issues.

Good luck with the inspection and possible purchase.

 

Read the S-Type FAQ thread that is stickied at the top of the S-Type section. You'll gain a much better understanding of what you'll need to know and watch out for....

Can you DIY most of your own maintenance? If so, you'll be light years ahead from an operating cost perspective....

 

Is that an issue with the transmission? Is this going to be a nightmare on a car with 120k miles (and honestly quite possibly the original fluid).

I read through most of what was there, and nothing really stood out as an Achilles heel. So I guess I'm looking for either a good reason to avoid the 3.0 car or something I really need to keep an eye out for.

As far as wrenching, I've gotten lazy in my old age but I'm also cheap. Mix those two things together and I'm not opposed to doing the general stuff to keep cost down, but I don't want to be faced with a major job once a year (or every other year) just to deal with British charm, BTDT

OTOH, if I do get this car (comparing it to a Volvo S60, BMW E39, and it seems to be the best allaround bet.... who'da thought it) is there a service manual available?

[edit]also does the radio have an ipod/mp3 player interface?[/edit]

 

The o rings are the IMT seals a $10 part and a forenoons work if you do it yourself.

 

Silly-me, if the 05 S-Type went 130k miles, then she's been well taken care of and any, if any, bugs had been worked out whilst under warranty, etc.

 

This is just my opinion:

With any car that has been driven over 100k miles, make sure you get it for a good price so you can have some extra money to take care of any repairs down the road if anything does occur.

I would check the IMT O-Rings. It's an easy fix anyway so I wouldn't worry too much.

I would also check out the tie rods:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...80/#post356818

As well, there is a famous upper radiator hose that is prone to leak. Mine was slowly leaking for a while and I didn't realize it until one morning when the "coolant level low" message popped up.

As bfsgross mentioned, these issues might have already been fixed. But it's still worth looking into.

Good luck

 

Hello all, still on the search, looked at a really low mile '05 V6 yesterday, and have a question:

-After a very short drive around the block (quick test drive, short on time) we got out at the dealer and just gave it a once over while it was still running. There was white condensation burn off coming out of the tail pipe, is this normal for the car? It was our first cold 'snap' of the season (55F or so) and I assumed that was the culprit (mixed with a short drive the engine had been running less than 10 minutes) but I thought I smelled coolant (but I was on a car lot and it could have come from anywhere). Are these cars prone to burning coolant (head gasket issues, etc)?

Also, wifey was reading on edmunds about an issue with the AC control module, is that also an issue to be looked at? How would one know if they were kicking tires on one about to go?

Again, many thanks!

I did read a post on here where someone showed how to check using a paper towel, this is what you are referring to yes? Because I've been doing that when looking at the V6 models

 

I'd say it's normal, but a longer test drive with some higher speed driving would be useful.
The climate controls can fail (along with the valve that they control) but they are a fairly simple fix.
The IMT rings are the ones you are checking with the towel.

 

I might happen to know of a 2005 that is in puurrrrrfect condition with almost half the miles on the one you are looking at if the price is right!

 

So is JJ for the chop Rick?

silly_me, I see you haven't had the time in the last three years to drop by the new members area. New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

It's never too late.

 

mmm not yet, but if the price is right she would be, especially what I picked out for her next ride.....

alright...... a small hint..?

it will dust most STR's