Hey guys,

I have been looking into picking up a 2001 Jaguar S-TYPE Sedan. Has 240,000 Highway Kms, runs greats, everything appears to be great.

I was wondering how long do these cars typically last?
I am hoping to get ATLEAST 1 year out of this car. Its quite cheap to pickup used, and I dont exactly have a huge pocket to repair this car everytime it goes wrong.

I want to drive this car for a long time if I can make it last, but dont really have the money to replace a transmission etc.

So, basically I would like to know:

How long do these cars typically last?
Common issues?
Things to look out for?
And any other tips or information you guys might have on this car would be great.

It will be my first Jaguar ever and I want it to last a long time.

Thanks alot guys,
Tim

 

See above...

 

Thank you! This helps out alot!

 

So, I got the car inspected, and the only thing that is needed to be fixed is the Drivers side front Ball Joint.

Still not worth getting?

Also, what would something like this cost to be fixed in a shop?
I dont have the tools or knowledge to fix something of this nature.

 

Did the person performing the inspection for you indicate if the worn ball joint is the upper or lower?

In my experience with this suspension design, if the lower ball joint becomes worn, the suspension vertical link must be replaced as Jaguar do not supply the ball joint separately as a service part. On the earlier cars, it is possible to press out the worn ball joint and press in a replacement, however many local machine shops may not want to perform such a task due to liability considerations. The Jaguar suspension vertical link is about 600$US, exclusive of labour.

If the upper ball joint is worn, the upper suspension wishbone arm must be replaced. The Jaguar wishbone arm is about 500$US, also exclusive of labour.

Upon further inspection you may find that some of the other suspension bushes or links are also worn to the point that obtaining an accurate alignment becomes unlikely.

Prior to embarking on any repairs, it may be wise to have a local Jaguar specialist fully diagnose the suspension so you have a clearer idea of the full cost.

 

Thank you, I will take it to a Jaguar specialist to see what they can do.

 

No, on the early cars you can replace the ball joint separately. That's one of the good things about the Gen I cars. Just be aware they upgraded from 14mm to 16mm ball joints sometime in 2001 so your car could have either size. Also in case you don’t know Jaguar goes by the last 6 digits in your VIN more than the year of the car. Always provide these 6 digits when ordering parts. Lots of running changes and you want to make sure you get the right parts.

But with that many miles I think they will find other worn parts. You might want to replace the sway bar end links and both lower ball joints. Check you upper control arms as by now the rubber boots will all be broken and the joint full of dirt. Tie rod ends front and rear will be worn as well.

You never said what engine is in it? If you have the 4.0L V-8 do not delay in checking the timing chain tensioners. These will let go eventually if not changed to the newer updated metal style and when they do it destroys the engine most of the time.
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Thank you! I didnt know that about the VIN.
I will keep that in mind if I decide to purchase the car.

Im just scared the car is going to fall apart before it hits 300,000 kms.
I would like it to atleast last 1 more year until I have enough money to buy a better car, or even a better Jaguar.

I dont have much money to put into fixing this car up.

Also, I believe the engine is a 3.0.
I wasnt 100% sure so I didnt post it with the details, my apologies.

 

I wouldn't buy any 14 year old car then.

 

How often would you guys say to change the oil, and people say premium fuel only in the Jags, is this true? I wouldnt think that it would matter at 14 years old.

 

These topics are addressed directly in the owners manual if you decide to buy the car and are two real 'hot button' subjects that get thrashed to death on a regular basis here

Get yourself a big bag of popcorn and start reading through the archives.

 

My apologies.