I'm looking at a 2005 S-Type with a little over 100,000 miles, but appears to be well maintained. I'm hoping to learn whether there are any major challenges with that engine. Although I'm happy to learn about anything and everything, I'm not really worried about a seeping valve cover gasket or other items that I could fix myself. It's the big ticket items that scare me. Mercedes V6s of that era had balance shaft issues while BMW V8s had Timing Chain guide problems (I believe slightly earlier Jaguar V8s had cylinder lining and Timing Chain tensioner problems). That's stuff I can't afford. I've looked on the Google and haven't seen anything, but I'm hoping you all can tell me whether this is a basically good engine.

Any other tips for buying an S-Type of that vintage also appreciated, but I will keep reading the forum.

 

The Jaguar V-6 is a variant of the Ford Duratec engine with Jaguar specific cylinder heads having direct acting mechanical (valve) buckets, like a proper Jag. The original design work was done by Porsche and was sold to Ford; additional refinements were made by Cosworth. The engine has a very strong bottom end with four bolt mains. If they have been properly maintained 250-300K is not unheard of...

The only downside is that to change top end components (coil-packs, plugs, VC gaskets, etc.) the intake manifold must be removed. I have 125K on my 3.0; it consumes no oil, and runs perfectly.

 

The earlier cars had an issue with the crankcase breather system, which was redesigned on the later engines. If properly maintained, the AJ-V6 is a very durable and robust unit.

 

Thanks for the replies. This is exactly the information I was looking for. Not sure the first car is going to work out, but I'm on the hunt for a well maintained one now that I feel good about the engine

 

The V6 has a very deserved solid reputation. It is not intrinsically problematic. Coils do eventually fail (especially if the wiper water drains are blocked and rainwater overflows onto the engine and collects in the spark plug recesses) and 3 are a pain to get at! One rare but possible thing to listen out for:

From honestjohn.co.uk: 16-8-2011: On 2.5 and 3.0 V6 petrol, a rumble from the front may mean that the bottom crank pulley damper assembly 4659709 is starting to separate around the rubber insert in the middle of the flat dinner plate sized wheel. Costs £83.23 + vat. Pulley Assy £25.47 +vat and the V-Belt £17.86+vat Total Labour £82.00. Separation is usually more marked on the inside than the side one can observe. If it fails completely then engine is written off.

Otherwise fairly headache-free. I will have had mine 20 years in October and I feel it will be still OK in 20 years time

It is the suspension and secondary parts to watch out for on these cars. If a lot are worn and require replacing, it can be a lot of work and money. Find one that has a good history of replacement of worn parts or one that really is still tight.

 

Well I've owned my 2006 jaguar for about 2 years now. It currently has 98'000 miles on the clock.
Engine still produces the 235bhp it did from the factory.
Performance is great. The 6 speed auto is fantastic.
Haven't had any problems other than fuel consumption in the city (16mpg)
But yes, the engines are strong and reliable.
Gives the BMW E90 328i a run for its money