Hi all,

I am considering buying a 2007 S Type V6 Spirit. It has a full service history and low mileage, but never the less want to make sure I am not buying a clunker. When I go to view the car, what things should I look out for, or test? I am a bit of an ignoramous buying cars (the last time I bought one was 2008!), so wanted to know how to spot potential big issues.

As an aside, is there a way to do a diagnostic on it myself? I've always assumed that the software etc would be expensive, but it doesn't hurt to ask if this is worthwhile - I already own a Jag so it'd be nice to have the option on that one too!

Thanks,

A

 

A "Spirit Edition?". There's your first clue.

 

@Andriko, start with first things first.

1. Does the car have a current MoT? If so, where there any advisories or warnings?
2. Is there a service history to go along with the miles/age?
3. Have there been any repairs done to the bodywork?
4. What is the condition of the sills? They're a known MoT failure point.
5. How does it feel whilst you're driving it? Does it steer correctly and handle bumps well? How does it feel on bends?

 

Thanks! I have checked the MoT history, and it currently has one until October 2023, with no advisories on the last check, though it did fail in February, and had some advisories in May:

Before that it has only one MoT failure, and mostly a clear history. The only advisory thing that seems to be consistent are some brake issues, but I suspect that might be because of the very low milage of the car for it's age.

The seller claims there is a full service history, so I will check that when I look at the car and ask about the body work. How could I check the sills myself?

Thanks for your help! I know that for the age of the car and the price I shouldn't expect a mint condition e-type or something, I mainly want to know it's going to be good for a a couple of years before I have to start spending any money on it, I've already got a money pit with my XJ8...

A

 

Yes, these things confuse me quite a bit. The UK listings for a lot of Jags have stuff like this, and I am never quite sure where they come from.

 

That structure deformation is a bit worrying; what is deformed and how did it happen?

 

I will ask them when I see the car. The last MoT had no advisories, so it may have been fixed, but is it likely to be a reoccurring issue?

It did fail in 2021 because of a rear suspension issue:


 

The advisory on the deformed rear wheel arches may have been caused by a rear end collision repair.

You can inspect the sills by removing the outer plastic body molding for each side of the body. Based on the MoT advisories, I'm a bit surprised there's no mention of the sills having corrosion as that's a common area for rot to occur.

 

Thanks, I will keep an eye out for the sills and also look at the back to see if there is any sign of collision damage (the photos show the car as looking pretty pristine though).

Thanks for your help - as I said above, the aim is to get something that is not going to requiring any major work for a couple of years.