I purchased a used 2003 jag s-type V-8 w/ 81k miles on Tuesday. It had great carfax data/maintenance records and appeared to be in mint mint condition. I purchased from the dealer that I bought my 2008 Vette. I felt great about getting this car and a good deal.

Today I was driving home from the mall with the AC on and the car just died at an interesection... smoke came from under the hood. I tried to start it but it would not. I checked under the hood and I saw pink fluid had spalshed around the engine. The level of the pink fluid in the radiator container was lower but not empty. It seemed to be the radiator fluid had landed on heated parts and caused the smoke and smell. I wiped it all up and the car would not start again. So, my boys and I pushed the car off the road and I had to get a tow truck to pickup it up and bring it to the dealership to have it checked out. After it cooled a bit I was able to re- start the car and drive it on the tow truck.

Not much fluid had been spilled. I think it may be a leak in the hoses,radiator, container connection or something. The temp guage was about in the middle of the guage and I did expect any overheating issue. I guess I will find out the bad news on Tuesday when they work on it.

Any one have any thoughts/comments/experience with this issue that I can discuss with the Mechanics on Tuesday would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Al

 

The plastic coolant tanks in these cars are notoriously known for getting brittle after just a few years and cracking, especially at the nozzle outlets. That may very well be what happened to your car. A relatively simple fix, although a tad pricey in my opinion. Keep us posted once you hear from your dealer....

It has been mentioned on this forum several times in the past couple of months that Jaguar should have taken steps to improve the quality of the plastic used in these tanks during the past 4 or 5 years. Whether that has indeed occurred in the later model years remains to be seen....

 

Thanks Jon89, I have read that on this helpful forum. I will have them check the tank. BTW, I read your whole story last night about "Limp Mode" . Hope things go better for you and the wife with the fix. My incident is the first time I ever had a vehicle die on me while driving. I have purchased used cars before but it has been a long time since I took the risk. I pray that this will be an isolated in incident. I will definately get back to the forum with the outcome as you did to help others etc. Thanks

 

Jon was spot on, i had the opening on mine pop off, luckly it was in my drive way when i was about to detail it. Unfortunately, it was a Saturday afternoon i couldnt move it back into the Garage until i could have it towed on Monday morning it was covered under warranty though including the towing. that was the first (and last) time the car had ever had anything wrong on it that prevented it from being driven to the dealer. I wouldnt let it bother you as there are very few "brittle wear" parts to worry about on this car.

Just be thankful you were close to home even though i know its a huge inconvenience!

By the way i see youre from Cary so i have to say go Tarheels :P i went to UF and they are my #1 team, but UNC is #2 for me as I have a lot of family up there and my older brother graduated from their business school, glad they won the championship~

 

Just a follow-up to my bad day. You guys were exactly correct. The seal at the top of the tank busted and exposed the engine to over heating and radiator fluid. They replaced the thermostat, fluid and tank. The total including a $55 towing charge was just under $300. The dealer paid for it under my 30 day no risk warranty. Also, they were able to fix my center console that was not opening vertically. So, all in all I missed the Jag for a week but it came back better than when I bought it. Yesterday, I cleaned all the windows, waxed the Borla tips and raced around listening to Metallica. I am looking forward to hopefully a trouble free future. It is now in the garage with new front and rear license plates holders and new white LEDs in back.

Thanks again for the info. I did share it with the dealership. Go Tarheels!!

 

What dealership did you visit and how was your experience?

 

I purchased the Jag at Hendrick Cadillac in Cary, NC. I purchased my Vette at Hendrick Chevy in Cary with the same salesman who is the Truck Sales Manager and I have been treated great with both cars. They were great with the trade in of my 2003 Infiniti G35 and the price, service and treatment since then with the Vette. So, I went back to get another great deal for the Jag as my business car and he made it work.

 

I was thinking that you visited a local Jaguar dealer for repairs. I was in Burlington and couldn't decide which Jaguar dealer to visit between Bob Dunn Jaguar or Leith Jaguar.

 

You and I are going to get along great!

1. Metallica. Damn right!
2. Same car.
3. Had the same problem, fixed it myself though

 

I am familiar with Bob Dunn Jaguar as they used to sell Sabbs as well.

Sandy Bullins, one of their mechanics, used to work in my 9000T. At the time, he also was training to repair Jaguars as well. His dad has (or had) a shop in High Point, NC.

Bob Dunn was an excellent dealership and I would recommend them to anyone, of course, things may have changed. That was 8 years ago.

I'd still try them out.