Hello,

My name is Brad and I am a new member of this forum. I am a long time Jaguar admirer although I have always driven German cars (97 SL500 being the current).

I was researching the XJ and learned that the x308 has a timing chain tensioner weakness and a transmission prone to early failure (A drum issue)

I am looking at S types and wonder if they suffer from the same issues or are there other issues to be concerned with.

Thanks,
Brad

 

Spend an hour reading the stickies at the top of the S-Type forum. That will be your quickest method for gaining the information you need to make an informed decision on whether to pursue one. The basic advice is to stick with the 2003-to-2008 model years and purchase the newest one your budget permits. Many of the early issues had been resolved by that time. My research in December 2008 convinced me to narrow my range down even more to the 2005-to-2008 model years so that's what I did. It certainly worked for me....

There are a number of issues, most of them relatively minor, that must eventually be addressed on these cars if you plan to run them for the long haul. You must be a DIY person for the majority of your required maintenance and repairs. If you cannot DIY and must pay someone else to maintain your car, it will clear your checkbook rather quickly. Read the stickies for more detail....

The most valuable tool in your toolbox will be this forum. Pose your questions regarding your various issues in decent English here and you are certain to receive all the help you'll ever need....

 

The X308 production run was from 1997-2003 (if I remember correctly). The S-Type production run was from 1999-2007 (final US MY2008). During that period, all US-spec Jaguars shared pretty much the same drive-train, with NA and supercharged variants (which makes the S-Type a wonderful bargain in a performance 4-door). To avoid the problems with the earlier models, just get a post-2003 build (STR advice may differ slightly). I have had a 2008 S-Type 4.2 that has been utterly reliable since new.

The common nuisance problems on the S-Type are the collapsing headlights (with a 10-cent fix documented elsewhere in this Forum), and hose leaks on top of the engine on the STR (an enormous PITA to replace a trivial part). Otherwise, just look for a car with a fully documented history (which will give you a good idea of that specific car's reliability) and motor on. Through the magic of nose-bleed depreciation, the S-Type has got to be the best performance car buy around.

 

Just avoid the S-Type 4.0 (only made 1999-2002). Change gearbox oil & filter. Drive and enjoy.

I'd get a 2003+ car.

In case you know a car model with no design/manufacturing faults at all and which is safe, comfortable and affordable, let me know...

 

Oh and since Mike is being a little modest, he is selling his 2008 VERY well maintained 4.2 N.A. S Type. If I were in the market this is the one I would bring home with much pleasure!


Mikes ad:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/p...4-2-v8-131785/

 

If you fancy the X308, you can avoid the timing chain issue with a late MY 2002 or 2003 build. Check the stickies in the X308 section - it goes by engine number, not MY as to when the changeover occurred to the latest generation timing chain tensioners. IIRC, the supercharged cars (XJR) did not suffer the A-drum issue.

As to the S-type, solid advice given above. The 3.0L V-6's in our stable have been very reliable, smooth cars with more than sufficient acceleration. Both models present an excellent value in the used car market if you do your research here on the forum and go in with your eyes open.

 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. I really appreciate it. I also look forward to my first post as a Jag owner!

Brad