I have an 85 vanden plas right now. Due to the amount of repairs I'm having to do(I work on my own cars) I'm thinking of trading for an S-type.
I really like the looks and ratings of the 99-02 S-type. Can I get some input from you guys and gals on these.
I drove a couple back when I owned a shop and loved the power and performance but couldn't drive them very far since I was just doing test runs for repairs and such.

 

My 2 cents. I have a 2000 S. Bought it with 44,000 miles in Nov 14, and no leaks except where the owner missed the oil fill spout and dripped on the PS. Cleaned up fine. Here is what I did to the car to bring it to a new condition.
New headliner and reconditioned the leather seats. New battery, tires, brakes and rotors, a new grill and rear view mirror. I installed a new coolant recovery tank and a new water pump and serpentine belt (easy to change). New one piece lug nuts and one new fog light. All filters, blades, and fluids.


Today, 50,715 miles and zero trouble.


There is talk about the timing chain tensioners. Monster job but I won't touch that unless it is necessary. I like the car so far.

 

Likewise.

My list in my sig gives an insight into what I have lived with for a very long time, and YES, there are some missing from that list.

We have 2 (TWO) X200 S Types, and both are V6 powered. Coming from a fleet of V12's (owned for 16 years) there was a "power" shock, but that did not last long.

The V8's down here are are a tad skinny on the market.

We have had them both now for near on 2 years, and NO issues to speak of.

My post purchase "catch up servicing" done by ME, included the following:

New rotors and pads, all 4 coners.
Brake fluid flush.
New heater taps on both cars.
The sway bar "D" rubbers replaced at the same time as the taps, due to accessability with the tap in place.
Trans pan OFF, and new fluid/filter. Then 7 fluid drop and refills over the next 12 months.
Diff oil syringed out, and refreshed.
Cabin filters replaced.
Serpentine belt replaced, along with the pulleys.
New batteries.
New top rad hoses.
Spark plugs and coils.
P/steer fluid vhanged.
Coolant renewed when the taps were done.
New rad pressure caps.
New tyres.
Brake hoses renewed.
Engine oil and filter.
Fuel filters.
Air filters.
Some items I forget as I type.

The Silver car had 116000kms and the Black car had 97000kms when purchased.

I have looked at the X202 as a possible "upgrade" for the Black car, and a 4.2 V8 would be the go. BUT, the issues with various components on the X202 as compared to the X200 ceased that on the 3rd bottle of JD.

The Silver now has 126000kms, and the Black is nudging 117000kms.

At my stage now the 2 X200's will be with us for a very long time. They are SOOOOOOO simple to live with once the "catch up" is done in one foul swoop, as apposed to the more common "grazing" method, which really becomes a never ending list.

 

Thank you both very much. sounds like normal stuff witrh no major concerns. Most I have seen here have 96k-160k so I'll use this as good things to check out at the test drive stage when I'm shopping around. I really like the looks of this era. The slant back look of the ovalish grill reminds me of the hot rods I've owned and built. I am actually excited to get one of my own. Thanks again and I'll be in touch when I get one.

 

The 2003-2008 S-types are virtually identical in appearance, superior technically in many ways and in today's market sell for just a few dollars more.

Sorry to be rude, but that's foolish. The tensioners fail with virtually no warning and frequently damage the engine beyond repair. I wouldn't leave it another day.

 

This is what I heard also. Sorta similar to an interferance motor I'm guessing.

 

It IS an interference engine.

You need to stay lucky till you change the parts.

 

Thank you for clearing that up.

 

[QUOTE=
Sorry to be rude, but that's foolish. The tensioners fail with virtually no warning and frequently damage the engine beyond repair. I wouldn't leave it another day.[/QUOTE]




I understand the concern, but the lowest quote to do this in my area is $2700. I can buy a used engine for $1800. Although Amazon has the entire kit for $345 right now but they haven't answered back about what generation their kit is so I am waiting.

 

In my expirience. Internet purchases are very cost effective, but if they don't get back to you quickly then that is an example of their service. I give them about 48 hours then they can kiss my AS^. I've had wrong parts sent and had to eat the cost cause of their lack of customer service.
I try not to go with the cheapest price either. These are jags after all, know for breaking down, so buying a better product helps prolong the breakdown time.
Just my opinions. Not take offense please.

 

I wouldn't go to a used engine because of tensioners unless it can be documented that the tensioners were done. Otherwise the used engine probably needs them too and it's easier to do tensioners than an engine swap. I am in the same quandary and I have a mechanic whom I trust a lot, he said that those tensioners or ones similar are in tons of engines and they should give indications that they are wearing, louder chain noise,especially during startup and other symptoms. I'm at 80000mi and am going to go further.

 

I have looked at the debate on here about just doing uppers vs. uppers and lowers. As I understand it if an upper fails you are likely to have a chain jump(boom), if a lower fails it stays in time enough that it doesn't break the motor. As a shade tree mechanic, I think I can do the uppers but the lowers need a hoist and special breaker tools for stuff like the balancer.

 

That doesn't really apply to the 'Ford era' and new Jags. Not much in common with your present 80's vintage example.

 

Now that, I didn't know. Thank you for sharing that. I like not breaking down, but it's nice to know how to fix them yourself, so you don't get raped by the shops.