As the topic suggests, I'm doing my research about how feasible ownership of an S-type SE would be, I'm looking at a 2006/7 automatic 2.7d SE. I'm coming into it from a 2007 2.2d X-type, and don't want to be spending too much more money to run it - but they're wonderful cars and I'd love to have one.


So I was hoping owners here might be able to clear a few things up for me, and help me decide if this car will be the right choice.




1. How often does the car go through new sets of tires, brake pads, discs and suspension parts? How much can I expect to pay? And how does this compare with any other comparable cars you've owned?


2. What are the big bills that will crop up throughout the S-type's life, and when? I know the gearbox oil needs changing around 60k, and cambelt around 100k.


3. What fuel economy are people getting with the 2.7d?


4. I keep hearing that S-type build quality/reliability improved as time went on, which are the best years to go for? And just how good are they in this respect, compared to rivals?


5. According to Autotrader's figures, some of the later cars have improved stats - 41.5mpg rather than 36, 0-62mph in 8.1 rather than 8.2. I can't find any mention elsewhere about this upgrade (which I think was the end of 2006, though some 2007s don't have it), so is it just an error on Autotrader's part?


6. I'll probably be buying Jaguar approved used. What kind of quality can I expect from a car I buy from them (it's Stratstone, specifically), and should I still have an AA inspection?


7. If anyone's happened to have ownership of an X-type as well as an S-type, how much more did the latter cost to run?


8. Getting rather more specific here, but I was hoping someone could point me in the direction of a good independent Jaguar specialist near me (I'm in Calne, which is near Swindon and Chippenham).




Thank you VERY much for your time. I've been having a huge headache with this decision, so every bit of feedback will be of enormous help.

 

Unless you do big mileage all the time don't get the diesel as the DPF, turbos etc all need a lot of frequent exercise. You also pay quite a price premium for a diesel due to the now outdated British obsession with diesels. (The petrols are cost effective, though.)

 

I do 11-14k a year and most of it's on country roads, so that shouldn't be a problem.
Petrol cars are definitely a lot cheaper, but the economy just puts them out of the question for me, I'd be spending at least £700 more per year.

 

You may wish to Join the UK Jaguar Forum site for more info. This site is aimed more towards USA / World where Jaguar diesels were not offered , therefore diesel information is limited . The 2.7 offered in the bigger Jags doesn't seem too bad , but the diesel offered in the X type seems to be a pretty abysmal , unreliable unit ....

 

That's just about enough mileage. Do read up on the EGR, turbos, DPF, oil cooler/gearbox, MAFs and other faults unique to the 2.7D. Best to know about them.

 

1. How often does the car go through new sets of tires, brake pads, discs and suspension parts? How much can I expect to pay? And how does this compare with any other comparable cars you've owned?

A. My 2.7 does about 15,000 + per tyre of course this varies on the speed you drive. I have had two sets of discs since new and my car has 92000 on the clock now.

2. What are the big bills that will crop up throughout the S-type's life, and when? I know the gearbox oil needs changing around 60k, and cambelt around 100k.

A. Services every 15000 covers this but never had any problems with gearbox (touch wood) Changed my cambelt at 85,000 to be sure and as they have to take off the front end I suggest you change the water pump at the same time.


3. What fuel economy are people getting with the 2.7d?

A. If i give my car a hard workout then i get 28mpg when I go to Cornwall last time i achieved 50mpg (driving at about 60 mph)


4. I keep hearing that S-type build quality/reliability improved as time went on, which are the best years to go for? And just how good are they in this respect, compared to rivals?

A. My car has never let me down in the morning - very reliable car. I have removed DPF as it is not needed in MOT. I have also had my car remapped for speed 0-60 in 6.9.

5. According to Autotrader's figures, some of the later cars have improved stats - 41.5mpg rather than 36, 0-62mph in 8.1 rather than 8.2. I can't find any mention elsewhere about this upgrade (which I think was the end of 2006, though some 2007s don't have it), so is it just an error on Autotrader's part?


6. I'll probably be buying Jaguar approved used. What kind of quality can I expect from a car I buy from them (it's Stratstone, specifically), and should I still have an AA inspection?

A. Expensive way to buy a used Jag I would prefer Autotrader and get an AA inspection.


7. If anyone's happened to have ownership of an X-type as well as an S-type, how much more did the latter cost to run?


8. Getting rather more specific here, but I was hoping someone could point me in the direction of a good independent Jaguar specialist near me (I'm in Calne, which is near Swindon and Chippenham).

Hope this helps.

 

You need to be a bit clearer on this point as you will fail an MOT if it has been removed.

People are paying to have the DPF removed and opened up...they then gut the innards, weld it back up and refit it, they then delete it electronically so the computers don't complain. As far as the MOT guy is concerned, it's still physically there so it passes the MOT.

 

Be sure to tell your insurer, for DPF removal. Also need to tell them for any remap.

It's illegal (not just an MoT fail) in the UK to remove the DPF. So far no-one seems to be checking but that may change...

 

I own a 2.7D from end of 2007. Got it with 72kms last Sep. now it is near 100k.

Since I am from Austria all my figures are in litres and kms - sorry for that.

My car had a full service history and I bought it from the dealer who sold it and did all services. Nonetheless the brake booster failed only 500kms after I brought the car home. Which caused change of all brake disks, pads and the booster to be replaced (all on dealer's expense). Further there was a rattling noise on the front right side. I decided to change both front shocks and some absorbers. For parts the dealer paid for, the repair was done in a local workshop on my expense.
Now, after end of warranty, the right rear wheel bearing broke, which I had to pay for. And the hand-brake actuator gave up 2-3 months ago - which is bad, but not really urgent. (Automatic gear locks the gears anyway when in P position)
Judging from those points mentioned I would compare the Jag with an Alfa Romeo 147 which I owned before (lot of fun when working, but you have to "live" with all kind of issues) . And: costs for parts and labour are "premium class" let's say. Local problem with Jags: they sometimes require special tools which free garages don't have over here.

BUT: the engine performance and ride quality are absolutely superb! The engine is a co-op with Peugeot and having had one just before: they really know how to build Diesel engines. The DPF only causes troubles on short distances when driving with limited speeds, too.
Generally said: the car has improved much during it's production time. The bushings are better on the Mk2 series, but still a weak point. I have heard about advises to change the gear fluid after 100k but officially it is "service free". And: you need special tools for the ZF gear box to do that.

And just some personal advice: if they are using salt on your streets: check the floor panels underneath the car after removing the plastic covers/side sills! Mine had a lot of surface rust there! It took nearly a day to clean that up and put on some coating.

As far as it concerns fuel consumption: mine does 7.5 - 8 ltrs/100 kms on 'mixed' conditions. A lot of 'stop & go' spoils that drastically.

rgds & good luck
Martin

 

Auto box is NOT "service free", that's a myth. On Jaguar tech site it shows the service details for such as fluid & filter changes.

 

Hi Vertigo, Allan and Duke ... greetings from Australia ... the only country outside of UK and Europe to see this fine Jaguar ... and even then, only after 2006 and only a rare few even then. We have one of the last; a real beauty, and for someone who has owned most of the Jags over the past 40yrs, I believe it's one of the company's best.

But, I do wish to respond on the basis you asked ... to hear from people who actually own them, rather than just opinions from those who don't. That's not intended as a slap, but I faced the same frustrations when I was trying to do my research over many, many months.

• As noted by others, I suggest you adopt a sensible caution when trying to address issues concerning your model here on Jaguar Forums. My constantly churning mantra is to try to differentiate between "car issues" with plenty of help here in the S-Type section ... or is it related to "engine/engine management/exhaust/some drive-train and many electronics issues". If the latter, then treat any advice here with caution unless verified by a thorough trawl through other sources, such as the UK Forum, where these cars were more prolific, better known, and more actively supported.

• Respect the warnings and seek out the references supplied by JagV8. John's style of extending help struck me at the time like a sledge hammer in a dark alley, but I think our infectious sense of humour is wearing him down into something of a nice guy (LOL). My determination not to be blind-sided by him about this Diesel, meant that I did do all the research he is now challenging you to do. I know I came away a better informed, far more knowledgeable, owner and I thank him for the rigour.

• Finally, the one bullet point I will address is your #5 ... did Autotrader get it wrong because those are fairly astonishing improvements in both performance and economy post 2006. The short answer is "No, they got it precisely correct" and this is one of the best preserved unknowns here on this forum ... also across much of the UK forum ... and even in many dealerships. Not so in Castle Bromwich; not so in Jaguar Australia nor the 2 major motoring press extended road tests they helped orchestrate out here in late 2006 with the first "update" diesels to hit this country.

• In short, the entire fuel delivery system/pressures/8stage injectors/EGR system was altered; entirely new sets of turbochargers were fitted; the crankcase sensing of fuel dilution and DPF deployment was redesigned; and finally; entirely new and performance upgraded software was fitted to PCM. There are a whole range of redesigns for management sensors, all noted by VIN in JTIS. It is no coincidence you were directed to the merits of buying as late as possible ... chalk and cheese. Implications for the owner? Premium distillate is non-negotiable. Fuel consumption? We don't see much city driving near here, but return trip to Sydney is 1200km and that's usually around 5.5L/100km (about 50mpg) for mostly 110kph (70mph) speeds.

So, most of us who have the MY07 haven't arrived there by accident. It was the final (and best) evoluton of not only the engine and its peripherals, but also the engine management software prior to the 3L in the XF. Just when you think that all the rest is "update" body like any other MY07 on here, some new twist unique to the final diesels, turns up. End result is as you have heard from Allan and the Duke, and which I endorse ... simply superb ... and just maybe, the best of the best.
Best wishes in your search!
Ken