Today I will be going to look at a 2003 Jaguar S-Type 4.2L with 83k miles on it

During the inspections and test drive anything I should look for in specific???

Any thoughts or experiences with this car would be very appreciated everybody!!!

Thank you in advance.

 

I just got a 2004 s-type 4.2 I just love. It does throw a code or two though, but probably minor vacuum leaks, MAF sensor, etc. If you can check codes with OBD reader that would be wise. My s-type has 98,000 miles and had transmission rebuilt at 88,000, so I'd pay attention to that. Someone on here said if the oil was changed the 4.2 is great. My 4.2 is almost idling at 1,500-1,800 RPMs at 45-65 MPH when I drive, but has such low end torque it just motors along effortlessly. So engine isn't working very hard and should last. My advice is not to buy first one you look at. You learn as you go along, and make a much better decision if you are familiar with car, what to look for, what "good" condition is, etc. For example, hold unlock button down on key fob and all windows and sunroof should open. I was impressed mine still work.

 

. . . and generally I have seen peole on here saying that 2004 on s-type is best bet. Not sure if that should rule out a 2003, but maybe . . .

 

One thing that has been reported on frequently, on this list, is problems with the DCCV and the coolant hoses in the front. So check that the dual climate control seems be working (i.e., set different r&l passenger temps and see if the air seems to be at different temps) and check for coolant leaks particularly around the over flow bottle.
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Jaguar: Grace, Pace, and Space - Sir William Lyons
'08 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition"

 

Lets not forget the Headlights, rusty Lug nuts, and be to look under the car and see if
it has the belly pan. Just found out when I discovered a couple drips under mine there
was no pan. $229 with shipping. Another ouch.

 

Make sure you get 2 keys with it, check to see if there is documented evidence of the trans oil and filter being changed. Knock the price if a key is missing or if the box needs an oil change. Don't know what prices you would be looking at in the USA but neither would be cheap. Check out the AC by putting both sides through full hot / full cold and ensuring the air coming out the vents responds accordingly. Check to see if the steering column squeeks when rocked backwards and forwards - if it does is't only a 10 dollar fix. Check for uneven tyre wear the suspension arms wear out and are pretty expensive to replace, although I believe you can non get the ball joints without having to buy the complete arms. If you have a digital volt meter check the battery voltage with the car turned off, if it's less than 12.25 after it's not been run for an hour or so budget for a new battery at about 160 dollars, There is a guide that you can buy, it's written by Nigel Thorley, the ISBN is 976-1-845844-45-5, it will tell you all you need to know and help to assess whether you have gold or lemon.
Hope thaat helps,
1/2er

 

Be ready for AC problems, cooling system problems, tranny problems

 

Find out what you can about what has been done to the car, take the car someplace to get the car up in the air and check out suspension, brakes, and LEAKS. Check out the bottom of trunk for leaks, on the right is the battery and on the left is an important computer and a lot of wires. You don't want a S Type with a wet bottom. As far as heating and cooling problems, if you get the car just set the temp to something you like, 72 degrees or so and leave it on auto, like it says in the owner's manual, I think most heating and cooling problems are from fiddling with it too much and confusing the computer and making it cycle too much.