I'm looking at a couple 2005 S types, both with 55-60k miles. I was wondering if somebody could give me a heads up on what to look for (and look out for) in this model Jag. I've got an XK and know its quirks but know nothing about the S. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Spend some time reading the stickied FAQ threads here in the S-Type section. Time well spent, and you'll compile a laundry list of what to look for as you peruse the selection out there. The S-Type is a great highway cruiser but does have its quirks and issues that must be addressed just as your XK (and our XK8) does. No showstoppers though, especially if you are a DIY type of guy....

 

Quirks depend on engine! Which?

 

Good advice above.

Best bet is to post up as many photos as possible for us to take a look at before you take the plunge. We have some really sharp eyes in the S Type section.

 

That's about the mileage mine had when I bought it. Take them for a test drive in this cooler weather and feel for any un-smooth behaviour in either the engine or transmission. Chugging, lurching, harsh shifts, etc. When maintained properly these cars are as dependable as any.

 

Check the headlights. Make sure they are not drooping. Check the coolant expansion tank for leaks. Make sure the AC is blowing cold in all vents.

 

05 S-Type is a beautiful car and by then many quirks were worked out. Analyze maintenance logs and have her professionally checked over.

 

If maintenance records are available, check the following:

1. J004 reflash has been applied

2. Has the transmission fluid been changed. If so, that's a plus

3. Take the cars up to 60 mph and check for rear end howl. There was a TSB on this. I had my rear differential replaced under warranty.

4. Check the trunk around the spare for signs of water. The trunk has the battery and several fuse boxes and this could be a sign of trouble.

5. Check operation of the sunroof if so equipped. Also check for any signs of leaks.

 

The model I'm looking at is the 3.0. Both cars are at dealers (not Jag). I'm going to test drive both tomorrow. It one is the winner, I'll take it to Jaguar for a pre purchase inspection following a Carfax check. Is there anything else I should do?

 

Ahhh 3.0s, be sure to take a flashlight and look really good on the topside (with hood open) of the belly pan looking for ANY oil/fluid marks!

Also have a napkin/papertowel handy for the IMT O-ring check see below:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ck-pics-49214/

 

If you are buying a V6 I would feel behind the intake plenum for an oil leak.

 

Bring it up to VA. It was 12 degrees this morning Also we had an inch of snow so you can check out the DSC.

 

As pointed out the 2005 and up S Types are very good because by this time Jaguar had fixed most of the problems and they had gotten quite good at building them.

One thing not posted yet. There is only one recall for that year and model Jaguar. It's for the fuel tank and the smell of gas is the main symptom. The repair is to replace the tank and some other parts as it apparently was a design problem.

So have the Jaguar dealer punch in the VIN and make sure that recall has been done. It usually fixes it permanently but we have had one or two people report the same symptoms returning. Possibly due to a substandard repair the first time. It will be expensive if you do it on your own dime as the parts are the main cost.

The V-6 has a whole list of problems with the engine but they are all minor and well documented. Most of them have been noted above.

One final suggestion. Don't buy the car unless you plan on doing the work yourself. As always any Jaguar is an expensive car to own and maintain. It does NOT get cheaper as the car ages!! But you can really get by cheaply if you are willing to DIY and read this forum. We are blessed with at least 3 factory techs that contribute to the forum. All the other car forums I am on or have been on never had this. It's amazing what inside information these guys bring to the discussions. Truly priceless advice!
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At 56k miles on my 2005 S-type, one of my coolant pipes began to slowly leak. It's a common problem apparently. The pipe I'm referring to is the one listed in this thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...or-hose-73188/

 

Quick question. One '05 I'm going to test drive today has a manufacture date of 01/04. How could that be an 05?

 

You then have to question, what source is claiming it to be an '05? The VIN should identify the model year. And if it does turn out to be a '04 model year, you can offer the dealer less.

 

Does it have the 2004 features or the 2005? Jaguar sometimes had slightly different year models depending on where you were. Like in the UK there are 2002.5 STR's that are 2003 STR's in the US.

I think the metal surround on the gauges is the easiest way to tell.

What's the last 6 digits of your VIN? That's Jaguar's method of identifying the year.
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An easy way to ensure its a 2005 MY: take a look at the rear of the car. For the 2005 MY they refreshed the rear design of the car which followed through til 2008 when they stopped production of the S-type.

 

Ok, now you have me concerned. Why should I be sure to take a very good look on the topside of the belly pan? That ANY oil or fluid marks there is a sign of what?

A leaky valve cover gasket? A leaky head gasket? A shot crankshaft seal? A cracked block? What?

(now I am a nervous wreck!)

 

When we purchased our '05 off ebay and some 600 miles away from us, I did not have a chance to really inspect the vehicle. Long story short.

I flew down to Tampa and drove back Joyces new vehicle and parked it in the garage. The next morning I went to detail the car and when I looked down at the belly pan in the sun light this is what I was horrified to see:



The vehicle had 42,000 on the clock. I had to replace the oil pan seal (gasket), valve cover seals, IMT O-rings. All were somewhat common leaks for these motors. We just happened to purchase one that had them all.

So if you ever look in the HOW Tos here you will see that I have detailed write ups with pics on everything that I have done to Joyces Jag. The How To's came about because I documented the problems so that I could go after the ebay dealer on the oil leaks and also the vehicle needed a new front wheel bearing within the first day of ownership. The dealer is no longer selling vehicles on ebay.