Bought an old S-type what could possibly go wrong....

[brenflys777]

I've bought an old S-type, couple of problems with it (other than colour/image etc..) a scrape to a front wing which I can get fixed, but the near side rear door is stuck locked and won't open. I've taken a punt on it being the solenoid and ordered the part, but it sounds like a nightmare of a job - anyone got any tips?

On the positive, 1 owner, 36,500 miles, FJSH and drives perfectly

Edited by brenflys777 on Wednesday 24th June 15:05

[daemon]

Seems to be a known issue.

http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=42505

Great cars. I've had four S Types so far - none have cost me much more than £1500.

[brenflys777]

This was £1250. As long as the repair to the door is no worse than the internet googling suggests... it's an awful lot of car for the money! The last S-type I had was 13 months old when I bought it and I regretted selling it 60k miles later, it was in many ways a better car than my last Jaguar an XF-S.

[Triple7]

I'll keep an eye out for it!

[brenflys777]

It will only be in the works car park very occasionally - just to give her a long run!

[brenflys777]

The problem with the door is finally fixed, after a couple of hours from me and then the local mechanic with a longer drill, so onto the next issue!

The car has a full Jaguar service history. The last service was 4000 miles ago but 5 years ago as the elderly owner didn't use her much. The local Jag dealer does a reduced cost service for older cars, but it will be slightly dearer than my local mechanic. Anyone had experience of using a franchise dealer on an older Jag?

[P700DEE]

They should offer to match your local mechanic but is it worth it ?
Do you trust them ? Main dealers have a habit of "finding" work that needs doing as their way of making back the money. I prefer a trusted independent if you have one near you ?

[daemon]

brenflys777 said:

The problem with the door is finally fixed, after a couple of hours from me and then the local mechanic with a longer drill, so onto the next issue!

The car has a full Jaguar service history. The last service was 4000 miles ago but 5 years ago as the elderly owner didn't use her much. The local Jag dealer does a reduced cost service for older cars, but it will be slightly dearer than my local mechanic. Anyone had experience of using a franchise dealer on an older Jag?

As it has a FJSH i'd be inclined to use the main dealer.

[jamieduff1981]

The Jag dealer should give you a health check report after a service too, which is a good heads-up for any corrective maintenance it could benefit from before failing an MOT (or just to avoid it handling poorly)

[wilwak]

The S-Types are lovely cars. Congratulations. Hope you enjoy it.