Think i am getting a Jag S-type 4.2 Tomorrow...
Think i am getting a Jag S-type 4.2 Tomorrow...
Author
Discussion

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
What should i look out for when i test drive it?

I know the 4.2 is more reliable than the 4.0 and it has full service history.

Its on 99,000miles with full service history.. One thing concerning me is the gearbox? Should i get an oil changr done as soon as possible?

Any info would be great.

thatdude

2,660 posts

156 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
Is it an auto or manual? I think any gearbox at those miles would benefit from a fluid change; a manual shouldnt be that difficult, but an auto might be more involved. Chat with an auto transmission specialist, someone who deals only in auto transmissions - they'll know what they are tlaking about. It's a mixed-opion topic, some say do, some say dont, some say if you do you will find your trans will blow up, some say if you dont your trans will blow up.


t400ble

1,804 posts

150 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
I cannot say mine up for sale, so I wont

Do it. Love mine

Gearboxes are not an issue like on the earlier 4.0 v8.

Drop me a PM if you want so show me the car you are buying

Paul

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
Its an auto, from what ive read they benefit from it. Its a 2002. Basically what i am wondering.. Should i not bother driving the 3hours to it if its a time bomb.

t400ble

1,804 posts

150 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
p.s They didn't offer a manual option. Auto box with sport works very well.

V88Dicky

7,368 posts

212 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
Factor in the gearbox oil change as a bargaining chip. Check it still changes smoothly though and doesn't baulk or slip.

Look for water ingress in the spare wheel well, the battery is near there and ne'er the two shall meet.

Check the parking brake works, holds the car while in Drive, and disengages as soon as you touch the gas.

The S-Type is heavy on suspension and brakes, check for clunking bushes, wayward handling at the rear from ARB bushes and so on.

The motors that actuate the ventilation system can chatter, if that's the case, either live with it or replace them. Not cheap, but most people just put up with it. (Hardly noticible).

Check the electric seats and every other gizmo works.


We had a late S-Type 4.2 (2007) and it was a great car and superbly reliable. I almost bought it off the OH to run as my daily.

Anyways, good luck! smile

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
t400ble said:
I cannot say mine up for sale, so I wont

Do it. Love mine

Gearboxes are not an issue like on the earlier 4.0 v8.

Drop me a PM if you want so show me the car you are buying

Paul
Just PM'ed you. thumbup

t400ble

1,804 posts

150 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
None received.

Box oil change is about £200 ish at a ZF specialist.

vixen1700

29,023 posts

299 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
Have you still got the MG? smile

andy-xr

13,204 posts

233 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
Check the aircon works, if if blows warm air it's not jsut a regas, it's the climate control valve, and it's a few hours work to change it. Also check the rear windows go up and down, the regulators have a habit of falling to pieces. lastly, check both headlamps move, the regulators in those also fall to bits with bumps in the road, and it'll fail the MOT if they dont align properly. Also, it's a bumper off job to sort the headlamps out

exceed

455 posts

205 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
t400ble said:
None received.

Box oil change is about £200 ish at a ZF specialist.
Think ill get that done for piece of mind.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
vixen1700 said:
Have you still got the MG? smile
Wont do if i get the jag tomorrow. Hopefully the MG will get me the 180miles down south!

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
andy-xr said:
Check the aircon works, if if blows warm air it's not jsut a regas, it's the climate control valve, and it's a few hours work to change it. Also check the rear windows go up and down, the regulators have a habit of falling to pieces. lastly, check both headlamps move, the regulators in those also fall to bits with bumps in the road, and it'll fail the MOT if they dont align properly. Also, it's a bumper off job to sort the headlamps out
Cheers will check them when i get to the car. It has a brand new MOT so should be sweet thumbup

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
exceed said:
Wanted an XJ but in my price bracket it would've been a VERY leggy X350 or a X308 that will need tensioners and gearbox oil change. I am one of the very few that prefer rubber bumper MGB's and likes the look of S-types.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
So looks like i am doing it. I set off at half nine in the morning from near manchester airport to Berkshire... the longest journey i have done in the MG and looking like the last.

I love the MG but with winter a few months away and it being my daily, id rather tick off the V8 and get something that isnt likely to rust before my eyes during salty roads winter.

littleredrooster

6,376 posts

225 months

Wednesday 30th July 2014
quotequote all
t400ble said:
None received.

Box oil change is about £200 ish at a ZF specialist.
Mine was £420 at Midland Transmissions. The price of the fluid alone is more than £200, and the filter is an integral part of the sump.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
quotequote all
Well ive got a long day ahead. Leaving in just under two hours for Berkshire and im just near Manchester Airport.. Should be fun in the old MGB. I hope the Jags as good as it seems like! Then hopefully a long V8 waft back home!

V88Dicky

7,368 posts

212 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
quotequote all
Good luck!

If you do get it, reset the trip computer down there (it's between the steering wheel and the door), and see if you can average 35mpg like I did once. Cruise control is as simple as flicking the little wheel up to set your speed, Mercedes take note biggrin

Rotaree

1,239 posts

290 months

Thursday 31st July 2014
quotequote all
I had one of those a few years ago - one of the best cars I've ever owned. It was also the most comfortable, I expect you'll enjoy the drive back more than the drive there!

Good luck with your new purchase. thumbup