1999 Jaguar S-Type: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Jaguar S-Type?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Jaguar S-Type than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Ball joint dust cover6.6× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  23.9% All 1999 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends3.5× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  15.8% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 1.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame3.7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  11.5% All 1999 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Link ball joint covers7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  6.3% All 1999 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  9.7% All 1999 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.9% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1999 Jaguar S-Type MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Jaguar S-Type MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  31% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Jaguar S-Type

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 1999 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1999 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1999 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?