2000 Jaguar S-Type: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Jaguar S-Type?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Jaguar S-Type than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Ball joint dust cover6.5× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  22.1% All 2000 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 1.1% of all 2000 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 ends3.1× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  14.8% All 2000 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 1.8% of all 2000 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-frame3.1× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  11.3% All 2000 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.2% of all 2000 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 covers6× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  6.6% All 2000 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.5% of all 2000 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 joint1.7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  9.7% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.2% of all 2000 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 2000 Jaguar S-Type MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Jaguar S-Type MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  40% 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
  24% 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
  24% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  8% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 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 6.5× as often on the 2000 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2000 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2000 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?