2002 Jaguar S-Type: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Jaguar S-Type?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Jaguar S-Type than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Ball joint dust cover4.8× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  20% All 2002 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1.5% of all 2002 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 ends2.4× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  13.9% All 2002 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.4% of all 2002 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  6.4% All 2002 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1% of all 2002 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.

• Sub-frame1.9× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  8.5% All 2002 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2002 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.

• Engine warning light2.8× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  5.4% All 2002 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2002 Jaguar S-Type MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 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
  42% 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
  31% 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
  27% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  9% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 4.8× as often on the 2002 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2002 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2002 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?