2007 Jaguar S-Type: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Jaguar S-Type?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Jaguar S-Type than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Ball joint dust cover2.9× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  13.1% All 2007 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.8% of all 2007 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.

• Flexible brake hoses1.7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  7.3% All 2007 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Link ball joint covers1.8× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  6.4% All 2007 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2% of all 2007 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.

• Wheels2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  4% All 2007 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.6% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Transmission oil leaks2.2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  2.8% All 2007 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2007 Jaguar S-Type MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Jaguar S-Type MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  8% 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 2007 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 2.9× as often on the 2007 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2007 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2007 Jaguar S-Type as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?