2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Ball joint dust cover3.7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  17.4% All 2004 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 1.8% of all 2004 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-frame2.4× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  12.2% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-lock braking system2.7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  3.5% All 2004 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Rust in key structural areas2.6× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  3.6% All 2004 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings2.5× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  3% All 2004 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  30% 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
  30% 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
  14% 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 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel

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 3.7× as often on the 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 Jaguar S-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?