2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

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

  13% All 2005 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.8% of all 2005 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  18.4% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  13.2% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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-frame1.7× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  9.4% All 2005 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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 covers2.2× usual
  Jaguar S-Type

  6.4% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.6% of all 2005 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 2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 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
  39% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 2.9× as often on the 2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Jaguar S-Type diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?