2004 Jaguar S-Type 3.0L Petrol · P24 BAX

Rear suspension wear is the defining theme of this 2004 Jaguar S-Type's record, with the latest test on 21 October 2024 passing but carrying a cluster of advisories centred on the rear axle: a slightly worn bush on the offside rear lower shock absorber and severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both rear lower suspension arms and both rear outer track control arms. This is not a new development; a severely deteriorated nearside rear suspension rod ball joint dust cover was already flagged in June 2019, indicating that perishing of the rear suspension joint boots has been progressing for over five years. The record also contains one significant failure, in June 2019, when the car was presented with a dangerous nearside rear brake pad worn below 1.5 mm and significantly worn brake discs at all four corners; it passed a retest the same day, so the braking components were evidently replaced at that point. Since then, four consecutive clean passes from 2020 to 2023 suggest the braking system has held up, but the re-emergence of multiple suspension advisories in 2024 shows the trend is now worsening rather than stable. Recorded mileage stands at 88,574 miles over roughly 22 years, averaging only about 4,000 miles per year, which is low for a car of this age. Testing has been consistent, with annual October tests in recent years and no significant gaps in the record. This usage pattern is consistent with the failure history: the 2019 brake disc wear across all four corners on a low-mileage car points to corrosion and surface degradation from light use as much as friction wear, and the recurring dust cover deterioration is age-related perishing of rubber components rather than mileage-driven wear. Low annual mileage does not exempt a two-decade-old Jaguar from suspension and brake component ageing, and this record demonstrates exactly that. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension. The severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on the lower arms and track control arms mean the joints themselves are exposed to road grit and moisture; once the grease is contaminated, joint wear accelerates and the arms will eventually need replacement rather than just new boots. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking from the rear over bumps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering in the rear end during lane changes, which would suggest the joints or the flagged shock absorber bush have progressed beyond the advisory stage. Check whether the booted joints show visible cracking or grease leakage on a ramp inspection. On the braking side, verify that the discs and pads fitted after the 2019 failure remain in good order by checking for lip wear on the disc edges and testing for pedal judder or pulling under firm braking from motorway speeds. The 2018 advisories for both front tyres worn on the edge also warrant a look at current tyre condition and front suspension geometry, as edge wear can indicate alignment or worn front components. Finally, given the car's age and the pattern of rubber deterioration, a general inspection of suspension bushes, brake hoses, and subframe condition on a lift would be prudent before purchase, and the cost of replacing the flagged rear arms and shock bush should be factored into any offer.