2006 Jaguar S-Type 2.7L Diesel · RF06 FXR

The most recent recorded DVSA test on 22 September 2022 resulted in a fail, with three major defects recorded relating to the suspension: a fractured offside front coil spring, a fractured offside rear coil spring, and an excessively worn nearside rear inner suspension arm pin or bush, alongside a minor for a deteriorated nearside rear suspension arm ball joint dust cover and an advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. Looking at the broader history, the trend over the four-year window is clearly one of deterioration rather than stable maintenance. Two failures in 2018 and 2020, followed by another in 2022, combined with a recurring nearside rear suspension arm ball joint dust cover advisory that has been present since at least 2021, point to a vehicle whose under-bonnet and under-carriage mechanical condition has not been effectively addressed between tests. The progression from brake-related dangerous and major defects in 2018 to widespread suspension and structural-type failures by 2022 suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance that a buyer should treat as a significant risk indicator. Against a vehicle age of approximately twenty years, the recorded mileage of 162,757 miles equates to an average of around 8,138 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this era and usage profile. There is no evidence in the test record of extended periods of standing or of unusually rapid accumulation between tests, with the gaps between MOTs generally in line with annual testing requirements. That said, even an average annual mileage over two decades places considerable cumulative wear on a premium vehicle of this type, particularly on the suspension, drivetrain mountings, cooling system, and interior electrical components, all of which should be regarded as life-expired or close to it on a Jaguar S-Type of this age regardless of MOT outcomes. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the suspension and undercarriage, as this is where the majority of the recorded failures lie. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front and rear over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate tired coil springs, worn wishbone bushes, or failing drop links. Check visually for any sagging at the corners, uneven tyre wear especially on the inside shoulders which suggests worn bushes or alignment issues, and inspect the rear subframe mounting points and sill areas for corrosion given the structural seat belt anchorage defect recorded in 2020 which referenced the sill front to rear section. Any signs of fluid leaks from the engine or automatic transmission should also be investigated, as the 2020 advisory noted an oil leak that was not considered excessive at the time but may have progressed. The brake system warrants close attention too, with the 2018 dangerous failure for rear pads below 1.5mm, the 2020 advisories for thin front pads, the recurring rear brake disc pitting advisory, and the 2019 advisories for corroded front brake hose ferrules all indicating that the braking components have been a chronic area of concern. Beyond the recorded defects, a twenty-year-old Jaguar S-Type at this mileage will require careful inspection of items that MOT testing does not fully cover. The 12-volt battery is likely to be on original equipment or a long-standing replacement and should be load tested, as battery failure is a common cause of non-start and electronic control unit faults on these vehicles. All fluids including engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be checked for condition and service history, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be renewed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. Inspect the tyres not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on aged tyres even with adequate tread, and check for uneven wear patterns that may indicate alignment or suspension issues. Finally, verify the service book stamps or digital service history, confirm the timing chain or belt has been renewed according to manufacturer schedules, and listen on startup for any timing chain rattle from the front of the engine, a known wear item on the AJ-V6 diesel and petrol units fitted to the S-Type.