Common expensive problems ?

Capri

Just seeing the number of Jags going for peanuts I reckon there's an expensive problem common to them all (apart from tax/mpg etc :rolleyes: ) that's easily fixed if you read Car Mechanics.
My W220 S class has the 'sinking suspension' - got a valve fixed and it's not as bad but I've laid it up ('til it's 30th birthday :P ) so .....
Anybody come across repeat faults on classics ?

macplaxton

RUST.

Repeat problem and expensive to fix.

Capri

macplaxton wrote: »

RUST.

Repeat problem and expensive to fix.

Suppose so but not impossible to fix with a grinder/welder/sealer - did see a 450SEL made out of 3 others , rust in the box sections, THAT was a big job

https://mercedessource.com/problems/rust-corrosion/miracle-rust-repair-your-old-mercedes

What I'm also thinking about is Jag gearbox problems / Merc interlock problems / VW head gaskets / Tacoma chassis rust is a bit more serious etc etc

http://jaguarvp.blogspot.ie/2013/04/1995-jaguar-most-common-problems.html

At least with the net you can chase up any fixes before you commit to buying

Agricola

Always thought the expensive problem common to all Jags was their enormous gas guzzling engines!

sogood

Agricola wrote: »

Always thought the expensive problem common to all Jags was their enormous gas guzzling engines!

Not altogether true. My daily driver is a '96 4.0 litre Sovereign, returning an average of 28mpg. More than some smaller cars. It all depends on how you drive it. The biggest recurring problem I have is motor tax @ €1,805 per annum. More, if you pay it quarterly. These cars represent excellent value for money, insofar as purchase price is concerned. Maintenance is very much DIY if you are handy with a spanner and the availability of internet forums helps greatly.

They do have their inherent "sins", as in, Sagging headliner (DIY fixable) Rear suspension knocking (DIY fixable) Occasional high idle (DIY fixable) and a radio that dies!

But a serious amount of bang for your buck more than compensates for these minor niggles.

macplaxton

Getting decent contact breaker sets (well I suppose you can add dizzy caps and rotors) these days. It's a cheap, but a bit of work finding some good NOS ones. Modern manufactured ones seem to rather dismal quality.

Electrics on some big motors (given all their gizmos) seem to tax a few folk that aren't electrically minded.

Some stuff can be cheaper to fix and do, but when you throw in all the man-hours and stripping down, it's easier to just get a box of Swans.:pac:

Capri

macplaxton wrote: »

Getting decent contact breaker sets (well I suppose you can add dizzy caps and rotors) these days. It's a cheap, but a bit of work finding some good NOS ones. Modern manufactured ones seem to rather dismal quality.

Electrics on some big motors (given all their gizmos) seem to tax a few folk that aren't electrically minded.

Some stuff can be cheaper to fix and do, but when you throw in all the man-hours and stripping down, it's easier to just get a box of Swans.:pac:

You wouldn't want to be counting your man hours with some problems but the fix when it comes is reward enough - even modern electrics seem to be fixable given patience (and Car Mechanics / the net !)

hi5

Many is the sensor/valve I've repaired with just a can of brake/carb cleaner:)

jimgoose

Well, the V8s suffered from the dreaded Nikasil bore-liners, but they should all be addressed via the recall, that's years old by now. Timing-chain tensioners are also a bit scary on those things. The S-Type V6 suffers from coil-over unit trouble, but they're easily changed out and relatively inexpensive. It should be addressed immediately though, lest the resulting misfire start to damage the cats. Most of the niggly drivetrain problems on these seem to stem from the automatic transmission, but my one has an ordinary Fordson tractor five-speed manual, so that's alright then!
They're a bit hard on their suspension, mind you - budget a few hundred every couple of years for replacing bushings, control arms, yadda-yadda.

adunis

Simple answer RUST