S Type R buying advice
Discussion
Hi all,
My 98 XJR goes tomorrow and I have decided to go for an S Type R and would be very grateful for any advice.
Looking to soend circa £10k
Best to go for one with circa 80-100k miles at £8-10k or spend a bit more on a 40k mile example. For this money I'll be looking at an 02/03 plate I think. Would only want one with the SatNav/Phone personally.
Are there any key things to look out for ??
Engine/Chassis/Powertrain issues maily.
Are there any specialist inspectors (similar to Rob Ingleby for TVR's) ??
Have been offered a 02, black car, with black & red leather + satnav etc with 98k miles for £8k which sounds tempting.
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks, Paul
My 98 XJR goes tomorrow and I have decided to go for an S Type R and would be very grateful for any advice.
Looking to soend circa £10k
Best to go for one with circa 80-100k miles at £8-10k or spend a bit more on a 40k mile example. For this money I'll be looking at an 02/03 plate I think. Would only want one with the SatNav/Phone personally.
Are there any key things to look out for ??
Engine/Chassis/Powertrain issues maily.
Are there any specialist inspectors (similar to Rob Ingleby for TVR's) ??
Have been offered a 02, black car, with black & red leather + satnav etc with 98k miles for £8k which sounds tempting.
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks, Paul
I'd spend a bit more on the lower mileage one every time.
All other things being equal it's bound to be a tighter, less worn car and will not have suffered too much from the very minimalist servicing routine Jaguar specify.
Don't forget even if the higher mileage car is a stunningly good example, in most people's eyes a high mileage Jaguar is a potential money pit and this will cause problems when you try to sell - which you may have too very soon if it turns out there's a serious problem with your new purchase.
The large engined second hand car market is awash with bargains at the moment, just look at how much asking prices for the 03/04/05 X350's have plummeted over the last years or so for example - down from over £20k to around £12k. Early S types for £2/3k. Good looking X308's for under £5k
Buying and selling cars always costs money so I'd go for the best example I could afford, drive the hardest deal I could, plan on keeping the car for a long, time and maintain it accordingly.
Have a look at Honest John's Car by Car guide and Google "The Lurch" for some pointers. Generally the S type is pretty well regarded but you'd need to be familiar with all the options and facelifts to make an informed decision.
I think Vladman recently bought one, but he's not been on PH as far I know for a while.
Any Jaguar indy should be happy to check a potential purchase for you - an hours labour well spent IMO - and of course if the vendor is reluctant to allow you to do this then start walking..
All other things being equal it's bound to be a tighter, less worn car and will not have suffered too much from the very minimalist servicing routine Jaguar specify.
Don't forget even if the higher mileage car is a stunningly good example, in most people's eyes a high mileage Jaguar is a potential money pit and this will cause problems when you try to sell - which you may have too very soon if it turns out there's a serious problem with your new purchase.
The large engined second hand car market is awash with bargains at the moment, just look at how much asking prices for the 03/04/05 X350's have plummeted over the last years or so for example - down from over £20k to around £12k. Early S types for £2/3k. Good looking X308's for under £5k
Buying and selling cars always costs money so I'd go for the best example I could afford, drive the hardest deal I could, plan on keeping the car for a long, time and maintain it accordingly.
Have a look at Honest John's Car by Car guide and Google "The Lurch" for some pointers. Generally the S type is pretty well regarded but you'd need to be familiar with all the options and facelifts to make an informed decision.
I think Vladman recently bought one, but he's not been on PH as far I know for a while.
Any Jaguar indy should be happy to check a potential purchase for you - an hours labour well spent IMO - and of course if the vendor is reluctant to allow you to do this then start walking..
Edited by Jaguar steve on Thursday 21st August 10:18
Agreed, you may be able to afford to buy it, but can you afford to run it? They are cheap for a reason. I would go for a low mileage car. i.e <60k miles.
Nothing to really look for, so no need to get a specialist to look at it. Just go buy the rules, HPI clear, check v carefully for crash damage (research previous owners from V5)If it looks tired it probably is. Find a low owner car, with FJSH. Expect about 18MPG..................and ENJOY!!!!!!! :drive:
G
Nothing to really look for, so no need to get a specialist to look at it. Just go buy the rules, HPI clear, check v carefully for crash damage (research previous owners from V5)If it looks tired it probably is. Find a low owner car, with FJSH. Expect about 18MPG..................and ENJOY!!!!!!! :drive:
G
We have just sold our 2003 XKR and bought a S-Type R!
So far we are really pleased with it. The car is very comfortable, looks great and feels bloody quick! (even compared to our 'modified' XKR)
It is great to have more useable seating, and I love the electronic park brake after the dodgy handbrake on the XK!!
My advice would be to find the best combination of age/mileage/condition/service record. If they are maintained as and when required they are not too bad to run (as with other Jags). BUT, if they have not had sufficient TLC (and you are planning to use it regularly), then this is when you could be facing a big bill a few months down the line.
Scott
So far we are really pleased with it. The car is very comfortable, looks great and feels bloody quick! (even compared to our 'modified' XKR)
It is great to have more useable seating, and I love the electronic park brake after the dodgy handbrake on the XK!!
My advice would be to find the best combination of age/mileage/condition/service record. If they are maintained as and when required they are not too bad to run (as with other Jags). BUT, if they have not had sufficient TLC (and you are planning to use it regularly), then this is when you could be facing a big bill a few months down the line.
Scott
Edited by Scottman on Thursday 21st August 12:08
hi guys.
Thanks for all the info, so to sum up:
GREAT cars and rapid, provided been looked after
Best to take the time to find a good one
handling better (responsive and roadholding wise)
Better to buy as good an example as possible
Watch out for a knackered diff
Full service history and bill file essential
(seems fairly common sense stuff)
Noone seems unhappy with theirs and have not been told to steer clear, so all set.
as for big bills, can't be as bad a 911 when things go wrong/age surely. (6k spent this yr so far, and 2 rear tyres tomorrow! ouch)
Thanks for all the info, so to sum up:
GREAT cars and rapid, provided been looked after
Best to take the time to find a good one
handling better (responsive and roadholding wise)
Better to buy as good an example as possible
Watch out for a knackered diff
Full service history and bill file essential
(seems fairly common sense stuff)
Noone seems unhappy with theirs and have not been told to steer clear, so all set.
as for big bills, can't be as bad a 911 when things go wrong/age surely. (6k spent this yr so far, and 2 rear tyres tomorrow! ouch)
FOUND ONE!
Went to see a vgc silver, 02 with 60k miles on yesterday. has been remapped to 437bhp and has a paramount sports exhaust. cannot describe the sound, but it is absolutely fantastic! (imo of course). car drives very well and feels very solid and planted on the road. get 12mth warranty so peace of mind too.
Slept on it and calling when they open today with deposit and hopefully will be able to collect it later this week. :-)
thanks for all the help everyone. Paul
Went to see a vgc silver, 02 with 60k miles on yesterday. has been remapped to 437bhp and has a paramount sports exhaust. cannot describe the sound, but it is absolutely fantastic! (imo of course). car drives very well and feels very solid and planted on the road. get 12mth warranty so peace of mind too.
Slept on it and calling when they open today with deposit and hopefully will be able to collect it later this week. :-)
thanks for all the help everyone. Paul
I've had mine for over 2 years now, bought it at 38k miles now it's done 70k miles.
Cracking cars, albiet not cheap to run.
I've just had a new diff in mine which cost 800 quid but apart from that it hasn't been too bad. The gearlever J gate had to be replaced as it was stuck in park but overall no real problems, touch wood.
Gearboxes seem to go at 100k miles,so they recommend a flush and refill of fresh oil, great gearbox though the ZF. Mine had the lurch but was cured by a software update.
No LSD so they can be huge amount of tyre smoke with the DSC off
They are heavy cars 1850kg's so expect suspension bushes, brakes, tyres, bearings etc to wear.
Be interesting to see how you get on with yours with the Paramount tuning, in std form it doesn't really any more poke, they are pretty nippy.
They also do really do handle well for a big barge.
Mine is below
Cracking cars, albiet not cheap to run.
I've just had a new diff in mine which cost 800 quid but apart from that it hasn't been too bad. The gearlever J gate had to be replaced as it was stuck in park but overall no real problems, touch wood.
Gearboxes seem to go at 100k miles,so they recommend a flush and refill of fresh oil, great gearbox though the ZF. Mine had the lurch but was cured by a software update.
No LSD so they can be huge amount of tyre smoke with the DSC off
They are heavy cars 1850kg's so expect suspension bushes, brakes, tyres, bearings etc to wear.
Be interesting to see how you get on with yours with the Paramount tuning, in std form it doesn't really any more poke, they are pretty nippy.
They also do really do handle well for a big barge.
Mine is below
S1M VP said:
FOUND ONE!
Went to see a vgc silver, 02 with 60k miles on yesterday. has been remapped to 437bhp and has a paramount sports exhaust. cannot describe the sound, but it is absolutely fantastic! (imo of course). car drives very well and feels very solid and planted on the road. get 12mth warranty so peace of mind too.
Slept on it and calling when they open today with deposit and hopefully will be able to collect it later this week. :-)
thanks for all the help everyone. Paul
Sounds like a cracking car! and with 12 months warranty should be a safe bet! I hope you enjoy the car, and look forward to seeing some pictures posted.Went to see a vgc silver, 02 with 60k miles on yesterday. has been remapped to 437bhp and has a paramount sports exhaust. cannot describe the sound, but it is absolutely fantastic! (imo of course). car drives very well and feels very solid and planted on the road. get 12mth warranty so peace of mind too.
Slept on it and calling when they open today with deposit and hopefully will be able to collect it later this week. :-)
thanks for all the help everyone. Paul
Scott
PS:
Ours has just had the Paramount/Milltek non-resonated exhaust fitted, and I really love the sound. When you boot it in 'sports' mode it really roars!!!!
Yeah, must say it really surprised me, when I would have defintely gone for black and just went to see this as it was the closest, to see if I liked the cars. Think I just fell in love with the exhaust note to be honest, hence deposit down now.
Got to try to record a movie and put it on you tube or something when I get it - I never imagined a Jag could sound like it.
I've been wondering if slightly darker tinted windows would suit a silver car?
Anyone had this done?
Seen dark glass on a black car and imo it looked really good.
(S8it, I sound like a max power kid ha ha)
Got to try to record a movie and put it on you tube or something when I get it - I never imagined a Jag could sound like it.
I've been wondering if slightly darker tinted windows would suit a silver car?
Anyone had this done?
Seen dark glass on a black car and imo it looked really good.
(S8it, I sound like a max power kid ha ha)
I don't know about the lowering srings ... looking back at the pictures it does look a little lower, so maybe it has the 20mm lower springs as well (Happy Days!).
Jags, in my opinion are not supposed to have loads of mods which 'could' make them look daft and loose that 'Jaguar prowess' and 'luxury motor' image ... however some of the mods offered by Paramount / Raging Green etc do IMHO can enhance the look/sound of the car providing they are done tastefully.
I've personally always liked the shape of the S type, including the front end.
Does anyone have any pics of a silver car with tints?
Agree with you that too dark would look crap ... just a little darker like you said, to give a little contrast.
Only curious to see what it'd look like really - might like it, might hate it ...
Would it best to take it to Jag and ask them to do it?
Would NEVER go and get some max power window film - trust me!!
Jags, in my opinion are not supposed to have loads of mods which 'could' make them look daft and loose that 'Jaguar prowess' and 'luxury motor' image ... however some of the mods offered by Paramount / Raging Green etc do IMHO can enhance the look/sound of the car providing they are done tastefully.
I've personally always liked the shape of the S type, including the front end.
Does anyone have any pics of a silver car with tints?
Agree with you that too dark would look crap ... just a little darker like you said, to give a little contrast.
Only curious to see what it'd look like really - might like it, might hate it ...
Would it best to take it to Jag and ask them to do it?
Would NEVER go and get some max power window film - trust me!!
Just an update - it's long - I'm excited:
Took one of my mechanics (who knows Jags very well) to check the car over yesterday - gave it the thumbs up - very solid all round.
Then had some more good ... NO ... 2 GREAT pieces of news today.
1st piece came around 2pm:
I had emailed Paramount last night to ask them about the car and the mods - there was an invoice from them in the history file for the exhaust and it was also serviced by them in January, so I assumed they may have some records of the car.
They called today and were more than happy to tell me all about the car and confirmed they did ALL the mods:
Upgraded Supercharge Pulley
Lowered Suspension (you were right scottman)
Full Stainless Race Exhaust from Manifold to Back boxes
Race CATS
ECU Remap
Also expained that they knew the owner and the car very well and said "that it is one very sorted car and that the previous owner couldn't help but spend his money, and he really looks after his cars".
Really great to hear and music to my ears, especially as they have nothing to gain/lose.
Thanks to Gerald at Paramount, for taking the time to call !!!
Also asked out of pure interest about what else could be done to these cars and he advised that for a daily drive, not to do anything else as you can start to compromise a daily drive for any more hike in power (not that it needs any). But fairplay ... rather than try to sell me something else - totally honest.
So ... I was pretty happy to hear this as you can imagine .... then ....
2nd piece of great news came around 5pm:
I had also, (on the off chance) emailed the previous owner as his email address was on an old invoice.
He called me this afternoon and couldn't have praised the car more. He told me about how his mate had an XKR with a sports exhaust and that his mate introduced him to Paramount. He then couldn't help himself get more and more done and in all spent LOTS upgrading the car to its current state.
The only problem he ever had was having to have a new gearbox (stuck in P) at the cost of £3k+ from Jaguar MD, but all in all the car was fantastic.
He said about it having new tyres all round and new discs and pads just before he moved it on, for another toy and that the guys at Paramnount were brilliant - highly recommended them.
He went on to say that the rolling road print showing 437 bhp ws done BEFORE he had the race cats and back boxes, so it should be even more power, but never got it remeasured.
He said he never had the nerve to see what the car could do - when I asked aren't they are restricted to 155mph -->
"NOOO ... Paramount de-restricted it !!, but I never had the bottle to take it over 135mph" ... he asked me if I ever to take it to Bruntingthorpe to let him know what it gets to (out of interest as he spent all the cash on it). THANKS for taking the time Mr S.L.!!
So, having originally been a little nervous and apprehensive about buying a 'modified car' .... I am now very VERY happy and cannot wait to collect the car on Saturday.
You can't get much more reassurance than speaking to both the previous owner and a specialist like Paramount who know the car well - both giving it a 100% glowing reference and finding out it has even more power ha ha !!!!
Cannot wait to pick the car up now !!!
Thanks for all your replies and advice ... will let you know how I get on !!!
Probably something like this: ... 
... ... 
... 
... 
... 
ha ha
Took one of my mechanics (who knows Jags very well) to check the car over yesterday - gave it the thumbs up - very solid all round.
Then had some more good ... NO ... 2 GREAT pieces of news today.
1st piece came around 2pm:
I had emailed Paramount last night to ask them about the car and the mods - there was an invoice from them in the history file for the exhaust and it was also serviced by them in January, so I assumed they may have some records of the car.
They called today and were more than happy to tell me all about the car and confirmed they did ALL the mods:
Upgraded Supercharge Pulley
Lowered Suspension (you were right scottman)
Full Stainless Race Exhaust from Manifold to Back boxes
Race CATS
ECU Remap
Also expained that they knew the owner and the car very well and said "that it is one very sorted car and that the previous owner couldn't help but spend his money, and he really looks after his cars".
Really great to hear and music to my ears, especially as they have nothing to gain/lose.
Thanks to Gerald at Paramount, for taking the time to call !!!
Also asked out of pure interest about what else could be done to these cars and he advised that for a daily drive, not to do anything else as you can start to compromise a daily drive for any more hike in power (not that it needs any). But fairplay ... rather than try to sell me something else - totally honest.
So ... I was pretty happy to hear this as you can imagine .... then ....
2nd piece of great news came around 5pm:
I had also, (on the off chance) emailed the previous owner as his email address was on an old invoice.
He called me this afternoon and couldn't have praised the car more. He told me about how his mate had an XKR with a sports exhaust and that his mate introduced him to Paramount. He then couldn't help himself get more and more done and in all spent LOTS upgrading the car to its current state.
The only problem he ever had was having to have a new gearbox (stuck in P) at the cost of £3k+ from Jaguar MD, but all in all the car was fantastic.
He said about it having new tyres all round and new discs and pads just before he moved it on, for another toy and that the guys at Paramnount were brilliant - highly recommended them.
He went on to say that the rolling road print showing 437 bhp ws done BEFORE he had the race cats and back boxes, so it should be even more power, but never got it remeasured.
He said he never had the nerve to see what the car could do - when I asked aren't they are restricted to 155mph -->
"NOOO ... Paramount de-restricted it !!, but I never had the bottle to take it over 135mph" ... he asked me if I ever to take it to Bruntingthorpe to let him know what it gets to (out of interest as he spent all the cash on it). THANKS for taking the time Mr S.L.!!
So, having originally been a little nervous and apprehensive about buying a 'modified car' .... I am now very VERY happy and cannot wait to collect the car on Saturday.
You can't get much more reassurance than speaking to both the previous owner and a specialist like Paramount who know the car well - both giving it a 100% glowing reference and finding out it has even more power ha ha !!!!
Cannot wait to pick the car up now !!!
Thanks for all your replies and advice ... will let you know how I get on !!!
Probably something like this:
... ... ... ... ... ... ha ha Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff