Jag S-Type R: Any views?
Discussion
Have been browsing these on AT, and am taken by the VFM and Bang for Buck they offer.
I know the looks are 'challenging', but I'm more interested in views on running costs from anyone who may have had one. MPG isn't going to be great I know, but I doubt it's much worse than my Boxster S (currently telling me I average 22mpg), and, as I don't do a huge amount of miles, it's not the biggest issue for me.
Decent, low mileage 03 platers can be had for £5.5k. When you factor in 400bhp, and the cossetting Jaaaag interior, what's not to love? (they don't look that bad in black, either)…
I know the looks are 'challenging', but I'm more interested in views on running costs from anyone who may have had one. MPG isn't going to be great I know, but I doubt it's much worse than my Boxster S (currently telling me I average 22mpg), and, as I don't do a huge amount of miles, it's not the biggest issue for me.
Decent, low mileage 03 platers can be had for £5.5k. When you factor in 400bhp, and the cossetting Jaaaag interior, what's not to love? (they don't look that bad in black, either)…
I averaged around 20mpg in mine, so they're not TOO tragic on fuel, but spirited driving will see you in single figures with ease. I used to go out for an evening drive and burn off a quarter tank in less than half an hour, and that wasn't doing daft speeds either.
Mine creaked like a b
d, but was otherwise perfectly reliable. Thermostat went which made it go into limp home mode while visiting Spa for the GP (that sucked) but it was pretty OK otherwise. Was sorted under warranty. Mine was an early 02 and had no lurch. Don't know if it'd had the software upgrade. Alloys are made of butter and bend easily, I had one or two replaced under warranty.
I got rid of it as it was a bit too old man for me at the time (early 30's) but now that I actually AM old I'd consider one again, particularly at that money. The performance is epic and refinement is very good considering the relatively hard suspension. Corners very well for a barge. Consumables very expensive but no surprise there I guess.
Mine creaked like a b
d, but was otherwise perfectly reliable. Thermostat went which made it go into limp home mode while visiting Spa for the GP (that sucked) but it was pretty OK otherwise. Was sorted under warranty. Mine was an early 02 and had no lurch. Don't know if it'd had the software upgrade. Alloys are made of butter and bend easily, I had one or two replaced under warranty. I got rid of it as it was a bit too old man for me at the time (early 30's) but now that I actually AM old I'd consider one again, particularly at that money. The performance is epic and refinement is very good considering the relatively hard suspension. Corners very well for a barge. Consumables very expensive but no surprise there I guess.
nonplussed said:
I averaged around 20mpg in mine, so they're not TOO tragic on fuel, but spirited driving will see you in single figures with ease. I used to go out for an evening drive and burn off a quarter tank in less than half an hour, and that wasn't doing daft speeds either.
Mine creaked like a bd, but was otherwise perfectly reliable. Thermostat went which made it go into limp home mode while visiting Spa for the GP (that sucked) but it was pretty OK otherwise. Was sorted under warranty. Mine was an early 02 and had no lurch. Don't know if it'd had the software upgrade. Alloys are made of butter and bend easily, I had one or two replaced under warranty.
I got rid of it as it was a bit too old man for me at the time (early 30's) but now that I actually AM old I'd consider one again, particularly at that money. The performance is epic and refinement is very good considering the relatively hard suspension. Corners very well for a barge. Consumables very expensive but no surprise there I guess.
Cheers - very useful.Mine creaked like a b
d, but was otherwise perfectly reliable. Thermostat went which made it go into limp home mode while visiting Spa for the GP (that sucked) but it was pretty OK otherwise. Was sorted under warranty. Mine was an early 02 and had no lurch. Don't know if it'd had the software upgrade. Alloys are made of butter and bend easily, I had one or two replaced under warranty. I got rid of it as it was a bit too old man for me at the time (early 30's) but now that I actually AM old I'd consider one again, particularly at that money. The performance is epic and refinement is very good considering the relatively hard suspension. Corners very well for a barge. Consumables very expensive but no surprise there I guess.
I'm quite used to cars with expenisve consumables, so that's not a deal-breaker, and when you consider the low purchase price, it's a trade-off really.
I ran an old X308 XJ for a while, and I fell in love with Jaaags.
Prof Prolapse said:
One view. Get an XJR instead. Similar price, same engine, much cooler.
Only car I've ever regretted selling.
Oh and in any case get LPG. Nowadays it's pretty much a necessity IMO.
The only issue there, is that for my budget (I'd rather spend less than £7k) I'd be looking at the X308. And while I think they're beautiful, they are very dated now, and rust is an issue. (As I said above, I have run an X308, in 3.2 guise).Only car I've ever regretted selling.
Oh and in any case get LPG. Nowadays it's pretty much a necessity IMO.
TTwiggy said:
The only issue there, is that for my budget (I'd rather spend less than £7k) I'd be looking at the X308. And while I think they're beautiful, they are very dated now, and rust is an issue. (As I said above, I have run an X308, in 3.2 guise).
I know where you can find a rust-free X308 XJR that's not yet for sale...TTwiggy said:
The only issue there, is that for my budget (I'd rather spend less than £7k) I'd be looking at the X308. And while I think they're beautiful, they are very dated now, and rust is an issue. (As I said above, I have run an X308, in 3.2 guise).
Same problems I had. Not that I'm suggesting otherwise but are the S-Types really much better though? A lot of shared components (and troubles) across the range after all.
I would have thought they'd rot the same. Still, keeps the weight down I suppose.
The S Type didn't suffer the timing chain tensioner issues the X308s did, but then the 308 gearbox is generally a bit more reliable (although it's a 5spd v 6spd in the S).
What surprises most people is that the XJR weighs less than the STR. Aside from Sat Nav, it's pretty easy to retrofit modern conveniences (Bluetooth, iPod) to an XJR, so it need not lack more modern features either.
I sound like I'm trying to push the XJR - I probably am! Wonderful machines.
What surprises most people is that the XJR weighs less than the STR. Aside from Sat Nav, it's pretty easy to retrofit modern conveniences (Bluetooth, iPod) to an XJR, so it need not lack more modern features either.
I sound like I'm trying to push the XJR - I probably am! Wonderful machines.
Prof Prolapse said:
TTwiggy said:
The only issue there, is that for my budget (I'd rather spend less than £7k) I'd be looking at the X308. And while I think they're beautiful, they are very dated now, and rust is an issue. (As I said above, I have run an X308, in 3.2 guise).
Same problems I had. Not that I'm suggesting otherwise but are the S-Types really much better though? A lot of shared components (and troubles) across the range after all.
I would have thought they'd rot the same. Still, keeps the weight down I suppose.
I owned an S type R for a year and was the worst car I have ever owned.
There may be an element that the car I owned was just a dog and other Type R's may be fine but here's my experience :
The car (2002 edition) developed a leak from the engine which turned out to be a pipe running under the supercharger.
Some forums refer to the pipe as a 'Valley Pipe'
The part was low cost but the labour to strip the supercharger etc was not cheap.
There is also a 'bag' which sits under the supercharger which the garage referred to as the 'drugs bag' as it looks like something from border control tv documentaries !
Jaguar had no idea what the part was and it was clearly designed to support the supercharger but even with pictures sent over they had no idea of part number.
Look out for this potential 'Valley Pipe' fault as it can cost dearly.
My car also suffered from a Thermostat problem which was easily fixed.
Internal heating also was a common problem in my car.
It was always going into limp mode - note there are a lot of electrics in these cars so plenty can go wrong.
But when the car worked it drove brilliantly !
The car feels a lot smaller than it looks if that makes sense ?
Handling was pretty good for a large car and 4 adults can sit in nice surroundings.
The interior is a nice place to be but has sections which look a little cheap.
The Engine is quite quiet for a V8 but that can be fixed with a change of rear boxes.
Boot space is very good.
Other issue you may find is the petrol ! Its an easy car to put your foot down in and visits to the petrol station can become more and more frequent !
But saying that 400bhp is a lot of fun just make sure you have the pockets for fuel and unexpected repair bills.
Make sure you get the car inspected.
I spent approx £2,000 on repairs in the year excluding fuel and tyres.
Hope this info is of help - If you need any more info please feel free to message me.
I also have pics of the rebuild should you want to take a look.
There may be an element that the car I owned was just a dog and other Type R's may be fine but here's my experience :
The car (2002 edition) developed a leak from the engine which turned out to be a pipe running under the supercharger.
Some forums refer to the pipe as a 'Valley Pipe'
The part was low cost but the labour to strip the supercharger etc was not cheap.
There is also a 'bag' which sits under the supercharger which the garage referred to as the 'drugs bag' as it looks like something from border control tv documentaries !
Jaguar had no idea what the part was and it was clearly designed to support the supercharger but even with pictures sent over they had no idea of part number.
Look out for this potential 'Valley Pipe' fault as it can cost dearly.
My car also suffered from a Thermostat problem which was easily fixed.
Internal heating also was a common problem in my car.
It was always going into limp mode - note there are a lot of electrics in these cars so plenty can go wrong.
But when the car worked it drove brilliantly !
The car feels a lot smaller than it looks if that makes sense ?
Handling was pretty good for a large car and 4 adults can sit in nice surroundings.
The interior is a nice place to be but has sections which look a little cheap.
The Engine is quite quiet for a V8 but that can be fixed with a change of rear boxes.
Boot space is very good.
Other issue you may find is the petrol ! Its an easy car to put your foot down in and visits to the petrol station can become more and more frequent !
But saying that 400bhp is a lot of fun just make sure you have the pockets for fuel and unexpected repair bills.
Make sure you get the car inspected.
I spent approx £2,000 on repairs in the year excluding fuel and tyres.
Hope this info is of help - If you need any more info please feel free to message me.
I also have pics of the rebuild should you want to take a look.
Med1c said:
I owned an S type R for a year and was the worst car I have ever owned.
There may be an element that the car I owned was just a dog and other Type R's may be fine but here's my experience :
The car (2002 edition) developed a leak from the engine which turned out to be a pipe running under the supercharger.
Some forums refer to the pipe as a 'Valley Pipe'
The part was low cost but the labour to strip the supercharger etc was not cheap.
There is also a 'bag' which sits under the supercharger which the garage referred to as the 'drugs bag' as it looks like something from border control tv documentaries !
Jaguar had no idea what the part was and it was clearly designed to support the supercharger but even with pictures sent over they had no idea of part number.
Look out for this potential 'Valley Pipe' fault as it can cost dearly.
My car also suffered from a Thermostat problem which was easily fixed.
Internal heating also was a common problem in my car.
It was always going into limp mode - note there are a lot of electrics in these cars so plenty can go wrong.
But when the car worked it drove brilliantly !
The car feels a lot smaller than it looks if that makes sense ?
Handling was pretty good for a large car and 4 adults can sit in nice surroundings.
The interior is a nice place to be but has sections which look a little cheap.
The Engine is quite quiet for a V8 but that can be fixed with a change of rear boxes.
Boot space is very good.
Other issue you may find is the petrol ! Its an easy car to put your foot down in and visits to the petrol station can become more and more frequent !
But saying that 400bhp is a lot of fun just make sure you have the pockets for fuel and unexpected repair bills.
Make sure you get the car inspected.
I spent approx £2,000 on repairs in the year excluding fuel and tyres.
Hope this info is of help - If you need any more info please feel free to message me.
I also have pics of the rebuild should you want to take a look.
Many thanks. At the moment it's on a list of 'possible' cars, but if I get more serious, I may be in touch.There may be an element that the car I owned was just a dog and other Type R's may be fine but here's my experience :
The car (2002 edition) developed a leak from the engine which turned out to be a pipe running under the supercharger.
Some forums refer to the pipe as a 'Valley Pipe'
The part was low cost but the labour to strip the supercharger etc was not cheap.
There is also a 'bag' which sits under the supercharger which the garage referred to as the 'drugs bag' as it looks like something from border control tv documentaries !
Jaguar had no idea what the part was and it was clearly designed to support the supercharger but even with pictures sent over they had no idea of part number.
Look out for this potential 'Valley Pipe' fault as it can cost dearly.
My car also suffered from a Thermostat problem which was easily fixed.
Internal heating also was a common problem in my car.
It was always going into limp mode - note there are a lot of electrics in these cars so plenty can go wrong.
But when the car worked it drove brilliantly !
The car feels a lot smaller than it looks if that makes sense ?
Handling was pretty good for a large car and 4 adults can sit in nice surroundings.
The interior is a nice place to be but has sections which look a little cheap.
The Engine is quite quiet for a V8 but that can be fixed with a change of rear boxes.
Boot space is very good.
Other issue you may find is the petrol ! Its an easy car to put your foot down in and visits to the petrol station can become more and more frequent !
But saying that 400bhp is a lot of fun just make sure you have the pockets for fuel and unexpected repair bills.
Make sure you get the car inspected.
I spent approx £2,000 on repairs in the year excluding fuel and tyres.
Hope this info is of help - If you need any more info please feel free to message me.
I also have pics of the rebuild should you want to take a look.
I'm going to wait a few months anyway, as it will be easier to shift my Boxster when the sun is out and the weather warms up.
I need a bit more practicality, but I know I'd miss the performance if I went down the sensible 'diesel estate' route. Hence considering things like the S-Type R, as the purchase price is so low, one can offset that against running costs etc.
TTwiggy said:
Many thanks. At the moment it's on a list of 'possible' cars, but if I get more serious, I may be in touch.
I'm going to wait a few months anyway, as it will be easier to shift my Boxster when the sun is out and the weather warms up.
I need a bit more practicality, but I know I'd miss the performance if I went down the sensible 'diesel estate' route. Hence considering things like the S-Type R, as the purchase price is so low, one can offset that against running costs etc.
No worries - glad to help out I'm going to wait a few months anyway, as it will be easier to shift my Boxster when the sun is out and the weather warms up.
I need a bit more practicality, but I know I'd miss the performance if I went down the sensible 'diesel estate' route. Hence considering things like the S-Type R, as the purchase price is so low, one can offset that against running costs etc.
Good point with the prices v running costs.
With the cars at such low prices it may be worth a gamble.
Wishing you the best luck with your next purchase :-)
Hi re looks ,funnily enough I have seen a couple of 3ltrs ones recently and actually they look a lot better to me than they used to???????
Maybe cars are so boxy now????
Remember a jag delership on the western ave acton had a dark blue R featured on there high plinth.
It was just under £50K ,and looked fantastic
Maybe cars are so boxy now????
Remember a jag delership on the western ave acton had a dark blue R featured on there high plinth.
It was just under £50K ,and looked fantastic
Baryonyx said:
EVO magazine preferred the S Type R to the BMW! Now, either the Jaguar is superb (entirely possible) or BMW's bung and gratuity package that month was lacking!
Hmm, actually they did in one issue, but later in the year did the test again with the then new audi Rs6 and the Beemer came out on top again!!Ive always fancied these S Type Rs, coz they are just so understated that unless you really know your cars you have no idea what they can do.
Is the suspension really that hard? That does surprise me.,..
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff