Jaguar S-Type 4.2 SE 2002 - Any good?

[elephantstone]

The draw of..

1. A Jaguar
2. A V8

Is becoming to strong. A potential deal for my MGB and some cash is making the draw even stronger.. Am i right in thinking that the 4.2 V8 is the one to go for? Please dont give me other options as i have just got this one in mind as ive potentially bagged myself a good deal.

What should i look for? Do they sound any good stock?

[9mm]

Pre-facelift which is not good. As long you're only paying shed money you should be ok.

[Hammerhead]

The 4.2 is a great engine. No particular weaknesses there at all. Sounds good from the outside, very quiet inside though. Gearbox (6 speed ZF) is good, takes kindly to fluid/filter change at 50/60k intervals. I had an '04 facelift and was very happy with it, totally reliable in the time I had it. Only chopped it in because I ultimately wanted an XF. Would certainly recommend the 4.2 (and the R version).

[Hammerhead]

9mm said:

Pre-facelift which is not good. As long you're only paying shed money you should be ok.

Pre '02 are the ones to avoid. '02 onwards are much, much improved.

[MG511]

9mm said:

Pre-facelift which is not good. As long you're only paying shed money you should be ok.

Would be a 4.0 if pre facelift, not a 4.2 as stated in OP.

[elephantstone]

£3500 fsh and 66,000miles. MGB's paintwork is starting to scare me a little. Deal is for jag and cash..

[elephantstone]

Obviously not expecting 40MPG but what are they like on fuel? I'm used to moderately bad mpg from the B anyway..

[Hammerhead]

23-25 local, 33-34 motorway.

[andy-xr]

I have the 4.0 and touchwood, it's done everything fine. I've had to do a few things, rear window regulators were stuck, the DCCV is an issue (anyone who says aircon just needs regassing is probably a liar) and just this morning I've heard what sounds like a suspension bush squeaking and also some oil on the damper. The parts arent cheap, a shock absorber is £100

It also needs brakes all round, which I can get for £140 inc pads from eBay.

The DCCV is the only one I'm not happy to tackle myself, it's a £90 part but about 4 hours labour

They're heavy on tyres, and brakes. Best I've seen from mine was 32 mpg on a run from Lancs to Hants, it needed 500 miles to get to 32 mpg average. I normally see 15 around town and 25 on short runs

The 4.2 technically should beat those figures due to the way it's geared, the extra capacity should be offset with the extra gears. If it's supercharged then you're on your own with mpg

[elephantstone]

Hammerhead said:

23-25 local, 33-34 motorway.

Probably similar to my MGB.. Not that ive bothered to figure it out.

[9mm]

MG511 said:

9mm said:

Pre-facelift which is not good. As long you're only paying shed money you should be ok.

Would be a 4.0 if pre facelift, not a 4.2 as stated in OP.

The major facelift was for 04 models, notwithstanding earlier engine changes and tweaks.

[MG511]

9mm said:

MG511 said:

9mm said:

Pre-facelift which is not good. As long you're only paying shed money you should be ok.

Would be a 4.0 if pre facelift, not a 4.2 as stated in OP.

The major facelift was for 04 models, notwithstanding earlier engine changes and tweaks.

Fine, major chassis, engine and gearbox changeover was 02, I would call an early 4.0 car a shed, but not a later 4.2. Boring world if we were all the same though...

[V8forweekends]

9mm said:

The major facelift was for 04 models, notwithstanding earlier engine changes and tweaks.

Er....that was the most noticeable external facelift - but the '02 revision got rid of the old Lincoln Style suspension in favour of "real" Jag stuff, dropped the plasticcy interior in favour of Jag corporate style one and replaced the 4.0 litre V8 and 5 speed auto with the 4.2 and six-speed ZF auto box. They also started laser welding around that time.

The 04 revisions were mainly styling, a bit of tech (bluetooth option) and the diesel engine.

[9mm]

Clearly more than one facelift! In any event, let's hear what the OP is paying for this car.

[elephantstone]

9mm said:

Clearly more than one facelift! In any event, let's hear what the OP is paying for this car.

I have told you futher up the thread.

[elephantstone]

Awaiting a call to see if they will consider my somewhat cheeky offer.

[9mm]

elephantstone said:

I have told you futher up the thread.

Average. You should get it for a lot less than £3500. The market for those is small indeed. Good luck.