S type R v S type R
Discussion
No i haven't lost the plot, i would like to hear about early type R's against the later facelift cars from 04 onwards. My preference is leaning towards the later cars as i've read they are improved over the older cars and have the glitches ironed out. However as usual price is coming into things and some of the early cars i've seen for sale seem better value for money where some of the later cars seem rather expensive.
So, i know some early cars have been known to have gearbox issues and the later cars are supposedly more refined but tell me you're thoughts and experiences please, stretch myself for a later car or buy an early one and save a few quid?
So, i know some early cars have been known to have gearbox issues and the later cars are supposedly more refined but tell me you're thoughts and experiences please, stretch myself for a later car or buy an early one and save a few quid?
I have an early STR 2003 and so far have had minimal trouble over 4 years and over 80000 miles of ownership. I currently commute 1250 miles a week and it makes short work of it and has even pushed up the mpg to 27 even with a heavy right foot!
I have replaced front discs twice recenty due to the first replacement being fitted with the incorrect size which warped them within 2 weeks but am now running with the correct fit. I beleive the earlier models use a larger diameter disc although someone will probably tell me different? Other than the discs i have also replaced both front suspension arms which are apprently a common fault on earlier STR's - beware, the part alone is £350!
All in all has been a good purchase with no niggles, i read plenty of horror stories about electrical problems but mine has been fine, one thing i would say it seems to eat tyres pretty quickly and unevenly. I seem to need my tracking and alignment sorted everytime i put on new rubber but nothing to break the bank.
I am also a bit miffed about it being a massive car on the outside but small on the inside, rear passengers have minimal leg room and the boot it to shallow making it very difficult to load up, i recently went away for a weekend with baby gear, buggy etc...and had to load the back seats as boot ran out of room - this is no joke, with the seats down in my girl friends mini it takes far more luggage!
As for the newer model i cant really help there, mine was top of my 15000 budget when i got it, i recenty got a trade in price of £4000 for it so be prepared for big depreciation.
I have replaced front discs twice recenty due to the first replacement being fitted with the incorrect size which warped them within 2 weeks but am now running with the correct fit. I beleive the earlier models use a larger diameter disc although someone will probably tell me different? Other than the discs i have also replaced both front suspension arms which are apprently a common fault on earlier STR's - beware, the part alone is £350!
All in all has been a good purchase with no niggles, i read plenty of horror stories about electrical problems but mine has been fine, one thing i would say it seems to eat tyres pretty quickly and unevenly. I seem to need my tracking and alignment sorted everytime i put on new rubber but nothing to break the bank.
I am also a bit miffed about it being a massive car on the outside but small on the inside, rear passengers have minimal leg room and the boot it to shallow making it very difficult to load up, i recently went away for a weekend with baby gear, buggy etc...and had to load the back seats as boot ran out of room - this is no joke, with the seats down in my girl friends mini it takes far more luggage!
As for the newer model i cant really help there, mine was top of my 15000 budget when i got it, i recenty got a trade in price of £4000 for it so be prepared for big depreciation.
The space issue has only come about since my nipper arrived although in the past people have mentioned the lack of rear leg room. I'm planning a European trip soon and defintely know the jag on space terms is not up to the job so am going to change it for something else, a shame really as on every other level for me it hit the mark.
A couple of extra points, the sat nav would be far better with an up to date disc as mine sends me to roads which are no longer there or it doesnt recognise new routes, have a search on line for that.
The 'fat cat' phone in the central arm rest is not worth the hassle as everytime you want to use it you have to put in the sim from your mobile - i have an HTC which doesnt even fit! I have the alpine audio upgrade which is excellent minus the MD head unit of course!
A couple of extra points, the sat nav would be far better with an up to date disc as mine sends me to roads which are no longer there or it doesnt recognise new routes, have a search on line for that.
The 'fat cat' phone in the central arm rest is not worth the hassle as everytime you want to use it you have to put in the sim from your mobile - i have an HTC which doesnt even fit! I have the alpine audio upgrade which is excellent minus the MD head unit of course!
warnster said:
The space issue has only come about since my nipper arrived although in the past people have mentioned the lack of rear leg room. I'm planning a European trip soon and defintely know the jag on space terms is not up to the job so am going to change it for something else, a shame really as on every other level for me it hit the mark.
I can go along with that observation! I took my two lads away to France for the weekend to stay with family and the boot was rammed, certainly no room for an excursion via the wine warehouse on the way back! I've got the roof bars and a box but just never had the guts to use it but that would solve the issue. I don't think it's really a family car but maybe we just pack to much!Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff