s type v8 any good
Discussion
It depends....
Which V8 S-Type is it? Is it the earlier 4.0L or the later 4.2L? Is it an S-Type R which will be the supercharged version of the later car?
I had a 4.0L for three years from new, and I replaced it in early 2004 with a 4.2L with 14 miles on the clock and which I still have as my daily driver, and it's up to 124,000+ miles now.
Once we know which model we might be able to respond to your questions!
R.
Which V8 S-Type is it? Is it the earlier 4.0L or the later 4.2L? Is it an S-Type R which will be the supercharged version of the later car?
I had a 4.0L for three years from new, and I replaced it in early 2004 with a 4.2L with 14 miles on the clock and which I still have as my daily driver, and it's up to 124,000+ miles now.
Once we know which model we might be able to respond to your questions!
R.
It's shame it's the early 4.0. The later 4.2 is vastly superior: it has a better 6 speed auto box, much improved suspension components, and a far better and more Jaguar like interior, among several things.
If I was looking into a 4.0 the first thing I'd want to know is whether or not the tensioners have been changed. The standard tensioners are second generation and liable to suddenly fall apart with dire results. They should be changed for the superior third generation type well before 100,000 miles. Cost is likely to be £1000-£1200, maybe a bit less with some haggling. At the stated mileage I would assume this job has not been done.
Next, has the gearbox and differential oils been changed? The gearbox and diff are sealed for life and tend to fail at about 100,000 miles, although more miles is not unknown. Common wisdom is that the oils should be changed about every 50-60,000 miles or so. Both jobs are very tricky and require experience and skill. The oils are expensive. With the stated 70,000 miles this should definitely be checked before purchase; I'd assume it has not been done.
You have said the car has done 70,000 miles, so all of the above are on the horizon if not done already. Mind you, £1200 is a good price so that plus say £2000 for the aforementioned work will be the real cost consideration. If the car is in really good order then the price is a good one. Pity it's not the 4.2 though!
Regarding mpg as per your original post, around town something around 18-22 is to be expected. On a long run at reasonably consistent speed, something like 28-30. I regularly go to Falmouth-280 miles from here- and if I keep a light right foot I can get nicely over 30, but if I do the trip in 4 hours then I'd expect maybe 25.
R.
If I was looking into a 4.0 the first thing I'd want to know is whether or not the tensioners have been changed. The standard tensioners are second generation and liable to suddenly fall apart with dire results. They should be changed for the superior third generation type well before 100,000 miles. Cost is likely to be £1000-£1200, maybe a bit less with some haggling. At the stated mileage I would assume this job has not been done.
Next, has the gearbox and differential oils been changed? The gearbox and diff are sealed for life and tend to fail at about 100,000 miles, although more miles is not unknown. Common wisdom is that the oils should be changed about every 50-60,000 miles or so. Both jobs are very tricky and require experience and skill. The oils are expensive. With the stated 70,000 miles this should definitely be checked before purchase; I'd assume it has not been done.
You have said the car has done 70,000 miles, so all of the above are on the horizon if not done already. Mind you, £1200 is a good price so that plus say £2000 for the aforementioned work will be the real cost consideration. If the car is in really good order then the price is a good one. Pity it's not the 4.2 though!
Regarding mpg as per your original post, around town something around 18-22 is to be expected. On a long run at reasonably consistent speed, something like 28-30. I regularly go to Falmouth-280 miles from here- and if I keep a light right foot I can get nicely over 30, but if I do the trip in 4 hours then I'd expect maybe 25.
R.
A 4.0 S Type for £1200 in great condition is a bargain. However you would be buying knowing it was not the best (4.2 V8 
)
This car would make a great entry level starter with Jaguar in the knowledge that you would drive it until something expensive happened like tensioners or gearbox. Probably not worth selling a reliable car you like for this but a great buy for someone who needs a car.
)This car would make a great entry level starter with Jaguar in the knowledge that you would drive it until something expensive happened like tensioners or gearbox. Probably not worth selling a reliable car you like for this but a great buy for someone who needs a car.
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff