S Type Petrol for 3kish

[edition]

Hi ,

I'm after a comfy auto to commute in and looking at s types they seem to fit the bill.

I do about 8k a year so thinking petrol will be fine, I can't decide on engine...

Which is going to be the most reliable engine and box? As above I'm thinking of spending roughly 3k I will also be doing home spannering where possible.

Thanks in advance!

[stu67]

My son bought a 2005 2.5SE for that sum about a year ago. He's been well happy with it. As you say they are not the most economical of cars but are a very nice place to be in on the commute. Apart from a few electrical gremlins (which he inherited to be honest)its been a reliable car. I think like all Jags they need to be "looked after" not a car you can just jump in and forget about, but great value for money.

[P700DEE]

Get a 4.2 V8. Similar mileage to a V6 but with more

[The Leaper]

Yes, as a commute car the 4.2 V8 non supercharged is excellent.I've had mine for 10 years now.

Try and avoid any of the first editions of the car..they can be distinguished by having the Jaguar badge on the bonnet above the radiator grill whereas the later editions have the badge in the top of the radiator grill. Avoid the 4.0 V8 of the first editions: troublesome timing chains and tensioners and other things. Second and subsequent editions have many improvements to things like the timing chains and tensioners, suspension, gearbox and interior.

R.

[edition]

Thanks for the replies I do quite fancy a 4.2.

Other contenders are an e39 5 series petrol how would they compare running cost wise?

[The Leaper]

edition,

I track my car costs for my S-Type 4.2 V8 SE.

In 2013:

• I did just about 10,000 miles
• I spent £2400 or so on petrol
• annual service plus Mot at a JMD runs out at about £400 based on their discounted "heritage" rates.
• a new Pirelli tyre works out to be around £170 fitted.
• comprehensive insurance £360.

This will give you some idea. The smaller engine models will have lower costs but not much lower, I suspect.

R

[edition]

Doesn't sound bad at all.

Not too worried about fuel costs more big bills.

[9mm]

The Leaper said:

Yes, as a commute car the 4.2 V8 non supercharged is excellent.I've had mine for 10 years now.

Try and avoid any of the first editions of the car..they can be distinguished by having the Jaguar badge on the bonnet above the radiator grill whereas the later editions have the badge in the top of the radiator grill. Avoid the 4.0 V8 of the first editions: troublesome timing chains and tensioners and other things. Second and subsequent editions have many improvements to things like the timing chains and tensioners, suspension, gearbox and interior.

R.

All good advice especially the post 2004 bit. The cars were much improved then. Also be aware of engine oil starvation and gearbox problems with the 3.0 models. Do a quick search and you will see how many breakers are out there with a duff engine or gearbox. Given that an exchange gearbox is £2K, a failed engine or 'box will render most 3.0 cars scrappers. £3K is middling money so tread carefully. You could easily buy something that needs £2K spending on it in very short order.

I would only advise buying something with comprehensive proof of a high standard of maintenance. If there aren't any bills in the history you can be pretty sure some will be coming. A good example of this is the supercharger hose on the STR. It WILL have to be replaced at some point and will cost around £700, so if it hasn't been done, make sure the price you pay reflects that.

Aside from all that, the S-type is a nice car to drive and you could do a lot worse. An E39 (depending on the model of course) has a more sporting (firmer) feel to it but they seem to be showing their age more than the S -type. The S-type's retro looks don't date in the same way as conventional styles of the time. Odd comparison I know but look at a Nissan Figaro - you wouldn't say it had dated. Then look at a Micra or Almera of similar vintage. I've also noticed a lot more rusting E39s than I have S-types.

[edition]

I think if I go for one I'll try and get a 4.2. So do you think £3500 will only get me a ropey example??


Thanks for your help!

[P700DEE]

Paid £3.2 for mine 16 months ago, done about 20000 miles in that time. Issues , Climate control and rear ABS sensor, might have a coil going. On 114k miles.
53 plate car just turned 10.

[edition]

That doesn't sound too bad then....

How have you found it? A nice drive? Also does the v8 make it a little more special experience?

[Hammerhead]

edition said:

Thanks for the replies I do quite fancy a 4.2.

Other contenders are an e39 5 series petrol how would they compare running cost wise?

I had a E39 540i before my 4.2 S-type - the S type cost a lot less in maintenance & repairs (see my logs for both). Similar amounts to insure, S-type better on fuel.

Both good cars, but if I had to choose again, I'd still go for the S-type. The BM drives you, the S-type drives with you, so it's a matter of taste as to how you like your car to feel. Both inspire confidence in less than perfect weather, just the Jag feels more alive & willing - more analogue. The 4.2 is a peach - super smooth, sounds great and revs well for a big'un. Find a good'un and enjoy

[edition]

Thanks for that good to know you have had an e39 and think these are a good competitor!

There seems to be a fairly big price range on them, I presume there are a few ropey ones about.

[SkepticSteve]

Great cars!
I have an S Type R.
Had a few bills on it though, so do take time to look for a well loved one.
Recently the heater pipe under supercharger cost me £754!

Performance in the R is "Exciting" though, so well worth it.
0-60 of 6.2 on 4.2 NA engine, but the R is a second faster to 60.