Late model S-Types
Discussion
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed how cheap they are these days.
Just doing a quick search around, you can get a 2.5 V6 Auto SE or Sport with sensible miles on for under £12k these days.
With this in mind, I'm thinking of opting out of my company car scheme (A4, 320d or Passat) and buying one.
I do around 35k miles a year, so the cost of servicing and the reliability are hugely important to me.
Can anyone give me an insight into how sensible an idea this would be?
Just doing a quick search around, you can get a 2.5 V6 Auto SE or Sport with sensible miles on for under £12k these days.
With this in mind, I'm thinking of opting out of my company car scheme (A4, 320d or Passat) and buying one.
I do around 35k miles a year, so the cost of servicing and the reliability are hugely important to me.
Can anyone give me an insight into how sensible an idea this would be?
Yep i too would be interested.
Is there an S-type "101" page anywhere here ?
Having to look at a diseasel car now due to mileage ( 15k business, 10k personal a year) and am thinking of the 2.7 model.
All feedback welcome. Has anyone used the Jag main dealers in Basingstoke or Reading ?
Is there an S-type "101" page anywhere here ?
Having to look at a diseasel car now due to mileage ( 15k business, 10k personal a year) and am thinking of the 2.7 model.
All feedback welcome. Has anyone used the Jag main dealers in Basingstoke or Reading ?
Alfa_75_Steve said:
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed how cheap they are these days.
Just doing a quick search around, you can get a 2.5 V6 Auto SE or Sport with sensible miles on for under £12k these days.
With this in mind, I'm thinking of opting out of my company car scheme (A4, 320d or Passat) and buying one.
I do around 35k miles a year, so the cost of servicing and the reliability are hugely important to me.
Can anyone give me an insight into how sensible an idea this would be?
I changed my work car in December from an Audi A6 TDI 130 Avant to an S Type 2.7 SE twin turbo diesel. (My wife's car is a Golf GTdi 2.0 140 so not dissimilar from your choices). I no longer needed a large estate so thought I might pick up a nearly new A4 2.0 TDI Avant with leather and some toys or an even better spec'd A3. Tried BMW but was put off because the indifference of the salesman was shocking. I went into a Jag dealership on a whim and came out with the S type. There was just no contest on price. Jag gave me a better trade in on my A6 than Audi would offer and the S Type with all the toys cost less than a well spec'd A3 with similar mileage. Its a very different drive from the Audi or the Golf, more of a long distance mile eater (a hell of a lot quieter for a start). I have averaged just over 40 MPG between services where as the A6 averaged 45mpg and the Golf just under 50 mpg. It has used no oil in 15K miles whereas my Audi and the wife's Golf both needed occasional top ups. I have only had one service as yet but no problems (and dealership supplied an XF as a courtesy car). Clearly I will pay for it at the other end when I come to trade in but Hey, I used to drive Alfa's!!Just doing a quick search around, you can get a 2.5 V6 Auto SE or Sport with sensible miles on for under £12k these days.
With this in mind, I'm thinking of opting out of my company car scheme (A4, 320d or Passat) and buying one.
I do around 35k miles a year, so the cost of servicing and the reliability are hugely important to me.
Can anyone give me an insight into how sensible an idea this would be?
I did exactly the same last year, Stratstone Edinburgh gave me a seriously good deal to buy a '06 56 3.0 V6 Sport manual, with absolutely everything on it, and 15,000 miles up. It is absolutely fantastic, flawless and delightful. Handles beautifully, goes well, sounds great when you put yopur foot down. Its a five speed manual box, but a very good short action.
For about a week the remote locking wasn't working consistently, and Stratstone ordered a replacement part, then it started working so we never bothered changing it. I suspect it was lack of use.
For about a week the remote locking wasn't working consistently, and Stratstone ordered a replacement part, then it started working so we never bothered changing it. I suspect it was lack of use.
What are the running costs like?
I reckon I can't really stretch to a late 2004 facelift model, but I understand they're mostly cosmetic changes from the 2002 improvements, so I'm not that worried about that.
My budgeting so far looks like this (based on borrowing £8k over 3 years)
Loan £250
VED £ 25
Insurance £ 40
Servicing £ 50
Tyres £ 50
Brakes £ 10
Total per month: £425
My allowance is £475 gross, but if you add back the company car tax I currently pay, it's about the same net - which gives me a £50 / month buffer to bank (I'll actually bank £100, though) to deal with anything not included above.
Does this sound realistic?
Fuel isn't an issue as I get a fuel card which includes private miles.
I reckon I can't really stretch to a late 2004 facelift model, but I understand they're mostly cosmetic changes from the 2002 improvements, so I'm not that worried about that.
My budgeting so far looks like this (based on borrowing £8k over 3 years)
Loan £250
VED £ 25
Insurance £ 40
Servicing £ 50
Tyres £ 50
Brakes £ 10
Total per month: £425
My allowance is £475 gross, but if you add back the company car tax I currently pay, it's about the same net - which gives me a £50 / month buffer to bank (I'll actually bank £100, though) to deal with anything not included above.
Does this sound realistic?
Fuel isn't an issue as I get a fuel card which includes private miles.
Alfa_75_Steve said:
What are the running costs like?
I reckon I can't really stretch to a late 2004 facelift model, but I understand they're mostly cosmetic changes from the 2002 improvements, so I'm not that worried about that.
My budgeting so far looks like this (based on borrowing £8k over 3 years)
Loan £250
VED £ 25
Insurance £ 40
Servicing £ 50
Tyres £ 50
Brakes £ 10
Total per month: £425
My allowance is £475 gross, but if you add back the company car tax I currently pay, it's about the same net - which gives me a £50 / month buffer to bank (I'll actually bank £100, though) to deal with anything not included above.
Does this sound realistic?
Fuel isn't an issue as I get a fuel card which includes private miles.
Your sums don't look reasonable but you may have underbudgeted the cost of brake pads if you are using a dealer.I reckon I can't really stretch to a late 2004 facelift model, but I understand they're mostly cosmetic changes from the 2002 improvements, so I'm not that worried about that.
My budgeting so far looks like this (based on borrowing £8k over 3 years)
Loan £250
VED £ 25
Insurance £ 40
Servicing £ 50
Tyres £ 50
Brakes £ 10
Total per month: £425
My allowance is £475 gross, but if you add back the company car tax I currently pay, it's about the same net - which gives me a £50 / month buffer to bank (I'll actually bank £100, though) to deal with anything not included above.
Does this sound realistic?
Fuel isn't an issue as I get a fuel card which includes private miles.
I am about to replace the rear tyres at 25K and the fronts will be close behind (I guess 27k). The Jag dealer quoted £190 a pop and after some banter came down to £170. Eventually got them at just under £145 each fitted balance etc from Blackcircles.com. (This may compensate for the budgeting on the pads)
Does you employer do interest free loans? (Some will but don't shout it from the roof tops). Such loans are usually limited to £5k for tax reasons.
Good luck
Is that 'don't look reasonable' or 'don't look unreasonable'?....
The brake prices are calculated from using pattern parts and having them done with my servicing - I was surprised at how cheap pattern discs are for an S!
I wouldn't generally use a main dealer, or even a specialist, as I have a very good mechanic in the next village who has done good work on a variety or cars I've given him (including 3 Alfas (one of which had a cambelt change done there) and a Passat 1.8T, also had a belt change). If he can do those two, I'm sure he'll have no issues with an S-Type.
The brake prices are calculated from using pattern parts and having them done with my servicing - I was surprised at how cheap pattern discs are for an S!
I wouldn't generally use a main dealer, or even a specialist, as I have a very good mechanic in the next village who has done good work on a variety or cars I've given him (including 3 Alfas (one of which had a cambelt change done there) and a Passat 1.8T, also had a belt change). If he can do those two, I'm sure he'll have no issues with an S-Type.
Saabyfox said:
Yep i too would be interested.
Is there an S-type "101" page anywhere here ?
Having to look at a diseasel car now due to mileage ( 15k business, 10k personal a year) and am thinking of the 2.7 model.
All feedback welcome. Has anyone used the Jag main dealers in Basingstoke or Reading ?
basingstoke dealer very good family firmIs there an S-type "101" page anywhere here ?
Having to look at a diseasel car now due to mileage ( 15k business, 10k personal a year) and am thinking of the 2.7 model.
All feedback welcome. Has anyone used the Jag main dealers in Basingstoke or Reading ?
Hi Alfa Steve,
I have had two S-Types over the past 8 years.
The latest one is a main dealer demo registered new 31.12.2003 and is a 4.2 V8 SE, not the "R" you're contemplating. I got it early 2004 with 14 miles on the clock, 2 weeks old, so it was as good as being brand new, at a great price. I decided to take out a 4 year service contract which covered everything including exhaust, tyres, service etc. This cost £101 per month so you'll see this is very close to your estimated costs for these items...spot on, well done.
As for tyres, I keep to the original equipment so they are Pirelli P6000s. They retail at around £180 at most tyre companies but I have recently discovered from other PHer posts on this Jag thread that they can be got for a lot less, nearer £100. I've recently replaced the rears after 22,000 since last replaced. The current fronts have done near to 30,000 and are about 2,000 from replacement.
So far I've done 67,000. Aside from what to reasonably expect at the prescribed service intervals I've had only one problem worth mentioning: I'm on the fourth gearbox! The box (it's the ZF 6 speed) is really great but in its original form was known to have weak internal aluminium seals. They seem to give up at around 20,000 miles and you know when because of a "whoosh" sound on changedown (that's normal driving changedown, not changedown when the accelerator is floored ie kickdown!). At first the JMD I use proposed that the oil was changed but this did not work. Jag replaced the box with no stress for me. The same problem resurfaced at around 40,000 miles so the box was replaced again. On this occasion I was told that the previously fitted box at 20,000 was the modified version and as this was the first time Jag had heard of any problems with the modified box, Jag actually instructed the JMD to return the box to them for them to investigate, so I got another replacement box at that time. Then, as I was getting to 60,000 the whoosh returned so I got another replacement box. It was because of these box problems that I decided to extend the warranty from 3 to 5 years at a cost of about £2000. Note that once the warranty expires the parts are out of time so even though they may have been recently fitted they will not be covered if the warranty has expired. So far the latest box has been good. If I do have prioblems I'll fight to get it replaced based on my history of problems in the past that have never seemingly been fixed! So, my advice to anyone is to be careful about the age of the box, and try and find out if it has been replaced, and listen for a "whoosh"! It's a fab box as regards performance, though. So far, box 4 is working normally. By the way, Jag and the JMD handled my problems very well and never kicked up any fuss.
I've needed to replace one or two odd parts and I'd say Jag parts can be expensive. For example, the petrol gauge packed up and so the car needed 2 new senders fitted inside the tank...they were around £400 each, then there was there was the labour! The warranty came to my rescue!
S-Types have a bit of a reputation regarding the electrics. I've had no problems at all with these (touch wood).
In my view they are great cars. The 4.2 V8 is probably the least mentioned in the press and is probably the best of all the models ( I would say that as I've owned two!). A pal bought one a year ago that was 5 years old, had 50,000 on the clock and he paid £8,000. He's been in love with it ever since. I have to say the "R" is fast but when you take into account running costs, insurance etc, I wonder whether it's worth taking on. I have been tempted on occasions, but I recall a journalist's comment some time ago: the "R" tends to disappoint a little but the "non R" always delivers more than expected. I plan to keep my current S-Type for the forseeable future.
Good luck with the search etc.
R.
I have had two S-Types over the past 8 years.
The latest one is a main dealer demo registered new 31.12.2003 and is a 4.2 V8 SE, not the "R" you're contemplating. I got it early 2004 with 14 miles on the clock, 2 weeks old, so it was as good as being brand new, at a great price. I decided to take out a 4 year service contract which covered everything including exhaust, tyres, service etc. This cost £101 per month so you'll see this is very close to your estimated costs for these items...spot on, well done.
As for tyres, I keep to the original equipment so they are Pirelli P6000s. They retail at around £180 at most tyre companies but I have recently discovered from other PHer posts on this Jag thread that they can be got for a lot less, nearer £100. I've recently replaced the rears after 22,000 since last replaced. The current fronts have done near to 30,000 and are about 2,000 from replacement.
So far I've done 67,000. Aside from what to reasonably expect at the prescribed service intervals I've had only one problem worth mentioning: I'm on the fourth gearbox! The box (it's the ZF 6 speed) is really great but in its original form was known to have weak internal aluminium seals. They seem to give up at around 20,000 miles and you know when because of a "whoosh" sound on changedown (that's normal driving changedown, not changedown when the accelerator is floored ie kickdown!). At first the JMD I use proposed that the oil was changed but this did not work. Jag replaced the box with no stress for me. The same problem resurfaced at around 40,000 miles so the box was replaced again. On this occasion I was told that the previously fitted box at 20,000 was the modified version and as this was the first time Jag had heard of any problems with the modified box, Jag actually instructed the JMD to return the box to them for them to investigate, so I got another replacement box at that time. Then, as I was getting to 60,000 the whoosh returned so I got another replacement box. It was because of these box problems that I decided to extend the warranty from 3 to 5 years at a cost of about £2000. Note that once the warranty expires the parts are out of time so even though they may have been recently fitted they will not be covered if the warranty has expired. So far the latest box has been good. If I do have prioblems I'll fight to get it replaced based on my history of problems in the past that have never seemingly been fixed! So, my advice to anyone is to be careful about the age of the box, and try and find out if it has been replaced, and listen for a "whoosh"! It's a fab box as regards performance, though. So far, box 4 is working normally. By the way, Jag and the JMD handled my problems very well and never kicked up any fuss.
I've needed to replace one or two odd parts and I'd say Jag parts can be expensive. For example, the petrol gauge packed up and so the car needed 2 new senders fitted inside the tank...they were around £400 each, then there was there was the labour! The warranty came to my rescue!
S-Types have a bit of a reputation regarding the electrics. I've had no problems at all with these (touch wood).
In my view they are great cars. The 4.2 V8 is probably the least mentioned in the press and is probably the best of all the models ( I would say that as I've owned two!). A pal bought one a year ago that was 5 years old, had 50,000 on the clock and he paid £8,000. He's been in love with it ever since. I have to say the "R" is fast but when you take into account running costs, insurance etc, I wonder whether it's worth taking on. I have been tempted on occasions, but I recall a journalist's comment some time ago: the "R" tends to disappoint a little but the "non R" always delivers more than expected. I plan to keep my current S-Type for the forseeable future.
Good luck with the search etc.
R.
Thanks for that breakdown.
I'd love an R, but there is absolutely no way I'd get it past HR. I could be economical with the truth, but they'd know from my fuel card spending.....
So, it's going to be a V6, not bothered about capacity - the 2.5 isn't far behind the 3.0 in terms of performance, and I've read that the 2.5 is a 'sweeter' engine, too.
Box issues worry me, as I thought they'd been sorted when Jag swapped from the Ford box to the ZF box.... maybe you've been unlucky?
Seems like it's a do-able idea, but I'm still very nervous about opting out of the safety net of a fully expensed A4.
I'd love an R, but there is absolutely no way I'd get it past HR. I could be economical with the truth, but they'd know from my fuel card spending.....
So, it's going to be a V6, not bothered about capacity - the 2.5 isn't far behind the 3.0 in terms of performance, and I've read that the 2.5 is a 'sweeter' engine, too.
Box issues worry me, as I thought they'd been sorted when Jag swapped from the Ford box to the ZF box.... maybe you've been unlucky?
Seems like it's a do-able idea, but I'm still very nervous about opting out of the safety net of a fully expensed A4.
Well i went for a test drive (or two) today at Lancaster Jaguar in Reading.
First went out in an s type Diesel. Very impressed,incredibly smooth and refined engine , but very disappointing power delivery. The torque is there but it is very subtle. Could easily live with the car as a sensible choice.
Now for the good bit.
Spent the next 30 mins in an S type R.
) What an awesome car. Sod the fuel allowance, that is fantastic, great steering, fabulous ride and body control, powerful if snatchy brakes and what an engine. I think i have fallen in love. Had to walk away from the dealer today as their trade in for my car was abysmal, but i think i will be back!
First went out in an s type Diesel. Very impressed,incredibly smooth and refined engine , but very disappointing power delivery. The torque is there but it is very subtle. Could easily live with the car as a sensible choice.
Now for the good bit.
Spent the next 30 mins in an S type R.
) What an awesome car. Sod the fuel allowance, that is fantastic, great steering, fabulous ride and body control, powerful if snatchy brakes and what an engine. I think i have fallen in love. Had to walk away from the dealer today as their trade in for my car was abysmal, but i think i will be back!Good stuff. I'd love an R, but I'm on a fuel card, not a mileage payment, so it's not an option.
Took Mrs 75 to look at the X-Type (3lt SE AWD estate) and the S-Type (3lt SE) today.
She was very impressed with both, so I have a green light to do it.
Shame the Passat doesn't do back until the end of October - but I have to decide on taking the cash this month.
Stratstones in Swansea were really helpful - if I see anything I want on the main Stratstone website, they'll get it moved to Swansea for me. I think I'll be buying from them, with a 1 year main dealer warranty.
Took Mrs 75 to look at the X-Type (3lt SE AWD estate) and the S-Type (3lt SE) today.
She was very impressed with both, so I have a green light to do it.
Shame the Passat doesn't do back until the end of October - but I have to decide on taking the cash this month.
Stratstones in Swansea were really helpful - if I see anything I want on the main Stratstone website, they'll get it moved to Swansea for me. I think I'll be buying from them, with a 1 year main dealer warranty.
I have a 2001 3.0 S-Type and although it's given me more problems in 3.5 years than every other car I've had since 1984 put together (random flat battery disease about once a month, three punctures, two broken windscreens, two front wheel bearings) I'm prepared to put it down to an unlucky example and am still looking at one next time.
Thatis, unless the Govt nails post-2001 cars for £400 VED in which case I think I'll go for the X-type Euro-diesel. Are there any S-Types with low VED? (this is a privately owned car).
Thatis, unless the Govt nails post-2001 cars for £400 VED in which case I think I'll go for the X-type Euro-diesel. Are there any S-Types with low VED? (this is a privately owned car).
Simpo Two said:
I have a 2001 3.0 S-Type and although it's given me more problems in 3.5 years than every other car I've had since 1984 put together (random flat battery disease about once a month, three punctures, two broken windscreens, two front wheel bearings) I'm prepared to put it down to an unlucky example and am still looking at one next time.
Thatis, unless the Govt nails post-2001 cars for £400 VED in which case I think I'll go for the X-type Euro-diesel. Are there any S-Types with low VED? (this is a privately owned car).
I think you've suffered from a combination of being unlucky with your car and it being a pre-2002 facelift car. Father in Law has a 2001 car, it hasn't been particularly unreliable, but it hasn't aged well (and also needed a new gearbox under the extended warranty....)Thatis, unless the Govt nails post-2001 cars for £400 VED in which case I think I'll go for the X-type Euro-diesel. Are there any S-Types with low VED? (this is a privately owned car).
If you want low VED, then you're looking at a pre-2007 V6 twin-turbo diesel S-Type. I've looked at them myself, but thought better of it as I don't really trust modern diesels at high miles.
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