Discussion
£15k will buy you a seriously good S-Type. Try a few, and decide what you like, the later the better. I have a 3 litre but its manual, November 06. No real problems and a lot of fun. I'm told the 4.2 is even better and I believe it. The Sport interior is imho the one to go for, and has very good supportive seats. My central locking wasn't working when I bought it last year, but it its perfect now and I suspect it was just lack of use as it was sitting on a forecourt.
If you had to criticize it, and its hard, I would say the boot is quite small.
If you had to criticize it, and its hard, I would say the boot is quite small.
Edited by cardigankid on Monday 25th August 18:41
£15k is a great budget to have, you'll be able to buy a great S-Type from a main Jag dealership for this money. This will give you total piece of mind and a 12 month warranty.
I would go for the 2.7ltr Diesel Sport with the 6 speed ZF auto. I would try and go for a 2nd generation diesel i.e. the ones without the the down turned exhaust pipes. The 3.0 V6 is probably not the best S-type model, but these will have huge discounts. Be very bullish when negotiating. I would expect you to get a 2006/07 car for this money!!
The S-type can have a software issue with the auto' box, but the newer car the better and a software upgrade should rectify the problem. Buying from a main dealer would give you the best outcome should you find any problems with the car, but to be honest I expect you to find a great low mileage car which will serve you well.
G
I would go for the 2.7ltr Diesel Sport with the 6 speed ZF auto. I would try and go for a 2nd generation diesel i.e. the ones without the the down turned exhaust pipes. The 3.0 V6 is probably not the best S-type model, but these will have huge discounts. Be very bullish when negotiating. I would expect you to get a 2006/07 car for this money!!
The S-type can have a software issue with the auto' box, but the newer car the better and a software upgrade should rectify the problem. Buying from a main dealer would give you the best outcome should you find any problems with the car, but to be honest I expect you to find a great low mileage car which will serve you well.
G
Hi Cozzmik,
Your budget will get you a seriously good deal, in my view. Things to go for, aside from the engine size etc, are mainly interior issues. You must get leather (ivory is fab, but sand is acceptable) and a regular wooden dash. Satnav, which I don't really like, is also a must because of the way that with the satnav you get the full touch- screen experience for all the audio and climate controls, which I think is just great. I also have a preference for a sunshine roof but this is a rare extra.
As for the engine, I'm on my second S-Type. I did have the 4.0L V8 for 3 years and have now had the 4.2L V8 for over four years. This is a far better car due to the fab gearbox, improved suspension, and great interior. The 4.2 is a personal preference and probably will be a bit tricky to sell whenever it comes to it, but the 300bhp etc is just a great intoxicating experience. I know I could get an R but I really do think the normal 4.2 is the best of all the S-Types, all things being considered (maybe I should expect incoming posts to challenge me!)
I've done just over 70,000 miles with the second car. I have had serious gearbox problems (I'm on box number 4 now, would you believe) that have always been fixed without fuss by Jaguar UK. You should make the effort to check the box. Look out for the lurch, and after my experiences, a whooshing noise on change down (not kick down).
As for MPG I usually get over 30 on a long run at say 70 mph. Most of my driving is on motorways, sometimes in France (Le Mans each year is a must), and I reckon to get 23/24 mpg fast cruising. Around town, probably high teens but I have not really checked this.
Tyres seem to be good for 22,000 miles and then go off rapidly.
If I had to start again I'd go for a S-Type 4.2 Sport, auto, which is really a rare model as it was available for a limited time. I assume the 3.0L Sport is pretty good, judging by comments on this thread.
If you want more info send me an e-mail with a phone number and I'll get back to you for a chat.
R.
Your budget will get you a seriously good deal, in my view. Things to go for, aside from the engine size etc, are mainly interior issues. You must get leather (ivory is fab, but sand is acceptable) and a regular wooden dash. Satnav, which I don't really like, is also a must because of the way that with the satnav you get the full touch- screen experience for all the audio and climate controls, which I think is just great. I also have a preference for a sunshine roof but this is a rare extra.
As for the engine, I'm on my second S-Type. I did have the 4.0L V8 for 3 years and have now had the 4.2L V8 for over four years. This is a far better car due to the fab gearbox, improved suspension, and great interior. The 4.2 is a personal preference and probably will be a bit tricky to sell whenever it comes to it, but the 300bhp etc is just a great intoxicating experience. I know I could get an R but I really do think the normal 4.2 is the best of all the S-Types, all things being considered (maybe I should expect incoming posts to challenge me!)
I've done just over 70,000 miles with the second car. I have had serious gearbox problems (I'm on box number 4 now, would you believe) that have always been fixed without fuss by Jaguar UK. You should make the effort to check the box. Look out for the lurch, and after my experiences, a whooshing noise on change down (not kick down).
As for MPG I usually get over 30 on a long run at say 70 mph. Most of my driving is on motorways, sometimes in France (Le Mans each year is a must), and I reckon to get 23/24 mpg fast cruising. Around town, probably high teens but I have not really checked this.
Tyres seem to be good for 22,000 miles and then go off rapidly.
If I had to start again I'd go for a S-Type 4.2 Sport, auto, which is really a rare model as it was available for a limited time. I assume the 3.0L Sport is pretty good, judging by comments on this thread.
If you want more info send me an e-mail with a phone number and I'll get back to you for a chat.
R.
Its very much a matter of taste, but I test drove a 2.7 diesel auto, and found it very disappointing, smelly on a cold start, heavy and sluggish. I think my fuel consumption on a manual 3 litre is about the same as Leaper's on a 4.2, so I would go for the bigger one if I were you. As to future depreciation, well, really, if you get the right car and keep it a few years, who cares?
cardigankid said:
I test drove a 2.7 diesel auto, and found it very disappointing, smelly on a cold start, heavy and sluggish.
Any exhaust tends to smell more when cold, but I`m very surprised you found the 2.7d heavy and sluggish.I`ve had mine over 2 yrs and certainly never found its character like that.
I would not be a jaguar owner had it not been for this engine, no matter how much I admire the marque.
I'm not on an anti diesel crusade, its just the impression I got. I used to have a Disco 3 TDV6 SE manual, which I always reckoned I could make shift in the right gear if I had to accelerate.
I test drove a 2.7D auto, nice looking car, about 10,000 miles up, downturned exhaust if that makes a difference. OK it was a cold start on a frosty day, so the pre-heater thing kicked in. The whole shooting match smelt of diesel for about fifteen minutes, which is pungent and unpleasant. Then when it had warmed up I just couldn't get much response out of it at all. Then I tried the 3.0 manual Sport, and it was a delight, nice little growl when you put your foot down, and responsive. Maybe the 2.7D was a rogue car, but it turned me right off them.
Bought the 3.0, which sums it up for me.
I test drove a 2.7D auto, nice looking car, about 10,000 miles up, downturned exhaust if that makes a difference. OK it was a cold start on a frosty day, so the pre-heater thing kicked in. The whole shooting match smelt of diesel for about fifteen minutes, which is pungent and unpleasant. Then when it had warmed up I just couldn't get much response out of it at all. Then I tried the 3.0 manual Sport, and it was a delight, nice little growl when you put your foot down, and responsive. Maybe the 2.7D was a rogue car, but it turned me right off them.
Bought the 3.0, which sums it up for me.
Edited by cardigankid on Tuesday 26th August 19:10
well thanks for all the advice so far.to be honest im a little put off by some of it [especially the 4 gear boxes].in the four years ive had my present car ive only had 3 services and 2 new tyres to pay for and i know warranty covers most things but what about when this ends.i only cover around 5000 miles a year as i have another vehicle to use so hopefully this will help keep the bills down.thanks again im going to sort out some test drives to see how good these cars really are.
Cozzmilk,
Re the 4 gearboxes, according to the JMD I use my experience is exceptional. The problem is with the internal seals which are made from aluminium, I think, and the original design was not up to the job. My first box started to play up at around 20,000 miles and there was no problem with Jag replacing it. The same thing happened at 40,000 or so and, once again the box was replaced. At around 60,000 when the problem arose again, interestingly, Jaguar actually asked for the box to be returned because it was the first time they had heard of problems with the modified version. Since then all has been well, but what will happen at 80,000.....? Actually, if something happened I think have a darn good case for another replacement because of the box never being fit for purpose, although I'd like to think I will continue with the trouble free box for good from now on.
I know the same box was fitted to BMWs and Mercedes and the same problems occured with them.
Other than this, I've done 70,000+ trouble free miles.
R.
Re the 4 gearboxes, according to the JMD I use my experience is exceptional. The problem is with the internal seals which are made from aluminium, I think, and the original design was not up to the job. My first box started to play up at around 20,000 miles and there was no problem with Jag replacing it. The same thing happened at 40,000 or so and, once again the box was replaced. At around 60,000 when the problem arose again, interestingly, Jaguar actually asked for the box to be returned because it was the first time they had heard of problems with the modified version. Since then all has been well, but what will happen at 80,000.....? Actually, if something happened I think have a darn good case for another replacement because of the box never being fit for purpose, although I'd like to think I will continue with the trouble free box for good from now on.
I know the same box was fitted to BMWs and Mercedes and the same problems occured with them.
Other than this, I've done 70,000+ trouble free miles.
R.
For what its worth I would be reluctant to buy any Jag, or most other cars for that matter, at an early stage in the product cycle. There are always issues to be sorted out. That's why I would say, get as late a one as you can, and I would be surprised if you had any concerns at all. With £15k to spend you are qwite likely going to get one within the manufacturers warranty period, so if you get a problem, they can sort it out.
I had a Diesel S type from Guy Salmon in Coventry whilst me R had it's diff rebuilt recently.
Underwhelmed with the performance and economy. Was refined though, give it that.
Only averaged 28 mpg over my usual route, the same route the R does 21.
BMW and Audi do Diesel far better IMO.
Buy the R if you do 12k miles or under, you will get a decent one for 15k
Underwhelmed with the performance and economy. Was refined though, give it that.
Only averaged 28 mpg over my usual route, the same route the R does 21.
BMW and Audi do Diesel far better IMO.
Buy the R if you do 12k miles or under, you will get a decent one for 15k
oops diff problems.thanks for all who replied but 15k is to much money to spend on a car to worry what will break next.as i keep my cars a few years the warranty will run out before i pass it on.in this day and age surely all car companies should be able to make reliable cars especially at these prices.thanks again.
A fair proportion of the problems with older Jaguars - 'diffs and gearboxes are good examples - are the chronic lack of servicing and corner cutting that Jaguar - along with everyone else - have introduced into the service schedules. The only aim from any manufacturers point of view is to offer a new car with lower running costs than any rivals equivalent model.
Bean counters who buy expensive cars - and put their balls on the line when doing so - when new love this approach. They don't care if the gearbox explodes with siezed clutches, or the diff whines like a castrated dog at 80k, all they want is the lowest cost per mile for the first three years or 60k. That's all. Here's the best deal. Here's the lowest running cost for the next thirty six months. Write the whole cost off aginst tax and sod the actual long term engineering integrity of the car.
This IMO, is why so many newish cars are nothing but trouble once they have done a few 10000's miles.
New cars over the last 8 to 10 years have got so edgy, so over developed in terms of using the cheapest and lightest components that will survive the warranty period, and are so dependent on high tech diagnosis and overpriced replacement parts that they are cheap to buy but expensive to run.
I'd go for the lowest mileage example you can find - before the damage is done. Throw away the service schedule and either find a good independent to change all the fluids, or do it yourself on a regular basis, engine oil and filter every 5/6k, coolant and brake fluid and gearbox and 'diff oil every 25k or so - it's not that difficult - despite the "sealed for life" condition so beloved of main dealers and coampany accountants, and is the only way IMO you're going to keep a modern Jaguar, or anything else for that matter, running smoothly and cheaply into high mileages and an old age without problems.
Bean counters who buy expensive cars - and put their balls on the line when doing so - when new love this approach. They don't care if the gearbox explodes with siezed clutches, or the diff whines like a castrated dog at 80k, all they want is the lowest cost per mile for the first three years or 60k. That's all. Here's the best deal. Here's the lowest running cost for the next thirty six months. Write the whole cost off aginst tax and sod the actual long term engineering integrity of the car.
This IMO, is why so many newish cars are nothing but trouble once they have done a few 10000's miles.
New cars over the last 8 to 10 years have got so edgy, so over developed in terms of using the cheapest and lightest components that will survive the warranty period, and are so dependent on high tech diagnosis and overpriced replacement parts that they are cheap to buy but expensive to run.
I'd go for the lowest mileage example you can find - before the damage is done. Throw away the service schedule and either find a good independent to change all the fluids, or do it yourself on a regular basis, engine oil and filter every 5/6k, coolant and brake fluid and gearbox and 'diff oil every 25k or so - it's not that difficult - despite the "sealed for life" condition so beloved of main dealers and coampany accountants, and is the only way IMO you're going to keep a modern Jaguar, or anything else for that matter, running smoothly and cheaply into high mileages and an old age without problems.
I agree 100%. Some people budget to buy the car, often on finance, for two/three years, they know what they are going to be charged for servicing, they know they are going to chop it in for another at the end, they jump in it, don't bother looking after it, stick it through the car wash, park it in hedges or on the street, put their suitcases on the bonnet, smoke in it, eat in it, leave it at the airport, and generally fail to notice if any faults develop in the car so long as it looks reasonable and goes forward when they hit the accelerator. Then at the end of the agreed term, up they roll in this filthy bedraggled cat, leave it in the dealer's car park, sign another agreement, step into their shiny new one and roar off to repeat the experience.
Knob jockeys.
Knob jockeys.
cardigankid said:
I agree 100%. Some people budget to buy the car, often on finance, for two/three years, they know what they are going to be charged for servicing, they know they are going to chop it in for another at the end, they jump in it, don't bother looking after it, stick it through the car wash, park it in hedges or on the street, put their suitcases on the bonnet, smoke in it, eat in it, leave it at the airport, and generally fail to notice if any faults develop in the car so long as it looks reasonable and goes forward when they hit the accelerator. Then at the end of the agreed term, up they roll in this filthy bedraggled cat, leave it in the dealer's car park, sign another agreement, step into their shiny new one and roar off to repeat the experience.
Knob jockeys.
Or very lucky peeps...................Knob jockeys.
G
That,s a diabolical way to treat a car, though, and why you have got to be unbelievably careful if you are buying a trade in from a dealer, because the previous owner possibly didn't give a toss if the engine blew up, as long as it didn't happen while they had it.
People on here are knowledgeable and discriminating enough to avoid the pitfalls though, I'm sure.
People on here are knowledgeable and discriminating enough to avoid the pitfalls though, I'm sure.
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