So I bought a V8 Jag with my student loan (2000 S-type 4.0)

[Synchromesh]

In the introduction to this thread I muttered something about running it 'til it borks. I'm sad to report that this has come around sooner than I'd expected.

Two weeks ago, and after just three weeks of ownership, I started hearing a knocking noise from the engine. Initially I thought it was the 'box, but it was later diagnosed as knackered big end bearings after it was found I had been driving it with next to no oil in the engine! Given the car was serviced less than 200 miles before I picked it up, checking the oil slipped down my list of priorities and I'm slightly embarrassed to admit I simply never got round it it. There was no smoke from the exhaust and no oil under the car, so it still remains a mystery where 5 litres of oil disappeared to in less than 2k miles, but with a new engine the order of the day it was simply uneconomical to repair. So today, with the radio turned up to block out the banging, I gently coerced it down down to Swallows Jaguar in Burnham-on-sea, and took the train home with a 600 cheque in my wallet.

So not quite the financial disaster it could've been. Even if we include everything I've spent on the car I've only lost about 450. More the issue is that, rather than scratching the Jag/auto/barge itch, it's just warmed me up to the concept further! Here's to the next one I suppose, and let's hope it's longer lived!

[leglessAlex]

That's disappointing to hear about that, it was nice hearing about another student with a thirsty barge(my S60 does 22mpg average, which is criminal for the performance on offer).

Whilst on the subject of bork and financial pain, how about an X300 or X308 generation XJR? You could probably get one fairly cheap, although not as cheap as the S-Type.

[ChemicalChaos]

He's already gone ahead and put down for an X300 XJ

You know Synchro, I cannot belive that the garage that serviced the car simply washed their hands of it. For it to have under a litre of oil in a 7+ litre sump, 200 miles after a service, with no leaks or burning - they have fairly obviously done something stupid like forgotten to refill the oil. I understand you've gone through all the channels with them to no avail, but I'd still be furious

[DS3R]

Which garage was this that appears to have washed their hands? I think it may be useful for members to know, in case it affected their decision to use them one way or another.

[HaylingJag]

Absolute crap for you James, sorry to hear of all the bad thing your first experience of Jag ownership has thrown at you. Glad your not giving up on the marque.
I might attend the run to Brighton tomorrow, if you want to swing by and take my X300 XJR for the run your more than welcome, if I go I will take the TWR

[Leins]

Sorry to hear about this, but best of luck with the next one. You should be applauded for excellent student load usage!

[Synchromesh]

DS3R said:

Which garage was this that appears to have washed their hands? I think it may be useful for members to know, in case it affected their decision to use them one way or another.

It was Bristol Street Motors in Banbury

HaylingJag said:

Absolute crap for you James, sorry to hear of all the bad thing your first experience of Jag ownership has thrown at you. Glad your not giving up on the marque.
I might attend the run to Brighton tomorrow, if you want to swing by and take my X300 XJR for the run your more than welcome, if I go I will take the TWR

I'm gonna be attending, so would be great to see you there too. As you'll find out, I haven't given up with the big cats yet! More on this point when I get the time to whack a new thread up...

[McSam]

Oh bugger, I was hopeful when you first mentioned the death rattle and almost complete lack of oil that something of the car might be salvageable, as bad as it sounded - it's a shame you've had no choice but to get rid so soon.

I must say that getting 600 for it in that condition is a really good consolation, though, glad that you haven't had to stomach a total loss. Even at this price point that's never nice!

Look forward to hearing what the next step on the inappropriate-o-meter might be, do let us know what your next purchase is

[Mavic82]

Gutted. Sorry you could not enjoy it longer.

Worth quite a bit in parts though, especially those wheels, hens teeth.

[JamesHayward]

Synchromesh said:

DS3R said:

It was Bristol Street Motors in Banbury

Sadly that does not surprise me. They did some insurance repair work on my dads Boxster S and he had to take it back four times for them to put right. In the end he took it to Auto Farm and sent Bristol Street the bill.

[james_gt3rs]

A lesson learned, luckily not too much money. Sounds like the garage didn't refill properly or didn't do the sump plug up... either way ridiculous incompetence!