I have finally got a V8!
Discussion
So i'll start with a short history of my previous cars..
1. 1997 Fiat Cinquecento
2. 1998 VW Polo 1.9d
3. 2009 Seat Ibiza SC 1.4
4. 2012 Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6hdi
5. 2000 Mazda MX5 1.6i
6. 2006 Honda Civic 1.8 i-vtec
7. 2005 Mazda MX5 2.0 Sport
8. 1980 MGB GT
All either being boring hatchbacks or slow and uncomfortable little sports cars, something had to change...
After hankering after a V8 of some sort for years, i considered all kinds.. TVR wedges, Lexus LS430's, Mercs, BMW's but there was a manufacturer that i had always admired.. Jaguar.
I am only 25 but the shiny wood and leather has always appealed to me and the image is not as erm.. unlike-able as the German brands.
So i'd decided on it being a Jaguar but now what model? I REALLY wanted a XK8 but my budget would've meant it was quite a risk. I then looked into XJ8's and i would've had to get 3.2 or 4.0.. i wanted the later, more reliable (hopefully) 4.2.
Which led me onto the somewhat unloved S-type. I've always liked the styling and after doing my research felt comfortable that i could find a decent one.. which i have (hopefully).
It's a 2003 4.2 V8 SE with 99,700miles. Electric everything and the engine is just perfect for either slowly pottering around town or blasting onto the motorway. I will be getting an gearbox oil/filter change for piece of mind and probably a wheel refurb but apart from that its perfect. 300bhp feels bloody quick after driving a MGB!
Anyways some photos..
That's it, off for a drive.. ROARRRRRRRR
1. 1997 Fiat Cinquecento
2. 1998 VW Polo 1.9d
3. 2009 Seat Ibiza SC 1.4
4. 2012 Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6hdi
5. 2000 Mazda MX5 1.6i
6. 2006 Honda Civic 1.8 i-vtec
7. 2005 Mazda MX5 2.0 Sport
8. 1980 MGB GT
All either being boring hatchbacks or slow and uncomfortable little sports cars, something had to change...
After hankering after a V8 of some sort for years, i considered all kinds.. TVR wedges, Lexus LS430's, Mercs, BMW's but there was a manufacturer that i had always admired.. Jaguar.
I am only 25 but the shiny wood and leather has always appealed to me and the image is not as erm.. unlike-able as the German brands.
So i'd decided on it being a Jaguar but now what model? I REALLY wanted a XK8 but my budget would've meant it was quite a risk. I then looked into XJ8's and i would've had to get 3.2 or 4.0.. i wanted the later, more reliable (hopefully) 4.2.
Which led me onto the somewhat unloved S-type. I've always liked the styling and after doing my research felt comfortable that i could find a decent one.. which i have (hopefully).
It's a 2003 4.2 V8 SE with 99,700miles. Electric everything and the engine is just perfect for either slowly pottering around town or blasting onto the motorway. I will be getting an gearbox oil/filter change for piece of mind and probably a wheel refurb but apart from that its perfect. 300bhp feels bloody quick after driving a MGB!
Anyways some photos..
That's it, off for a drive.. ROARRRRRRRR
Great wafter! I remember having one of these part exchanged with us years ago! It arrived with fresh tyres on the rear and we spent quite a bit if time seeing how could leave the longest no 11 up the road! It was good fun - sounded great (what v8 doesn't) and v8s are always keen to break traction. Especially in an auto! Just feather the brake and prod the throttle and off you go 
NervySi said:
Lovely. I miss my old XJ6s sometimes, and though decent XJ8s are becoming thin on the ground, the S Type is really tickling my fancy!
Obviously the V8 is a major selling point - is it everything you hoped it would be?
Great purchase
Its more than id hoped for to be honest. The interior quality is alot better than expected. It's funny actually, my driving style has changed. I just stick it in drive and waft along, theres something nice about knowing the powers there and just cruising around.Obviously the V8 is a major selling point - is it everything you hoped it would be?
Great purchase
Very nice OP. I've always lusted after S Type R myself...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/s-typ...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/s-typ...
crazy about cars said:
Very nice OP. I've always lusted after S Type R myself...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/s-typ...
That looks lovely apart from the leaper on the bonnet!http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/jaguar/s-typ...
elephantstone said:
I have to admit i had a shock last night in the wet. On a dual carriage way doing about 50mph and floored it and the wheels tried spinning (TC kicked in). So now i know to treat it with respect in the wet and didnt learn that lesson mid corner! The most powerfull car ive had was the 157hp MX5!
You will love it and soon you will have the tc off and you will be doing it on purpose in the wet! Great value v8 - and a decent colour too. Personally I'm not a jag man but yours in that colour with a 4.2 v8 = win 
Enjoy!!
elephantstone,
Without wishing to pour cold water on your mpg figure of 34 or so, in my near 14 years experience with 2 S-Type V8s (one a 4.0L the other a 4.2L), is this what the on board computer display is telling you? In my experience the display was always optimistic. In my 4.2 I got maybe 21-23 on average, although I could get to around 31 on a long cruise at about 70 mph.
The 4.2, which I had for over 10 years and near 130,000 miles was a great experience...they are really good cars if you maintain them according to Jaguar's recommendations.
I've now moved on recently to an XF 5.0 V8 which is a completely different driving experience, rather more rush than waft. I reckon I'm getting about 23mpg on all round driving. Still miss the S-Type, though...
R.
Without wishing to pour cold water on your mpg figure of 34 or so, in my near 14 years experience with 2 S-Type V8s (one a 4.0L the other a 4.2L), is this what the on board computer display is telling you? In my experience the display was always optimistic. In my 4.2 I got maybe 21-23 on average, although I could get to around 31 on a long cruise at about 70 mph.
The 4.2, which I had for over 10 years and near 130,000 miles was a great experience...they are really good cars if you maintain them according to Jaguar's recommendations.
I've now moved on recently to an XF 5.0 V8 which is a completely different driving experience, rather more rush than waft. I reckon I'm getting about 23mpg on all round driving. Still miss the S-Type, though...
R.
Well i ordered some car mats off ebay and they have arrived. A little bit too light but atleast they stop me damaging the carpet... Will order some better quality when i have some money. I have also ordered a leaper keyring as my plastic tag isn't very Jaguar'ish.
Going to stick some of my wages away next week to put towards a gearbox oil/filter change next month.
Still really happy. I have stopped blasting everywhere with the windows down and have decided to take advantage of the smooth ride, slushbox and climate control and waft about.
Going to stick some of my wages away next week to put towards a gearbox oil/filter change next month.
Still really happy. I have stopped blasting everywhere with the windows down and have decided to take advantage of the smooth ride, slushbox and climate control and waft about.
elephantstone said:
I'd recommend doing it. Im even suprised about getting 34mpg at a steady 80mph!
That's surprisingly good! I love the idea of one of these after my MX5, 300bhp is incredibly tempting, but it looks like my commute is now going to be mostly urban, not good for a V8's MPG (unless you can tell me that it's better than I'm anticipating)
Dalto123 said:
That's surprisingly good!
I love the idea of one of these after my MX5, 300bhp is incredibly tempting, but it looks like my commute is now going to be mostly urban, not good for a V8's MPG (unless you can tell me that it's better than I'm anticipating)
According to the computer my average speed is 20mph and average fuel economy is 21mpg. I very rarely drive faster than 40mph during the week. Going on a 120mile trip to wales next week so will report back my average after that.I love the idea of one of these after my MX5, 300bhp is incredibly tempting, but it looks like my commute is now going to be mostly urban, not good for a V8's MPG (unless you can tell me that it's better than I'm anticipating)
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