Discussion
Hi guys,
As per the title, I'm now mulling over an S-type R as my next car... Have always been dismissive of it, solely based on its looks (no offence meant to any S-type R owners!), but have been surprised to see that they can now be found for not much more than an XJR. I still think the XJR looks absolutely gorgeous, whereas after forcing myself very hard not to absolutely hate the StR, I can now say it's looks just about "ok"... Besides, I can't ignore the fact that its generally regarded as an absolutely fantastic drivers car, and probably drives better than the XJR, and it would also have the novelty factor, whereas if I got an XJR again, that'd largely be missing...
Having read back 70 pages (!) through this forum, and any StR related thread, I'm still wondering about a couple of things, and hoping any current or recent StR owners can help.
First, other than the cosmetic facelift, has there been any major changes to the StR? For example, do they all have the 6-speed ZF auto-box, and the 4.2 litre, 400bhp engine? Does anyone know of a site with some pictures which show the styling differences between the pre-facelift and newer model, or can describe them (I've looked, but haven't managed to find anything)? What about the dreaded "lurch"? I'd probably be looking at the early, pre-facelift cars... How likely is it the car I get would be affected by this? Other than being highly annoying, does this lurch have any real detrimental effect on the car?
What site would you recommend as being the most comprehensive repository of information on the StR? I've looked at jag-lovers, and there isn't that much on there...
What are the standard tyre/wheel sizes, and again, has there been any variation when it comes to this in pre, and post-facelift models?
Any other pointers regarding this car?
Thanks - can't wait to re-join the "R" fold!
As per the title, I'm now mulling over an S-type R as my next car... Have always been dismissive of it, solely based on its looks (no offence meant to any S-type R owners!), but have been surprised to see that they can now be found for not much more than an XJR. I still think the XJR looks absolutely gorgeous, whereas after forcing myself very hard not to absolutely hate the StR, I can now say it's looks just about "ok"... Besides, I can't ignore the fact that its generally regarded as an absolutely fantastic drivers car, and probably drives better than the XJR, and it would also have the novelty factor, whereas if I got an XJR again, that'd largely be missing...
Having read back 70 pages (!) through this forum, and any StR related thread, I'm still wondering about a couple of things, and hoping any current or recent StR owners can help.
First, other than the cosmetic facelift, has there been any major changes to the StR? For example, do they all have the 6-speed ZF auto-box, and the 4.2 litre, 400bhp engine? Does anyone know of a site with some pictures which show the styling differences between the pre-facelift and newer model, or can describe them (I've looked, but haven't managed to find anything)? What about the dreaded "lurch"? I'd probably be looking at the early, pre-facelift cars... How likely is it the car I get would be affected by this? Other than being highly annoying, does this lurch have any real detrimental effect on the car?
What site would you recommend as being the most comprehensive repository of information on the StR? I've looked at jag-lovers, and there isn't that much on there...
What are the standard tyre/wheel sizes, and again, has there been any variation when it comes to this in pre, and post-facelift models?
Any other pointers regarding this car?
Thanks - can't wait to re-join the "R" fold!
V,
I'm aware any Jaguar with an R does things for you. You may be interested to know that in the May 2008 edition of Jaguar World (out today, I got it in the mail this a.m.) there is an article comparing and buying the X300 XJR, X308 XJR and X350 XJR. The April edition had an S-Type buyer's guide and it concentrated on the R.
I did get near to buying an S-Type R 4 years ago, but running costs/insurance put me off. I would have got the R had I not had to pay to run it! So I got a S-Type 4.2SE partly because journos at that time reported that the R was a bit below expectations whereas the 4.2SE always exceeded them. I have to say 4 years and 65,000 miles later I still think I made the right choice. 300bhp is fine for me. It was a great buy too: a demo car at a JMD, 2 weeks old, 14 miles, yes only 14, on the clock, list £39,600, I was offered it for £30,000 and I got it for £28,500 cash.
There never was an S-Type R other than the 4.2, all with a 6 speed auto box (I have the same box...great but can be troublesome I know). I think there were two models only, the last body basis and it's predecessor. Others coming to this thread will no doubt have more details.
R.
I'm aware any Jaguar with an R does things for you. You may be interested to know that in the May 2008 edition of Jaguar World (out today, I got it in the mail this a.m.) there is an article comparing and buying the X300 XJR, X308 XJR and X350 XJR. The April edition had an S-Type buyer's guide and it concentrated on the R.
I did get near to buying an S-Type R 4 years ago, but running costs/insurance put me off. I would have got the R had I not had to pay to run it! So I got a S-Type 4.2SE partly because journos at that time reported that the R was a bit below expectations whereas the 4.2SE always exceeded them. I have to say 4 years and 65,000 miles later I still think I made the right choice. 300bhp is fine for me. It was a great buy too: a demo car at a JMD, 2 weeks old, 14 miles, yes only 14, on the clock, list £39,600, I was offered it for £30,000 and I got it for £28,500 cash.
There never was an S-Type R other than the 4.2, all with a 6 speed auto box (I have the same box...great but can be troublesome I know). I think there were two models only, the last body basis and it's predecessor. Others coming to this thread will no doubt have more details.
R.
The Leaper said:
V,
I'm aware any Jaguar with an R does things for you.
Oh yes! I'm aware any Jaguar with an R does things for you.
Thanks for that R, yes, I saw your posts where you mentioned your car and how happy you are with it. My main problem with it, I'm almost ashamed to say it because it makes me sound vain, is the looks, which I guess, if the XJR didn't exist would be "ok", but next to the XJR, the S-type is...
(I emphasise again this is only my personal opinion!) But I might grow to like it, I guess, especially if it was a dark one... And I haven't seen that many R ones on the road, I guess they look a bit beefier...Thanks for the info on the magazines, wish I could find the last months one where they talk about the StR. I'll see if I can find it, but if not, would it be too much trouble to ask you to either scan or even take photos of the article and send them to me?
Cheers!
V.
V,
So do I but I'm not sure why. The press thought the latest update was a significant inprovement, I don't. I got my 4.2 V8 SE just before the model change so I have the earlier version with the preferred shape. Also, the first pic is a lot better than the second in my view.
I have mailed you the PDF of the April article.
R.
So do I but I'm not sure why. The press thought the latest update was a significant inprovement, I don't. I got my 4.2 V8 SE just before the model change so I have the earlier version with the preferred shape. Also, the first pic is a lot better than the second in my view.
I have mailed you the PDF of the April article.
R.
Apart from the change to the looks, wasn't there a major change to the platform when the rest of the Ford empire dropped the DEW98 platform because it was too expensive, leaving Jaguar to be allowed to make it better without having to fight every other bean counter in the whole of Ford.
Or did the platform upgrade happen separately from the cosmetic one?
Or did the platform upgrade happen separately from the cosmetic one?
prices for the S type R and current gen XJR are on the slide , just locally to my work a black S type R (march 2007) with less than 12,000 is up for £29,850 its been on the forecourt for over a month. the car looks lovely but in the current climate i can't see it selling for 27K let alone 29K.
the XF can't be helping the used prices.
i wouldn't mind a used Stype but i'm thinking of waiting to see how the prices settle in a few months.
NST
the XF can't be helping the used prices.
i wouldn't mind a used Stype but i'm thinking of waiting to see how the prices settle in a few months.
NST
Had a courtesy call a couple of weeks ago from Stratstone head-office as i have had my X-type a year now and was talking to the guy about the special offers they currently have and there are apparently a few S type R in group stock that they are looking to shift asap given the XF launch. The example they gave me was a delivery mileage 08 plate with a high option count at a sticker price of £33k, so guess in reality with a bit of haggling that might go for around £30k, which I thought seemed a good price for an essentially new £47k(ish??)car.
Must admit i am tempted myself....
Must admit i am tempted myself....
Unfortunately, I can't even consider brand new, or nearly brand new cars, I'll be looking at something 2002/3/4, up to about £13-14k max. Still, should be able to find something with relatively low miles. That is, IF I decide to go for an S-Type R, which I must admit I'm getting more and more into...
Markytop said:
Had a courtesy call a couple of weeks ago from Stratstone head-office as i have had my X-type a year now and was talking to the guy about the special offers they currently have and there are apparently a few S type R in group stock that they are looking to shift asap given the XF launch. The example they gave me was a delivery mileage 08 plate with a high option count at a sticker price of £33k, so guess in reality with a bit of haggling that might go for around £30k, which I thought seemed a good price for an essentially new £47k(ish??)car.
Must admit i am tempted myself....
Stratstone always take the end of run models, they had the out going XK's on their books for months/years, so must have been given them by Jaguar.Must admit i am tempted myself....
I too was looking at those last run S-Type R's seem a good bet considering they are fab cars to drive.
G
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