Hesitant, yet Addicted
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Hesitant, yet Addicted
Hello all,
Going to tell a little story here so hopefully it doesn't bore everyone to death.
For years my wife and I have wanted to purchase a Jaguar. But as life has it we just couldn't afford one. (bills, groceries, house payment, etc etc) Well we have reached the point in our lives where we feel that we can start looking at a used one. A casual glance (OK I look everyday sometimes 2 or 3 times) @ eBay and we have narrowed down to roughly a 2003-2005 S-Type (R if the deal is right.)
To make a really long story a bit shorter. I am here doing research into ownership and what is to be expected after I have one of these cats sitting in my driveway. I have a few questions and looking over the forums here, it seems the best place to get some real life answers. In other words, want to make sure I am not making the worst mistake in my life and will regret every payment I have to make on something that looks/drives/is awesome but just isn't for us.
1.) Ownership costs? Things as simple as changing the oil, replacing a bulb , windshield wipers etc. Are the costs extremely high/average to any other vehicle or do they run towards the high side just due to the make of the car?
2.) This one is a bit embarrassing. I have yet to even sit in one. I have been to a couple dealers after hours to avoid having to talk to a salesperson. Nothing against them, but at this time I want to be able to look and decide on my own what series I am interested and be able to talk to my wife as we do so. But I'm wondering how is the legroom on an S-Type for the driver? I'm a tall guy and this will be my daily driver. Just from an outside view the car seems like it would be comparable to a say a Camry as far as legroom? Any tall guys/gals here that can offer some input?
3.) Recalls, things to be aware of? Ive read about the headlight issue and the transmission shifting issue. Any other things I should be on the lookout for as far as work that has been done or would need to be done?
I think that is about it as far as questions at this time. I do appreciate any replies and insight or even advice. The more things I can show my wife as far as me doing research, the more inclined she may be to let me spend the extra money on the R when I can show her how much I really really really need a supercharger!
Thank You
Mike
Going to tell a little story here so hopefully it doesn't bore everyone to death.
For years my wife and I have wanted to purchase a Jaguar. But as life has it we just couldn't afford one. (bills, groceries, house payment, etc etc) Well we have reached the point in our lives where we feel that we can start looking at a used one. A casual glance (OK I look everyday sometimes 2 or 3 times) @ eBay and we have narrowed down to roughly a 2003-2005 S-Type (R if the deal is right.)
To make a really long story a bit shorter. I am here doing research into ownership and what is to be expected after I have one of these cats sitting in my driveway. I have a few questions and looking over the forums here, it seems the best place to get some real life answers. In other words, want to make sure I am not making the worst mistake in my life and will regret every payment I have to make on something that looks/drives/is awesome but just isn't for us.
1.) Ownership costs? Things as simple as changing the oil, replacing a bulb , windshield wipers etc. Are the costs extremely high/average to any other vehicle or do they run towards the high side just due to the make of the car?
2.) This one is a bit embarrassing. I have yet to even sit in one. I have been to a couple dealers after hours to avoid having to talk to a salesperson. Nothing against them, but at this time I want to be able to look and decide on my own what series I am interested and be able to talk to my wife as we do so. But I'm wondering how is the legroom on an S-Type for the driver? I'm a tall guy and this will be my daily driver. Just from an outside view the car seems like it would be comparable to a say a Camry as far as legroom? Any tall guys/gals here that can offer some input?
3.) Recalls, things to be aware of? Ive read about the headlight issue and the transmission shifting issue. Any other things I should be on the lookout for as far as work that has been done or would need to be done?
I think that is about it as far as questions at this time. I do appreciate any replies and insight or even advice. The more things I can show my wife as far as me doing research, the more inclined she may be to let me spend the extra money on the R when I can show her how much I really really really need a supercharger!
Thank You
Mike
Veteran Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 23
From: Houston, Texas
RE: Hesitant, yet Addicted
1. To maintain is about average. Maybe slightly higher. The day to day stuff isn't out of range. Actual repairs are higher.
2. Leg room: You will just have to go try one on. They are not too bad.
3. The 4.2 engine cars seem to be really solid.
I'm sure you will get more feedback for others. Take it all in and decide from there.
Things to expect if you buy the R model: large smile, neighbors jealous, your kids will try anything to borrow it.
2. Leg room: You will just have to go try one on. They are not too bad.
3. The 4.2 engine cars seem to be really solid.
I'm sure you will get more feedback for others. Take it all in and decide from there.
Things to expect if you buy the R model: large smile, neighbors jealous, your kids will try anything to borrow it.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 119
From: Sylvan Lake & Playa del Carmen Mexico
RE: Hesitant, yet Addicted
A wee bit of Jag fever, Mike? I hear ya. I waited 10 years to make the leap(er) and looked for almost 2 years before doing it. '03 and up STR is an excellent choice but you will have to be brave enough to actually sit in it to see how it feels. Beyond dealing with a salesperson, when you get behind the wheel, you'll be hooked.
You need to go into it with eyes wide open though. As with a lot of modern vehicles, there is a tendancy to replace components rather than repair them. That's the tough part as aftermarket replacement parts are limited. Maintenance is no more than most and there is lots of DIY info here on the forum.
If you can research a specific vehicle and get a good enough deal that makes you happy, make sure to consider extended warranty if Jag warranty remaining isn't sufficient to give you some comfort level.
Good luck. You know you're going to do it!!!
You need to go into it with eyes wide open though. As with a lot of modern vehicles, there is a tendancy to replace components rather than repair them. That's the tough part as aftermarket replacement parts are limited. Maintenance is no more than most and there is lots of DIY info here on the forum.
If you can research a specific vehicle and get a good enough deal that makes you happy, make sure to consider extended warranty if Jag warranty remaining isn't sufficient to give you some comfort level.
Good luck. You know you're going to do it!!!
Veteran member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,344
Likes: 1,163
From: Oak Ridge, TN
RE: Hesitant, yet Addicted
Agree w/ mohrd above, he's got some good advice. Strong engines and tranny's in the 03's an up, and to be honest, my 4.2 is powerful enough w/o an supercharger on it, so consider both when looking at an STR over an average joe -stype. The styling, however, definately leans towards the R, of course. Comfort...well, it's a jag...you wont find anything wrong with the interior at all. maintenance will be slightly higher, but not much. You may go synthetic instead of 'dino' oil, brake pads are a bit more expensive than normal sedans, repairs a the dealer will be about 25% above normal 'domestic' dealer costs, but to be honest, the 'problems' with '03 and up jags are not as bad as their earlier counterparts. i have, however, found the select edition warranty from jaguar to be more than beneficial during my ownership...get one if you can, or at least some kind of other warranty. The steering wheel reach or tilit motors in the steering column most likely is the first to go. The rest of my warranty covered stuff is convertible related. Good luck, and let us know what you get~
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RE: Hesitant, yet Addicted
Thank you for the welcome all.
Ill keep doing my research and post up questions in the ST area as they come up. Figure at the first of the year Ill be asking all "Hey what do you think about this one?" as I narrow down and take the plunge.
Ill keep doing my research and post up questions in the ST area as they come up. Figure at the first of the year Ill be asking all "Hey what do you think about this one?" as I narrow down and take the plunge.
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