I would have to say that your query on the 1/4 mile time and 0-60 time indicates you may be wanting to punch it frequently.
I have my doubts as to how well the trans will hold up.
Save a little longer and get a 2003 with the 4.2 v8 and ZF trans.

 

Why? So when he brakes that trans it will cost twice as much to replace? The much maligned 5R55N trans in the early S-types only costs about 1400 for a good rebuilt one from ford, how much is a reman ZF?

 

I am guessing 6.3 to 6.6 and 14.5 + depending on weather,tires and if she feels like shifting fast or taking her sweat time. Remember its a Jag

 

go newer i have a 2000 S-type v8 and its been nothing but trouble. Coil packs, window regulator, engine misfire, idle control module, freak "limp mode" episodes. But it does look good for sure and is a hell of a car when it feel like acting right

 

I have the 2001 3.0 and despite the car being really good to me, I would go back and get a 2003 3.0 for peace of mind. The mileage on the 4.0 and the reliability of the 3.0 would way me towards the 3.0 anyways, unless it were an R.

 

Coil packs, and window regulators are, to my knowledge,pretty common on all S-types. Everybody here acts loke the 03+ S-types are years ahead of the prior models, but I own a 00 with 83K on it and it's been trouble free so far. Just keep up with preventive maintenance and you'll be ok.

Here's my maintanence schedule.

Oil change every 5K with syn oil and Purolator filter
Fuel system cleaner every 5K just before oil change
Transmission fluid drain and refil every other oil change (full pan drop with filter replacement every other time I do this so about 20K miles)
Rear end fluid chang every other oil change (not the same one as the trans)
Air and cabin filters every January and June (dusty conditions here)
Pull and inspect plugs and coils every Jan and June replace if necesary
Radiator flush and fill every June
Inspect and grease window regualtors, sunroof, and door hingesevery oil change

Its a lot of work including all the cleaning/ waxing and leather care stuff also, but it's worth it to save on big costs (I've seen outrageous quotes on here for all of this stuff). I do all of this myself, because I take alot of pride in my nice rides (wife has a cadillac that I do the same regimen on), and I don't want to shell out thousands every year in basic maintenance costs.

 

ohsigmachi, your car is one of the few. You said that a rebuilt 5r55n is 1400. A ZF is more. However, how many times do you think that Ford trans would have to be rebuilt while it is being raced constantly. They are not a good trans for hard driving. The ZF is in all of the rear wheel drive jags from 2003 on, except the XJ, 2004 on. It is very durable if they are driven. The harder the ZF is driven, the better it seems to be. I worked on a forum members car the other day.....over 100k on a 03 STR. Transmission is still the original. I reflashed it because of the lurch......gave instructions on how to do drive cycle....and he states it shifts well again.
I would take the ZF any day over the Ford.....even if it was 10 times the cost to replace. 90% of the ZF trans that were replaced, did not need it. People not fixing them properly. So my point still stands. Where choice comes in, I would get a 2003 S with ZF. STR preferably.

 

The 5r55n would've been fine if Jaguar hadn't tried to do the ridiculous lifetime fluid BS with it. If the fluid is refreshed often like mine is it's a fine trans (or even every 30K miles).

 

I agree with you....but you have to bear in mind, this was not done to 99% of transmissions.....therefore.....

 

i have a 2000 s type 4.0 i love the look of the car and everythign about it but it has also given me alot of problems. im 19 so this is a hard car to take car of i have had it for almost a year and i put over 3 thousand into it between power steering pump coils spark plugs misfire and the worse problem is the transmission slips anytime it wants to and takes a delay to go into drive or reverse sometimes 30 seconds.so i would suggest not to get this car unless money isnt a issue for you but othersie i would defintly suggest to get anewer one.