Hey guys,

I'm looking into buying a 2002 stype jag 4.0L with 125,000 miles for $5500. I wanted your guys opinion on a few things. I just graduated from high school and this will be my first car. I always wanted a jaguar as my first car, but have been recently frightened away from buying one from all the people telling me how unreliable they are. I wanted to know what problems I might expect from the car with the mileage it is at now also how much I should expect to spend on repairs etc.

Thanks

 

They're basically good cars BUT the 4.0 is the one which needs to have the newe-type (metal-bodied) tensioners. Engine destruction is a real risk if not done and that will write off the car financially. A 3.0 would be a better choice I reckon. Even so, plan to DIY to save a lot of $$$ (and there are more threads about How To for the 3.0).

 

Thanks, I appreciate the reply

 

Standard response: No 12 year old high end semi-exotic car is a good choice for someone with little or no money beyond the purchase price.

The S-type is just as reliable as any other car in it's class but being 12 years old it will need far more repairs than a new car. Jaguars cost more to repair than Hondas.

 

If looking at an S Type get post 2002 with the better six speed box. The older cars have the Ford derived five speed which is unreliable. Note the 4.2 engine has all the fixes so much better than the 4.0

 

Checkout the for sale section northeast region, i have my S Type for sale for 5k (I just lowed price) and it only has 50k original miles…..never hit, great car…and I've replaced all the common stuff that goes (coil packs, window regulators, digas bottle) and professionally serviced transmission two years ago….no problems…I do agree the newer ones are probably better, more advanced….but mine is an honest great driving meticulously maintained car…would like to see it go to a good home…I just bought a new car….my daughter is driving the S type now….but goes away to college end of summer….can't afford to keep the multiple cars on my policy…rates in this area are crazy. Good luck with whatever you do…the S Type is a real fun car to drive…with a bit of the classic look.

 

Before you buy any used car, check Kelly Blue Book to get a good idea of what a fair price for the car would be. I think $5500 for an '02 S-Type with 125k may be a bit high, by Kelly will say for sure.

Kelly Blue Book - www.kbb.com

Click the top left green button that says "What should I pay for a used car?"