My question to you guys is, 96000 miles on a 2005 STR is this a problem? Some cars shrug off 150000 with out breaking a sweat but can the Jag? I have been looking for a 2005 for a father and son car so my budget is on the lower end, want to work on it am a reasonable machanic but don,t want to get into engine or trans. Found a car in good condition and drives well but no warranty which is not a problem but want opinions on the drive train longevity have heard engines are bomb proof if looked after but trans not so much. Your thoughts would be great.

 

They seem OK. Likely to need the typical things any car of that age and mileage will need. Plugs are due at 100K but though fairly expensive are just plugs.

Whether to change the autobox oil is a good question. Probably should.

Mine's older and done nearly 92K. Above applies to mine LOL

 

It's no problem at all. Just be aware that the STR is a rare car and you are smart to look at it as a project. But I don't think it will be. The 2005 and up S Types are the least troublesome and had the best initial quality ratings.

Any chance you have maintenance records?? If not assume the worse and get started with a transmission service including sleeve replacement. Then cooling system work with DCCV replacement if not already done. Please get the JTIS and the JEPC which are both free from this site. Then use Nalley or someone similar for parts. A 15% discount off list and free shipping are a good deal.

Just to let you know in 2005 Jaguar was ranked 3rd in initial quality rating. It was one of the things after the massive depreciation these car suffer from that attracted me to buying one.

My 2005 STR was purchased at 33K miles and is now at 80K miles over 3+ years of ownership and has been very good. The parts are expensive and almost always a dealer item but so far they are available. The last car I had (Taurus SHO) Ford stopped carrying parts for them pretty quickly and certain items became impossible to get except used. The STR was made in too low numbers for this too work.

If you have been doing any reading, the cooling system and especially the hose under the SC can be a big pain. Also check how close and how good your local Jaguar dealer is. I have had this car back to the dealer after warranty more than all my other cars combined. Not because of so many problems but because there are a number of things that just can't be done aftermarket or at least can't be done very easy. Example: I hit a deer that required a headlight replacement. All was good but to get them to self level again required a round of programming at the dealer. Same with the transmission fluid change. I wanted the TCM flashed to the latest software version. Dealer only!

The lucky thing for me is I am in the Houston area and use a local dealer where the legendary "Brutal" works!!

My biggest problem has been cosmetic damage from me hitting things!! After the deer hit I also got some front end damage from a large truck tire carcass that jumped up and smacked me in the grille. Then I broke a rear tail light by hitting it with my computer case. Then I cracked a wood piece on the dash and cracked the center A/C vent after a headliner replacement.

Finally - what a great dad to pick a SC Jaguar as a father and son project!!! I hope the boy appreciates what he is working on!!
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Thanks for the info. My Jag Dealer is great and only 10 mins from me, they service my wife's XK which is under warranty. I hope my son appreciates what I want to do even after getting greasy changing the oil. You sure correct in what you say I would change all the flluids I could and dealer those I could not I have a lot of experience with maintaining cars such as Landrovers, TVR,s and fords from when I lived in the UK, but have the money to fall back on if a trip to the dealer is needed, just looking forward to nights in the Garage with my son with no XBox in sight.

 

Robert, if cared for initially and thereafter, the STR's engine and trans are nearly bullet proof. On the street and highway, she's a wolf in sheeps clothing with her excellent low end torque, hp/trq curve allowing an impressive mid to top end charge.

 

The only major item you have to worry about is the coolant hose under the supercharger.

 

+1 on the coolant hose(s) finally had enough and replaced every hose is sight. mine just hit 85k (2003 ST-R) fantastic car and a blast to drive.

 

Should of bought mine. But then you would of had nothing to do but drive it. I put 35000 trouble free miles on mine. It had 94000 when I got rid of it and already had the plugs done. Pretty much the only thing to do to mine was an oil change and a trans fluid change if you had wanted. They are pretty good cars and are very reliable.

 

Yep gutted that my money came free 2 days after you sold yours! It would of been perfect and had all I wanted. Now looking at one at Anchor Motors Fauquay, not as good but it's a start. Not going to be offering what they want as from the Auto Check it's been around a bit and I am going to crawl all over it. Sorry we could not do business but at least you got your truck. Can I contact you with any tech questions in the Future?

 

About all I can add is what others have already said. The drive train on these has been shown to be pretty darn stout. Just change fluids. Don't forget the rear differential along with the trans, engine oil, and brake fluid. Even DIYer's I talk to forget to change out the differential fluid and brake fluid over time. Keep the fluids clean and fresh and stuff will last much longer.... Oh, and your son is one lucky guy.... My Dad picked me up an old Dodge Coronet from the junk yard as my first "project car"....

 

Go for it. It sounds like you have enough time behind the wrench to do most of the stuff that a DIY'er would do to an STR. There is a green 03 or 04 that is for sale by me, I can take a look and see if it is still there on my drive home this evening and see if I can get you a price if you want. Cary is less than an 8 hour drive to Pittsburgh (my aunt lives in Cary - nice area!).

If it's still there and you want me to check it out for you, I'd be more than happy to oblige.

Good luck and hope to see ya on this forum with an STR in the near future!

 

Thanks the Chris for the offer, interested in what you find but probably try locally for a 2005, this Black STR looks OK and hopefully I can pay about $10.000 for it.

 

Hi Robert - well it's a good thing you found one locally - the one near me is gone. Actually the whole little dealership is gone! One day they had a dozen cars there, the next day, nothing at all. Weird.

Anyway - best of luck on getting that STR you have your eyes on!

 

My 04 3.0's at 96k. What's involved in changing the transmission ("autobox") fluid? I ask because I've seen people talk about the ZF 6 speed transmission fluid level issues being an issue and causing the lurch (and I don't want that).

 

Info in the FAQs...

 

Well lost the STR I was looking at so must start all over again! Anyone know of an STR in North Carolina around $12000

 

Whats a couple more grand for a later model:

Cars for Sale: 2005 Jaguar S-Type R in Charlotte, NC 28212: Sedan Details - 325497655 - AutoTrader.com

I would walk in with $14,000.00 CASH!!!

Looks to be a really nice vehicle!

 

Yep looked at that one it's really nice, but will not budge on price and with tax and all paper work we are up to nearly $19000. If they would take $14000 I might just go for it. Still pissed at lossing Chris's one.

 

Shoot, I'd sell you mine for 14k

 

Rick have sent the agent a mail saying I will pay between $13-$14 thousand, and to keep my number for when or if he is interested in selling.