Whats going on? New to the forum, I previously owned an X type jag, that was totaled, now looking to buy an S Type, really want the type R but the only ones i can find in my area have high miles... What are the issues i have to worry about with buying the 03-05 STR with 66k, 69k, or 75k miles.. any help will be appreciated.. its either that or a regular 05 s type 4.2 with 23k miles.. and the price range of those cars mentioned are 13-17k for the STR and the regular one is 15K..

 

Those aren't terribly high miles for an STR. I'd definitely go for the latest year STR for the least money. My modded 03 STR has 115k on the clock and still kicks the poop out of a lot metal out there. Git the STR! The 3.0 will dissapoint you on the power band. The 310 hp n/a 4. 2 are cool...but the STR will make you grin cheek to cheek....

 

With any car, If you do the maintenance and the repairs that pop up you could run a very very long time. I dont think the mileages you listed are too high, but definitly less miles are better. I bought my STR with 90k miles on it (the price was right) and it runs excellent. I love it and plan on making it run for a very long time.

If you dont see one you want, I suggest widening your search area where your looking. Also, although R's are a little rare, if you give it a little time, different ones pop up so no need to be in a rush. I waited over a month before I selected mine.

Just wait for the one thats right for you. I will tell you that the power in the STR is very easy and very smooth. I couldnt imagine driving anything less now..

 

Er... since when was 66K or 72K high mileage? Just broken in nicely.......

I'd go for a newer but higher mileage any day. Extra miles done cruising fully warmed up on the freeway don't hurt.

 

Nah just ask norri how I was able to squawk Joyces 3.0 tires up at the Pa. meet up, trying to keep up with the STR boys up in front !!

Or acutually ask any of the STR boys that were at the meet !!!!

And the you guys call the 3.0s grannys HA!

 

Sorry guys, I errored in my post and corrected it with "aren't too high a mileage STR's". Sorry again to Rick. I haven't anything against the 3.0's. I had an 02 X-Type 3.0 (stock 227 hp) a K&N drop in a/f, 1989 Taurus header style exhaust manifolds (much better flow), a single dual inlet/single outlet Dodge Magnum V8 catalytic converter mounted under the passenger floor board. The stock cats are bolted to the exhaust manifolds, cooking the engines on these cars. From the single cat came 2.5" pipe leading to a pair of Magnaflows. This modded exhaust likely gave it another 25 ponies (est. 255 hp). The thing out-pulled a late model Maxima on a hill climb. Should have went with dual cats cause the drone in the cabin was annoying. It's difficult to tame the resonant exhaust frequencies on a V6.

 

Thanks guys, i appreciate the replies.. I will def. keep looking around until i find the right one. now i know that the mileage i listed was not bad according to STR owners so im good now...

 

Don't let the miles put you off the car, if it is well maintained it should be fine.

 

Definately get it checked out by a mechanic and make sure they check for codes. 3 most common things IMO, Coolant leaks, AC failure and keyfab remotes not working. Specifically with the keyfab, a new one cut/programmed will cost around $400...If one doesn't work and the seller says "it just needs a new battery", spend the $3 on a battery and see if you can get the thing to work before you negotiate a price since you're really talking about a $400 difference...

 

The remote and key portion are sold separately. I go a remote off ebay new in the wrapper for about 40bucks. I did have to buy the key portion from Jag. But if it is actually jut a remote issue, it can be had separate. They charged one hour labor @ 102.50 to program everything.

 

I can vouch for Rick's wicked tire squawk. The locals were alarmed at the massive awesomeness of this display.

I believe we had a very similar thread to this one just a few weeks ago - may be worth a search wize_money.

Expand your vehicle search area was a good suggestion.

 

There may be another member near you who'd go look at a car. Also, you may be near enough to Brutal (a tech). Depends where in TX you are........