Been looking for quite a while at a 2007 S type 3.0 with 52500 miles. But just recently saw a 2005 supercgharged w/105,00 miles. My head says buy the 2007, but my heart says go with the suoercharged. I should mention I'm no mechanic and at 69 yrs young should probably be slowing down, but the idea of 400 hp still gets the juices flowing. What do ya think?

 

Of course if you can better 400 HP!
Anything can go wrong even with the 3.0v6 and the repair costs are similar (other than engine itself and turbo).
There is now for sale online one 3.0 v6 35.000miles!

 

Congratulations on being forced to decide between two great outcomes. Taking from the advice given in the real estate world of location, location, location; my advice is condition, condition, condition. Do you feel good about the history of either of these two cars? If you are buying from a dealer, I would recommend waiting and buying from someone that has cared for one of these special rides.


I have a 3.0 and love it. I had almost passed on it for I was upgrading from a Lincoln and love V-8s with duals. Being a Sunday and a nice day to get out, I took the hour ride up to see this car. I met a retiree that was changing out the fleet. He had already sold the Porsche but was apparently a little disappointed with the Jag's depreciation. This car had 68K on it, was properly up to date for oil service, a brand new battery, and directional performance tires. Paint and interior was a 10/10, proper care was instantly identified. He was floored when less than a day after posting he was getting $4500 in cash. I bought it on the spot, it was perfect. The Pacific Blue seemed a bit bold for me, but after getting comfortable in my new Jaguar owning skin, I can't really tell you how much I really love it.


Unlike PapasJag, I do my own service. I appreciate the room afforded by the 3.0. I have had to do the IMT O-Rings and preemptively renewed the plugs. During this winters lay up I will service the ZF. No problems so far but I just clicked 77K.


Driving the 3.0 does leave me a bit short. Mid-range could use some help, but if you let it wind up, it will put you in the lead coming out of the toll booths. In the Merrimack Valley, we call the sound pissah! I get a mostly highway use mileage of 20-22 mpg @ 80-90 mph.


Using this car seasonally, I can see many years of ownership while preserving its top showing. I have never owned another as frequently commented on as this one! One of my first weekends with this car I visited a car show, the guy parking cars asked me what I was there for and I was puzzled. "To walk around and look" I answered. It wasn't until later that I figured out he thought my car was to be put on display.


Returning to advice as to what you should do, PapasJag. Sit tight, find a nice one, buy it before I do.

 

Do it! You have at least 6 good years ahead of you, so don't even think of slowing down now. I was older than you when I got my STR, and it has indeed kept the juices flowing.

However, check the maintenance history carefully, and be prepared to spend the bucks you might have saved over the 3.0 S-type. Just about every STR problem that ever occurred has been posted here, and if you're no mechanic then do a thorough test drive and have a good read to get a feel for the possible problems. At the least, bodywork, tires and brakes should be good, and tires not older than 5 years.

Main suspects: Coolant hoses (18 of them), coolant reservoir, DCCV, battery and EPB. Others not so expensive: Fuel pump filter, thermostat, spark plugs, lug nuts. All of these and more are likely at 103k miles. You will have less money in the bank, but plenty of satisfaction and fun. If you use a dealer for maintenance, you will be broke in a year or two.

 

Thanks for all the solid advice. The 3.0 is being sold by a dealer & checking the carfax has always been properly serviced. Don't know much about the STR, but will check it out.

Many, many years ago I had a 1958 Mark & always promised myself that one day I'd own another. Money of course is always a factor & the idea of buying one for 5-7k that needs a little TLC sounds okay.

The 3.0 is priced @ $9,995 & has been on the lot for 144 days so I'm guessing the dealer's probably ready to make a deal.

The other factor is I live in a rural area where there are more trucks than Jags so finding some one to work on the STR might be a challenge. Plus my wife would be more comfortable in the 3.0.

Still if I only have 6 good years left maybe the STR is the way to go.

 

Strictly from a mileage and predictive service you are opening yourself up to (and paying for) the lower mileage may enable you to just drive it without specialized service procedures. Predictably, you can avoid the tranny service and other things mentioned above for a while and get away with just brakes, tires, and oil changes. Don't rule out having more than 6 good years left PapasJag 😉
The 3.0 is still a very satisfying ride.

 

Regardless of which S-Type version you choose, the key to affordable ownership is being able to DIY the vast majority of maintenance and repairs. If you must pay someone else to keep your vehicle roadworthy, even a reasonable indie shop, these cars can drain your wallet in a heartbeat....

 

No, no PapasJag! I did say you have at least 6 years to go, more with clean habits. I'm nearly 10 years your senior, with medium habits.

 

Good to know I have more than 6 good years. You just saved me a doctor's visit. Yeah despite some bad habits, I do Ok. There was a country song a few years back in which the guy claimed the secret to life was younger women, older whiskey, faster horses & more money. I guess I'll have to settle for faster cars and be happy with one out of four.

Thanks for the info and enjoy your Jag!