Hello everybody, new member here but ive been lurking for quite some time now. This site has been GREAT reference for anything Jaguar related and since i hope to be a proud Jaguar owner in the near future, i figured it was officially time to join. I've been decided on buying a S-type for a few months now, and finally, after months of patiently searching, ive seem to have found THE ONE. an 05 S-type R with a 56,xxx miles for just a little under $15,000. A steal IMHO.!! Ill be going to check it out this weekend, and unless something goes terribly wrong with the test drive or something, ill be bringing her back home. However, since this will be my first Jag, i thought id ask a few questions to the knowledgeable owners here first.

- is "the lurch" a common problem for a 2005.??
- the Jaguar Warranty expired at 50,000. would you guys recommended an extended warranty.? if so, any links to some good, reputable companies??
- i havent seen any fog lights on 05+ s-types. can after market ones be installed.?
- what are some things i can expect, in terms of mechanical issues, for one with such mileage.?
- and lastly, id much rather have a certified Jag tech inspect the vehicle prior to me dishing out the cash for it. can anyone recommended me someone/some place in the San Diego area.??

i look foward to any insight that you guys may have. may you all have a wonderfull Thanksgiving. and to all my shoppers out there, a fun and SAFE Black Friday. ill keep everyone posted. Thanks.!!

 

-Yes
-Yes
-Sure, anything can be made to work
-Not much
-Can't help ya

 

Ya can bring her to a mechanic who knows a darn. Before laying out $11,500 for my 03 STR w/89k on the clock: Checked the tires for wear and dry rot, pulled the oil dipstick, checked the engine and trans pans for fluid drips, including the differential cover etc. With engine dead cold; I started her and listened very carefully for the presence of bottom end knocks. Then after warmed up I laid almost under the engine and listened for knocking sounds. Then I took her for a long ride, carefully observing up and down shift sequences. Then I pulled over to the side of the road and laid on the ground almost under the engine again listening for knocking sounds. Then I took her over a bumpy stretch of road listening and feeling for bobbling-clunking sounds. During the period of driving her I put her through the paces: From stop-punched it, slow-punched it, high speed then quick braking, etc. Listening for rear end clunks and whine, and sniffing for oil, and tran. fluid odors. You got the picture.... If you're not able to procure a Jag tech. You can do your own inspection too. Take your time. Please join us, I so much Jag modding to teach you.

 

Sounds like a great deal to me....I recently bought my first jag...06 3.0 with 29K miles. I paid $20k, which is the going price around here (I had looked at 10-12). SO, $15k for the "R" is a good deal if it is pristiine....if it needs work, it is expensive to fix unless you can do teh labor yourself. These are wonderful cars....handle well, ride solid, reasonable on fuel and just nice. I cannot tell you how many comments I get in parking lots....cool car to own!

 

lurch - not common, but not rare (drive it and see)
fogs - probably unwise even to try because the places they would go are now air ducts to the (moved) oil coolers

If you really want fogs buy an older STR (yes, really). (I wouldn't do that.)

 

Thats a great deal! I got mine with 32,xxx miles for $19k. I know..I know..a great deal too! I wish Jag kept the foglights for the 05s as well...but I can live with it.

 

Some other mechanical things you may want to check for:

1) Put her in reverse. If you hear a long beep, the rear parking sensors are MALFUNCTIONING. Not so cheap to fix

2) The switch on the left hand side of the steering wheel for telescopic function ALSO controls brake pedal adjustment if you click it the other way. Make sure both are functioning correctly through there full range.

 

Adding to the above comments:

1. The coolant reservoir often develops a leak at the top of the tank. New tanks run about $150 or so.

2. The rear end may have to be replaced as there is a TSB on it. Make sure when you have it checked out there is no whine at around 60 mph or so. If has been replaced, most likely it will have the redesigned rear end. If not, plan on at least $4K parts and labor.

3. The DCCV and air conditioning control module may have to be replaced. Often the DCCV will fail and will cause the module to burn out a circuit or two. However, the module may be repaired if you are handy with electrical circuits and a soldering iron. If you do everything yourself you might get by for under $100. If you have a shop do it, plan on about $1K.

4. There may be a coolant leak under the supercharger. Real PITA to fix yourself IMHO, otherwise plan on $1K or more.

Note: these are my own estimates. Other STR owners or Jaguar technicians may have better estimates.

You can try Jaguar Independent Services

5097 Sante Fe St
San Diego CA
619 297-9393

Jaguar Specialists
5191 Sante Fe St
San Diego CA
858-274-5191

 

Have the front and rear suspension bushings checked for tears,cracks or leaks.Common failure and expensive.
I have used Easy Care Ext Warranty on 2 Jags, great coverage. Must be bought through your Jag dealer after they inspect the car.
Good luck..