I'm contemplating the purchase of one of two S-types 4.0. Both of these vehicles have around 75k miles and both are under $10k.

A 2002 model has a dubious maintenance history. A radiator flush and fuel injector cleaning was preformed at 23k miles. 9 months and 10k miles later all the fuel injectors were replaced. Just wondering what could cause such a problem? A negligent owner fuelling the car with cheap regular gas, perhaps? Should I pass on this one? It has gone 40k miles without any other reported problems, so it seems.

The other is a 2001 that is $1000 less with the same milage. The vehicle history very clean and the sales man describes it as a car that was owned by an elderly couple.

Any suggestions about what I should be looking for?

I really do like the Jags. This would be my first experience with a luxury car. I've looked at BMW, but nothing stands out. The Jag seems to be a prettier vehicle at a good value in the under $10k category.

 

I'm no expert, but I'd go for the one previously owned by the old people(they probably aren't fictional)--Elderly men tend to take more care of and pride in their cars and make sure they are well maintained. The first one sounds like it was driven into the ground by poo flinging monkeys.

 

That's how I'm thinking. Of course I'm always very skeptical about car salesmen. When he mentioned the elderly owner routine, I interjected that they drove it to and from church everyday. He didn't know I was making fun of him.

 

i dont know, from all my research i would look into 2003 and up. Maybe even go to the 05 body style too.

As an example, for about 12k you could find an 03 s-type with less miles than 75k, and have less issues. Look for a 4.2l motor in it. That is nothing more than a personal thing with me. There are some issues with the 2002 and down that are not issues on say the 03 and up vehicles.

My 2003 S-Type R with 58k miles on it is KBB at this:

Excellent
$13,945
Good
$13,270
Fair
$12,120


This is private party BTW.

 

Just checked some listings. Only a handful of 4.2's available, mostly 3.0 and 2.5. Useful information though phd12volt.

Thanks

 

Saucy, X2 to phdvolt. Go for the 03-on 4.2's mucho better motor and trans...300 hp with a 6 speed ZF. Better yet, buy phdvolts' primo 400+ hp 03 STR...a bargain at $13k!

 

Drive a 2003+ before you consider a 99-02...2003 drives a little better and the interior is a whole lot better; you also get the cool keyfab which can roll down all the windows...The trannys in the 99-02 are weak, you have to fix the timing chain plastic tensioners, the ignition coils often fail and they have weaker power window modules...

 

Another vote for 2003+ and 2005 and up if possible. The 2003 update really improved the S Type and finally made it much different from the Lincoln LS. If you want a 1999-2002 S Type consider the Lincoln LS. It was made until 2006 and is a VERY similar car.
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+1 on going for 2003 and up if possible.

I'm not sure it is worth getting hung up on the 4.2 versus 3.0 thing, there's not a huge difference between them IMHO.

 

Thanks a lot everyone for your very useful advice. I actually see some nice listings in the 03 thru 05 years for only a little more money.

 

if you are interested i am going to put mine in the for sale section. 12k Takes it to the first person. 2003 STR w/58k miles.

 

03 and up is the way to go as others have said regardless of what motor you prefer.

 

Your car is badass, indeed. I drove the 01 4.0 yesterday. Very nice but a bit underpowered. I go see a 03 4.2 today. This might be the one if everything is kosher. Thanks for your input, you all have been very helpful. Good luck with that sweet cat PhD.

 

Get it checked out by a mechanic...Make sure it has ORANGE coolant and not GREEN coolant...If there's a coolant leak in the 4.2 non-S/C see if you can locate the source...USUALLY it's not too expensive of a fix...Other thing to listen out for is the "GRUNT GRUNT GRUNT" sound and shutter from the trans when driving between 55MPH-70MPH...It's pretty loud; if it does this you'll know...