My Aunt is selling her 03 STR.

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Jul 27, 2009 | 02:00 PM

My Aunt's Jag

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My Aunt is selling her 03 STR.

Hi there. I hope my username gave you a laugh. I didn't want to waste a cool user name if I end up passing on this car. If I end up buying this car, I might be stuck with My Aunt's Jag. Here's the dealio. My Aunt is ~68 years old and is upside down with her fully loaded 2003 STR. My aunt was dating a "car guy" who talked her into the beast and she is the original owner. She uses it as her sole transportation and has about 72,000 miles. She is asking if I want to buy it.

Here are some key points of info:

This car probably has never been floored, taken a hard corner, or experienced 7-8-9 braking in its life.
I am 34, make a decent income and have owned (among other cars) a 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, and currently drive a 2002 Audi A6 2.7T. I am used to dealing with higher maintenance cars and am attracted to them for some odd reason.

I still like my Audi, but 390 HP in a classy Jag is intriguing. I've done some searches, and see that this is another car that can get pricey at the garage (the torque converter scares me). Any ideas on a fair offer range? Should I just stay away regardless? If I don't buy, any selling recommendations to my dear old aunt?

Thanks for the help.

-AJ

Jul 27, 2009 | 03:18 PM

tbird6

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The 2003 model was the first year and had the most problems. Still they are very reliable. With that many miles I would think the price should be in the $12K-$15K range. These are very good value for the money cars. The TQ problem is pretty rare but a known issue. I would change ALL the fluids as soon as I got the car. Make sure you get the transmission flushed at a Jaguar dealer. The ZF has no dipstick and it's a bit complicated to get the correct fill. Everything else I do myself. Air,cabin,gas and oil filters. Changing the oil, flushing and changing the coolant. I also recomend flushing the brake fluid but I am very picky about my cars!!!
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Jul 27, 2009 | 05:50 PM

aquill1

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The fact that she's ur aunt I'd say 12k should be a good price. With the miles and cost of str's that I've seen that should be a fair price. How is she upside down in it though?

Jul 27, 2009 | 07:30 PM

whiteSTR

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From: Miami, FL

If it's been babied and had all the maintenance performed on time I would say go for it.. Even though it is your Aunt, I would not pay a dollar over 15k for it. If you have a good steady job, you have no reason to be worried. The largest repair bill you may ever see is for the torque converter. Other than that, just plan on replacing a few coil packs and a brake job. Most parts can be purchased online for a lot less than the dealer, but certain things like hard lines must be purchased through a dealer. The filters and fluids usually cross over with Fords (Motorcraft), but the tranny fluid can be pricey.

Jul 27, 2009 | 07:31 PM

bmw745ion19s

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From: GNV, Florida & HOU, Texas

Id say $15k-$17k is a good price for it.

If these considerations are right:

1) its been well maintained and there is nothing wrong with it, cosmetically it must be near perfect

2) it has a clean carfax record

The ones in the under $15k range ive seen have had paintwork, bad records, at a dealer so you dont know how well maintained they have been etc

S Type Rs are a very particular specialty car, there isnt much knowledge of them so they take longer to sell then a "normal" model.

I have mine at $17.8k and have been getting a good stream of calls indicating my price is fair. However, I will note mine is nicer cosmetically then most with half the miles of mine and ive been very picky about maintenance and warranty items being taken care of meaning my car will be trouble free for a long time!

Jul 27, 2009 | 09:40 PM

phd12volt

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From: PA

only issue i had was the torque converter and the thermostat. I chaulk them up to because whoever owned my car only drove it about 4000 miles a year. go figure.

The dealer who did the repair on mine, said they have done maybe MAYBE 5 torque converters in these cars. Mine was his fifth. Out of pocket expense could have been over 3000 dollars however i did research the warranty companies and settled on one that did in fact cover the repair anyway. I had to pay for fluid and thats it and my 100 dollar deductible.

Jul 29, 2009 | 11:22 PM

My Aunt's Jag

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Thanks

I just wanted to thank those who replied. I am still thinking about it and have some time before I have to make a decision. I think she owes something like $17,000. I wouldn't want to pay more than ~$12,000 but might throw in some sympathy money. I am still on the fence, but am leaning toward just keeping my A6. It is a nice car and tough to part with.

Last edited by My Aunt's Jag; Jul 29, 2009 at 11:44 PM.

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Jul 30, 2009 | 03:20 PM

rld14

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From: Las Vegas, Nevada

She owes close to double the car's actual wholesale value...

Aug 4, 2009 | 11:23 PM

steves1986

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I would suggest you to go with 2010 audi a4 comparatively it's a better choice.

Aug 5, 2009 | 03:09 AM

#10

JagV8

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From: Yorkshire, England

I'd think the A4 is considerably smaller and not in the same price range. An oldish A6 may be. Neither will be remotely like an STR to drive. The S6 would be closer. The RS6 would be even madder. And more expensive.

Aug 5, 2009 | 05:16 PM

#11

aquill1

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It's insane that she owes that much money on the car! You can find a newer one for that kind of money with the same or less mileage.

Hang onto the a6!