Hi everyone, I'm looking forward to some guidance from all the experienced jag owners. Sorry I also posted this in the newbie forum but it doesn't seem to have any traffic there, so I apologize for double posting.

I'm thinking about buying a used S type 3.0L, 06-08. They are surprisingly cheap, I never thought I'd be able to afford one.
I noticed how cheap jags are going for when I was shopping for a 2006 Lexus GS300. The S type just seems so much more sturdy than the Lexus, so I looked into the car more and what I learned is that jags are high maintenance and expensive to fix but I still want one despite all the horror stories I've came across online and from a few mechanics.

It hit me today that all the problems people have experienced are with the older models from the 90's to 05. So I started wondering if the newer models are much better built than before. I really want a S type, but the wife think I should get the Lexus.

I'd appreciate greatly any kind of information from 2006-08 S type owners or anyone who's experienced with the car. Thanks!

P.S. I'm planning to use it as a daily driver.

Stick with the Jag. Find one that is a Certified Pre Owned with the factory 6 year or 100,000 mile warranty with it. I suggest you get one from any local Jag dealer, you'll have a better chance of getting a good one. That should help with your wife's concerns.
I've had mine for over 3 years and has been to the dealer only twice..for minor problems and both under warranty.
Be patient and search around.
Mine's also a daily driver and I enjoy it a lot and so will you when you get one.

Welcome to the fine world of Jaguar...

The cars are just as reliable if not more so than equivalent luxury brands. The repair costs are on a par- as long as we compare Jag to MB and BMW but not to Hyundai.

My '03 has been the most reliable car I've ever owned (touch wood).

If you do buy one remember that owners have a secret oath to tell the non-cognoscenti that yes, they're horrible and bad and zombies will eat your brains. That will keeps the purchase value for your second and third one really low.

BTW- did you guys know that XK and XKRs, especially the 02 to 05 models really do have zombies that eat your brains? It's true! Sell me yours really cheap before it's too late.

thanks guys!

I found a 2007 s type for $18500, it's got the premium package with nav at 41700 miles and it seems that the owner had taking really good care of it.

I wonder if it's a good deal. If someone could tell me what's the difference between a s type standard and a s type with premium package, that would be great. (I've googled it but no luck)

It has 18 inch wheels, I drove it and it wasn't as smooth of a ride than I expected, and there seemed to be more road noise than the lexus. would the ride smoother if it's got 17 inch wheels?

Top 5 funniest posts of 2011. Well Done Mikey!

Ride quality is greatly influenced by the tires fitted, and their condition. 18's are a little stiffer yes, but let's not go straight for 17's just yet. My STR rides nicely on 18's - this car isn't a Buick, it is going to give you some road feel, which is what you want if you are gonna really drive it.

So, can you describe the tire conditions? Or perhaps elaborate a little on the "smoothness" quality you are lacking/looking for?

Is this a 4.2 V8 you are looking at?

it's just a regular 3.0L

From what I read online is that the ride in the jag is really smooth and quiet, but it wasn't so with the one I drove, inside wasn't as quiet as I expected, I can hear the some outside noise with all windows closed and hear the bumps on the road. My experience with the GS300 was that while inside the car, it was really quiet, it just muffles the sound from outside (it had 17 inch rims on).

If the size of the rims is the issue, would I be able to trade them for a set of 17's without extra money out of my pocket?

The ride in the S Type is pretty quiet and smooth, yes. But the Lexus is likely smoother and more quiet as far as wind noise goes. I still think there may be an issue with the tires of the one you drove it if there is road noise/bump noise. Maybe try to find another one to test drive. Rim size isn't going to do anything about wind noise.

You might be able to find someone on here who would trade wheels and tires with you, but unless it is local, it will be a PITA.

$18.5 sounds a little high anyway - keep looking perhaps.

You want a V8 "S".

Yea I'll have to test drive another one just to be sure.

So $18500 is too much for it? It's still under the select edition warranty until September of 2012. How much should I offer him for it?
When I drove it I noticed that the airbag warning light was on for the first half of the test drive and it was on and off the second half. The owner says it's because the scheduled maintnance is coming up and that's why the light is like that. Is that true? The car has 41700 miles on it.

The road conditions in this general area vary widely for noise. The newer ones are generally much quieter.
Kyao, example...a week ago last Sunday, we traveled the 241 and 261 toll roads in Orange County and found a great difference in noise, newer sections were much quieter and very noticible.
You may also want to drive other S-Types to make a comparision.
For a first time buyer, I suggest buying from a local Jag dealer since you'll have more recourse than thru a private party. The Pasadena dealer's prices seem a tad high, but they're usually open for heavy negotiations. Their shop and the service reps are very good if and when you need them.
Disclaimer: I have absolutely no financial or other interest with them, just my experience only.
I'm sure other dealers are also just as good.

No. The airbag light has a "prove out" setup. This means at every power cycle the entire SRS system is checked. It's pretty cool because it's basically an automated VOM! All the resistances are checked against what's in memory so if something is open or shorted the SRS light goes on. When that light is on remember you have NO airbags!

The guy does not know what he is talking about. The light should come on and stay on a few seconds while the prove out is in progress and then go out. Yours has a problem and it appears to be intermittent. There is NO maintenance on the SRS system.
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Hang on - which airbag light? If it was the one above the glove compartment (front of passenger seat), then it comes on to indicate that specific airbag is disabled. There are sensors to weigh the passenger and check how they're sitting. A light passenger causes the bag to be disabled because it is safer that way. A heavier passenger who moves around on & off the weight sensor can look like a light passenger some of the time. Not a problem if this fits with what happened.

You may be able to get a 4.2 (non-STR) for about the same money as a 3.0 and it's a really nice engine. Try one. MPG about the same as the 3.0, which surprises some.

(The STR is my choice but I'm another nutter.)

Premium? hmm, Premium Sound is the Alpine setup. Much nicer than the base one.

It's the airbag light in the dash.

Is the V8 a more reliable engine than the V6? I'm really just looking for a daily driver to work and such, so I don't really need that much power, I think 235hp isn't that bad. But if the V8 is a better engine in terms of reliability then I'll definitely consider getting one.

What do you guys think is a good price for this car I'm looking at? Thanks.

eek, that light shouldn't be on!! All I've ever seen mine do is self-test at ignition on.

235 is indeed enough. I reckon both engines are reliable. They need hardly anything apart from ordinary maintenance and a few easy things that are in the FAQs.

It does depend how you drive. Some like to be on and off the gas, in which case they're likely to prefer the V8 to the V6.

(No ideas on $ prices!)

I agree, forget the 'reliability' stuff, the 70s and Joseph Lucas were a long time ago. The V8s wre shared with the Lincoln LS and latest Ford Thunderbirds if that puts you mind at ease.

Many owners find the V8s get better fuel economy than the V6s.

Seriously? it's hard to believe. Is there a trick to it? Please let me know. thanks.

No tricks, both engines get excellent economy, obviously depending on driving style. Search the archives and there's several posts on this topic. Most 'outsiders' can't believe that the V8 car can 32-34mpg at steady cruise on the highway.

I don't do much highway driving, I'll be driving city most of the time. I'm sure there's a big difference between the V6 and V8 in city driving, right?

I'd think very much alike but see what owners say. Neither will be very good. Really, MPG isn't why you buy an S-Type!

I know the MPG isn't great that's why I'm looking at V6's. The reason I asked is because I'm planning to use it as a daily driver so if the MPG of the two is a big difference then I'm gonna get the V6. No point having a V8 and drive under 40mph for 90% of the time.

I don't have any experience with the S-Type, that's why I'm here having you guys help me figure things out haha I appreciate all the feedback.