Hello,
A few weeks ago I registered with the Forum as part of my search for a classic Jaguar saloon. Having owned a few Lotus cars and others, age and arthritis suggested an alternative to the Elan and Mazdaspeed Miata in the garage. The first candidate was the XJ6, specfically a 86 or 87. After chasing a couple ( and two airline flights) the XJR was considered. Again clean low mileage examples were few. A friend bought a late model S Type (3.0) and I liked the size and style if not the engine. Finally I found and bought a 2003 STR last week. Very green, three owners, more miles than I would have liked but driving 800+ miles home was very entertaining.
The engine is a jewel. The style is subtle and attractive. A few items to address, head lamps are aligned to within 2 feet of the car, a couple of bulbs are out, the transmission down shifts to 1 st a bit abruptly, only one key and the remote does not work even with a new battery. There is a Cat Sys message. This car could replace one or two of my others assuming it proves to be dependable. Any suggestions for what I should look for? Timing chain, supercharger, suspension issues.
Phil in Tenn

Welcome Phil and congrats!!! There are alot of "R" guys here that will help you out. As far as the droopy headlight issue heres a link that may help you out: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ype-faq-10745/

With the CAT message you need to get the codes read and report back..

Hey! I am just north of you in Bowling Green. There is a TSB with the tranny for a reflash, you might want to look to see if your car had it done. Coolant leak from a hose under the s/c, blowing hot air from the vents (when set to a/c) are two issues that come to mind as far as these cars go.

Welcome Phil! How many miles does she have? I also have an '03 and I'm at 67k.

Welcome Phil! Feel free at home here, looks like we 03' STR members out number the rest of the STR owners on this forum

Thats not fair. LOL. Thats only cause they made more 03's. . Welcome fellow R owner. Enjoy her and care for her and you will be all good. Check out the Sticky at the top for a meet planned for June. Its the first crack at getting a meet together so the more people the merrier.

Howdy Phil! Pop off the covers on the strut towers and check the electrical connnection to the struts. A CAT error indicates a fault with the electrical suspension. The module for the CAT is in the trunk. Along with the connectors to the front and rear struts, check the module, fuses, and for water intrusion into the trunk.

Thanks guys,
This morning I am off to Firestone for a sorting out of the tires. The rears are new FireHawk but it came with a Perilli and a Good year fronts. One of the Firestones went flat yesterday. May just replace the lot with a more highway ( quieter) set. Then to emissions testing, and give the state their tax for registration. Have found a former Jag dealer tech to check the Cat Sys message and the tranny shift issue. Give this about two weeks and she should be as good as it will get for now..
look to heat from STR types..
Phil in Franklin
pwtrusty@yahoo.com
03 STR
05 Mazadspeed Miata
72 Lotus Elan +2
a couple fo drivers and a truck

Congrats on your ride , have many happy safe driving

Welcome to the forum, hope you enjoy the R and post often.

Welcome home!!