Hello everyone,

I am about to purchase a 2000 S type 4.0 from a friend that has 130K on the clock. Of course it has had the tranny replaced and also some suspension work done also. She was being shafted by mechanics buying things and doing work over and over that did not need to be done.

Currently it has the misfire issue that I see is everyone seems to have and the driver’s window motor is out. It is very clean inside and out and I would love it as a project but I have some really big questions for you guys.

Should I just find a low mileage motor and swap it out doing the timing and such before install?

Should I keep current motor and do the Timing and water pump?

Do these motors do high miles? Can't seem to find any with high miles.

Any help will be greatly appreciated guys. Oh it is $3500 for the car just so you have a reference point.

 

Hi Ray, and welcome. IMHO $3500 for a very used 2000 4.0 "S" that needs work is $1000 too much. She's an old girl with some suspension, trans. and engine design issues. Presuming she runs well, $2500 max. is what I'd recommend to pay. The 4.0 is known for smoking due to piston design. You mentioned the Ford 5 speed trans. was replaced- good. The other stuff you can nail down relatively easy. Have you speced out 2003 up "S"'s? They are affordable, come either with a 235 hp 3.0, or 300 hp 4.2, revised suspension, and a ZF 6 speed trans. Regardless, the S-Type are a nice automobile.

 

Thanks for the reply....thing is I am buying the car to help her with money issues I really don't need the car but it would be nice to have an extra car. I will try to talk her down a little though as you have suggested.

I wonder can I upgrade the engine if needed to the 4.2? Will the computer need to be upgraded also or is it even possible?

 

Very hard. Far cheaper to buy the 4.2 entire car.

 

Helping her out with $$$$? Hey, If yer a philanthapist, go for it. The 4.2 won't transplant in there unless ya want to reconfigure the mounts, trans., suspension, ECU, entire wiring harness, etc., otherwise forget about "it". Just drive her or fix up a few things then flip the bitch.

 

Well I think I will just fix it up and buy a second motor and work on it will it is out of the car. Thing is I want a second car and I have owned numerous BMW's, Audi, etc but never a Jag so I though it would be neat to finally have one. I will let you guys know how it works out.....

 

We're with ya brother. You'll find many here standing behind you helping with any needed info. and encouragement.