Hay guys

So I'm considering buying an s type with 100,000 miles on it. Always been a biker so I was wondering if you all had any suggestions of particular things to look for or check besides the obvious things (lights,Carfax, etc.... )

 

To get really good advice, you'll have to tell us what year and model you're contemplating buying. With that mileage, it could be either a 2001 or a 2005 and there is a vast difference between the two.

 

Without knowing what year your looking at I'd personally strongly recommend 03+ up take it from someone who has had both. 03+ is 200% more refined in my personal opinion. All the year models come with
Their own quirks.

I'd recommend an 03+ STR of you can find one/afford one (not knowning your budget)

Which ever model and year you decide please please I urge you to pay a Jag dealer or local certified shop go through it and give you a report of the inspection to see what you can deal with financially. As with all cars these can get expensive to own if you get the wrong one. And find a good warranty company you will thank yourself for it.


Happy hunting and good luck!!

 

Don't forget that since you've got four wheels now, you don't have to lean in corners and can't split the lanes in traffic. On the other hand, you won't fall down if you lock the front wheels. Not as many on coming Volvo drivers turning left in front of you too.


Follow the advice in the posts above and you won't go wrong.

 

Hi there Mafioso - Your advice on S-types looks sound. I'm looking at 2005-2008 S-Type 4.2L. Do you have any info on what to look out for on any of those year/models? Thanks for any help - knockdhu

 

If you find one have it inspected and scan and post up the report all of us are more then happy to help.

Major things to look for in the MY05-08 transmition problems (do a search use zf 6hp26 for the keyword) and some owners have reported a rear end whine.

Again the report should also tell you any open recalls or TSB's needed. You will get a wealth of information if you ask the dealer to inspect it.


Armed with a carfax and an inspection report you can make the best desicion possible for bang for the buck.

Once you get the report look up what didn't pass/what's wrong with it and make your choice.

Best advise finally find a realtivly low milage one so it's eligible for warranty coverage I can't stress how important a warranty will save your butt.

Please don't cut corners on my advise and happy hunting!


In your hunting make sure you drive and STR, I got lucky and got more then I paid for my sport others might not be so lucky ( I got impatient looking for the right STR and thought I would be happy with the sport only to sell it 3 months later for an STR)

 

If you find one near a member on here they MIGHT be prepared to test drive it etc (on a no liability basis). Happens over here sometimes. So post the details of any you're serious about.

 

I would add to the advice to look for a post face lift version for reliability reasons and to budget more for servicing and repairs.

 

Thanks to you all for the good advice. Delta 66, can you tell me what "post face lift" means?

I'm looking seriously at a 2006 S-Type, 4.2L with 48K. Unfortunately, it's in Daytona, Florida and I'm in Tacoma, Washington. I've got the CarFax report and it's clean. I'm prepared to pay for an independent inspection, and have asked my dealer to see what he can set up.

 

There were two facelifts, a major in 2003 and a minor in 2005. 2003 and up have the 6 speed gearbox and other mechanical upgrades. 2005 was purely cosmetic.

 

I would check for coolant leaks.
The plastic coolant reservoir is prone to cracks.
Also check the front and rear suspension and alignment.

 

I recently purchased my S type.
2001 4.0 with 63,000 miles on it.
i have had it checked for leaks and none appear, yet i had a Cadillac specialist take a look at it.
I work for a Cadillac dealership and thats the reason.
I love my new car!
I just changed the front two brakes and discs.
2 owner.
1st owner- 2 year lease
2nd owner- purchase
Avg. miles per year about 7,000.
Any tips?
Thanks guys!

 

Keep up on your transmission fluid changes. Be prepared for some amount of elctrical glitches as ewll.

I like all years of the S-type, but I personally like the 2003 and up models for styling only.

I have heard that the 4.0 V8 has problems with oil leaks.

I think that you have many good miles left on your car.

Keep in mind this car isn't a honda or a Cadillac, so be prepared for the unexpected.

In the meantime, enjoy the ride.

I almost bought one about 4 years ago.

 

ha wow. thanks so much guys. the advice so far is great. unfortunately i have to keep looking but will take all the info with me. the jag i was looking into was a 2k with 130k miles on it. the dealer was honest but a little annoying. and there was already a 200 dollar maintenance job it needed. he said it could go without it but whatever. plus a random corrosion on the rear bumper. nope. not worth it to me. but i know some things to look for so thanks for all your help.

 

I would definitely look for a 2003 or newer model in a used as it was also suggested by others.

 

Major improvements with the 2003 model year:

15% improvement in structural rigidity, incl. magnesium dash support
Vastly improved dashboard!
improved HVAC controls.
Aluminum suspension components w/ improved spring/shock settings
exterior cosmetic improvements
V6 engine has continuously variable cam timing and improved engine management software. actually rated at 5 less HP, but a faster, better engine.
V8 engine goes to 4.2 from 4.0 liters. MAJOR improvements in cam chain tensioners. I think 4.0 V8s are to be avoided, but with the 4.2 engine the Aj V8 engine came right.
5 speed auto trqansmission replaced with much improved 6 speed auto.
5 speed Getrag manual trans available ( 03-04 years only).

These are the major changes all effective with the 03 model year, which makes it a no brainer in my opinion. I bought an 03 3.0 V6 manual 4 months ago, and it is a fantastic car. Even stock, the revised suspension along with the lighter engine/transmission combo give it great reflexes, and it is plenty fast. Shop carefully, buy the best you can afford, and enjoy!

 

when you say corrosion on the back bumper was the clear coat peeling off?

 

What part of Florida classtie? located in Miami here