I have been wanting a Jag for a long time. I was laid off from my job in 2010 and the lack of employment opportunities at the time forced me to turn in my new car and sell my motorcycle. I have since found a job and have been sharing a car with my fiancee.

I recently had a little luck in the lottery and while looking for a car I came across the almost exact S-Type I've been wanting no dreaming of. On top of that I was able to get financed to rebuild my credit.

Its an 03 S-type 4.0 that has been somewhat murdered out by the previous owner. It only has 95000 miles on it. Whats ironic is this used car dealer is across the street from a Jaguar dealer. Took the car there to have it checked out and the mechanic said he wished he had the money to buy it. He didn't know it was in the lot across the street. He told me the car was in incredible condition and seemed great and was a steal for the price.

As you can tell I'm really excited. I will be asking a lot of questions in the coming months!

The wheels on the car are not my style and I will be removing them. If anyone is interested send me a PM and we can talk price.

Congrats!

If it's an 03.... would usually be a 4.2. Is last 6 of VIN after M45254?

Biggest reason is that the 4.0 has tensioner etc issues you may want to address (try Search and read for a while).

TG diamond! Congrats and than you for sharing your story.

Keep us upated on your ownership.

Oh yeah! (Austin Powers style) Welcome TG. Lottery? Did it happen to be the Power Ball or instant $5000? Just kidding...but really. Yeah, check the car again for year. As mentioned 03's came with the 310 chp 4.2.

Thanks for the welcome. Last of the VIN are M50529. Am I going to regret this purchase?

DUB style!

You have the 4.2 v8 so you are good. I kinda like the look of that grill

Yayy! You have the 4.2. Excellent. Should have the revised tensioners & no nikasil problems. Just drive it. Member Mikey has one and you don't see him with major complaints about it

Yup- very reliable ride (touch wood)

Great looking car Diamond- nice find!

CONGRATS on the new Jag!!

Enjoy!

Welcome! Nice potential with that one. Best advice: read the forums daily.

DUH.....I went out raised the hood and looked at the engine tag, it is a 4.2 as all of you have said! WHEW!!!

Thanks all for the quick responses.

Now, I have a problem already. The coolant low warning is on and the coolant level is fine. Would that be a sensor?

There is a float in the tank, it may be stuck, are you sure the fluid level is good, the sensor is petty sensitive.

Yes I checked the level and it is at the correct level

nice looking car- i remember that woohoo feeling when i got my first Jag!

The sensor is essentially the same idea for all the cars, though the header tanks can be a bit different in shape/position. The tanks all brittle so handle with care!

Have a look at any of the existing threads about replacing the float / tank - especially in the How To stickies - and you'll get the idea.

Thank you sjuraud for the sticky, "How to Guides". I went through the VIN decoder and was very pleased to learn that not only is my Jag a 4.2 as everyone informed mehere but it is in fact the Sport Model. Aside from the R this is the model that I wanted.

Now's a good time to fill in the details (see below).

Wishing you unlimited years of troublefree miles!!!!!

Unfortunately already having trouble. The carpet behind me was wet after the rain 2 days ago. The window trim is coming off. I don't know if I need to replace the whole trim (expensive) or just the clips. Hoping its just the clips.