It's hard to believe I'm considering it, but it looks like I have an opportunity to practically swap (pricewise) my 1999 XK8 convertible for a 2001 S type sedan. With my life style changes, the sedan will be a better fit these days AND the huge draw is that my 120K miles on the XK8 will be swapped out for the 45K of this S type. I know the owner's family and pretty confident on the maintenance to date. Still need to take the S type in for a look from my mechanic, but it's clean (some scrapes on body - but interior and mechanically - seemingly). I haven't been able to enjoy the convertible since moving to a location that's now either too hot or too wintry. Since it's my daily ride, the sedan will be much more comfy. <sigh> Thoughts anyone? Feels like an 'it's hard to grow up' moment... I've enjoyed every minute with Ms. Jiggy for over 12 years so it's tough to think of letting go.

 

in the uk a 2001 stype in worth very little.a 1999 xk8 will pull a few thousand pounds..price these up first.dont sound like a good deal to me.
Dennis

 

Lots of very costly issues with the early S-Type models (pre-2003). I purchased our 2005 S-Type in December 2008 based upon the research I did at that time. I feel even more strongly now. If you opt for an S-Type, get one as new as you can possibly afford....

Spend some time reading the stickies in the S-Type forum before you decide to pull the trigger on that swap....

 

with all due respect but are you ******* mad!

the s types are a problem looking for somewhere to happen
and most of the "issues" are expensive to fix like jon89 said do a LOT of research
before committing i know on the face of it it looks like a good deal
but it could easily bite you hard.

i had an s type R for precisely 1 week before i realised it was a pile of garbage
and with the added bonus that it is the first car in 20+ years that made my Mrs
car sick every time she got in it within 5 miles
the choice is yours but personally i would not have another S type even if i was payed to take it!

oh and true due to the issues they are worth the square root of fek all here yet XKs of any vintage command a respectable price
buyer beware

 

It seems that you have been properly warned!

 

Keep the Jag ya have and go buy some other make of car that does the work for the fam. I like the Jags but unless ya got deep pockets no need for double the possible trouble.

 

Conversely, my S-type is the most reliable car I've ever owned in 40+ of driving. This includes Japanese, German and American cars and a few other British makes.

The pre-2003 models have a few quirks that can should be taken care of immediately if not already done.

I wold be surprised to learn that the two cars in question are of equal value though, meaning that your present car should be worth considerably more.

 

I am sure the OP has some deep pockets. I used to live in Danville, CA before it and nearby towns got taken over and rendered unrecognizable by the tech Yuppies. So glad I am in L.A. now.

Just budget 2-3k for annual maintenance. Personally I would not touch an S-Type with a 10-foot burled wood pole.

Cheers,
Wolfy