Just test-drove a 2005 STR (ebony exterior/sand interior) with 26,630 miles. Asking price is $22,999. The last six digits of the VIN are N35124. Well-kept from a cosmetic point of view. CarFax comes up clean. It was a corporate-lease car in Fort Myers, FL sold at auction back in October. Just got off the phone with Jaguar Corporate. The car was always serviced by the selling dealership, Fort Myers Jaguar.

However, there are some drawbacks to take into consideration. The car was built and shipped from the UK in September 2004 and didn't sell here in the States until September 2005, so it essentially sat for a year. Also, it went from December 2007 until May 2009 (a total of 13,075 miles) without an oil & filter change. In my humble opinion, that is really pushing a supercharged engine (especially when running conventional oil as this car does - Castrol 5W-30).

Other than sitting for a year and the big gap between oil changes, Jaguar's service records seem to indicate that this car had very few problems during its 4-year lease:

10,000-mile service in December 2006 at 6,387 miles.

A key fob modification in May 2007 at 8,057 miles.

20,000-mile service in December 2007 at 11,325 miles along with the X176 recall.

A fuel filler door repair (what a surprise!) in March 2008 at 13,506 miles.

40,000-mile service in May 2009 at 24,390 miles along with the J004 emissions recall.


Using the fact that the car sat for a year and went more than 13,000 miles between an oil & filter change from 2007 to 2009, I'm guessing that a savvy STR enthusiast could drive a substantial bargain on this car. If anyone is interested, the seller is Ultimate Imports in Durham, NC and their toll-free is (866) 803-1591. I found this car when I was surfing cars.com this morning. It's only 15 to 20 minutes from my house so when I was out this afternoon, I stopped by and drove it. And yes, it's fast as greased lightning....

 

Jon89-
Stay away from Ultimate Imports. They are the worst. The last time I delt with them, things went so wrong that I had to contact the BBB, the DOT, and the NC Attorney Generals office. I actually just wrote a statement yesterday for a woman who is getting ready to take them to court. If you'd like more info, please email me a number that I can call you on.

 

Thanks for the tip. I've never dealt with them before. I've noticed their high-end stock as I have driven past their location for several years - they seem to have nice, well-cared-for vehicles. Today was the first time I set foot on their premises. But from what you say, their business practices may be shaky. So any of you out there reading this, proceed with caution....

By the way, I wasn't planning to purchase this STR. My last black vehicle was 20 years ago and I'll never own another one again. Unless you're a constant detailer, it just ain't worth it....

 

How many miles were on the car when it was finally registered a year later? If the car sat around the lot for a year I wouldn't be too concerned. If it had thousands of demo miles during that time, you know those were some hard miles.
Also, the car may have had an oil change during that time, just not at the dealer. A lot of people will only have the dealer change the oil if the car is in for something else anyway.