And you'll find that they really weren't that rare in the first place and also that 'rare' does not always equal 'desirable'.

This car is worth more than a base/sport model but not as much as a type R, none of which will fetch anything near $17K.

 

Three years ago, I bought a 7-year-old STR with a near-flawless interior and exterior and 53k miles. One owner, lady driven, dealer-serviced, garaged day and night, price $15000. Here's some things I didn't expect...
>> Original battery soon had to be replaced.
>> Seemingly 'perfect' coolant hoses soon had to be replaced.
>> DCCV and climate control actuator doors soon had to be replaced.
>> Auxiliary coolant pump soon had to be replaced.
>> Wheels needed to be re-aligned.
>> Some suspension bushings had to be replaced.
>> Fuel filter was filthy, had to be replaced.
>> Faulty pressure damper on fuel rail had to be sealed, no parts available.

No way the original owner could have been aware of these problems, because everything was working fine at the date of sale. Happily, I had budgeted for trouble (though not THAT much), and was able to reduce the asking price from $17k to $15k.

Now here's a flawless 9-year-old 4.2 with 45k miles. Tijoe is dead right, budget $3k+ for short-term problems and go from there.

 

I was watching a black 2007 STR with 53k miles, peanut-butter interior from december 2014 until june this year. Offer price was $19k in december, the vehicle was dropped every so often -- it sold in June for $16k, just weeks before I was budgeted to swoop it.

I got lucky a few weeks later when a 2005 STR, 83k miles with the same color schemes in XLNT cosmetic condition became available for $9,450. The shocks are on their way out, but not real bad.

I had the local mechanic that took good care of my previous S-type go over it as a new-used vehicle purchase -- nothing wrong mechanically other than the shocks/bushings.

I'll put $3k into updating the suspension -- this will put the total purchase price at $12,450.

I've seen several VDP's for sale that seemed quite similar to the VDP you are driving go for $12k --> $14k. I'm going to expect yours will also fetch something in that price range.

You are definitely spot on with regard to Jag owners -- we are a picky bunch of high-intel characters. But, I'm afraid you're asking too much in this sale.

If you were offered $17k on it, you should go get that deal done ASAP. Good luck, hope you find happiness with what remains in life.

 

I went to KBB and input the VDP with the mileage and got about $10,500 if bought from a private party. Also, I did a nationwide search on Autotrader.com and the highest price I saw for a 2006 S-Type was $15,900. This was for an STR which is the top line for S-Types. If you were offered $17,500 I would go for it if I were you.

 

I believe this thread is almost played out. The majority of us believe that this car’s value is way below $17K.

Other comments:

“Most cars - from a distance look the same. But not a Jaguar!!! This makes a Jaguar unique.”
- Ever see a 2004 Hyundai Sonata? Other than the front of the car, I’ve had numerous people joke that Jaguar copied the look of the Sonata.
- A lot of people think the S-types are Ugly and don’t like the “retro look”
- Unless enthusiasts are over 50, they wont relate to the classic lines and look of the car.

If someone thinks that the S-type will become a coveted collector’s car, they are mistaken. Take a look at the sales price for the original 1960’s 3.8 S-types. They often go for less than $10K. I’ve seen a pristine one with 38000 original miles for sale, for over 6 months, with an asking price of $25K. The original S-type is one of the least collected Jaguar. What will make our generation S-type any different? Too many plastic parts on the car that deteriorate over time and you wont find spares to replace them. Until 95% of S-types are in a graveyard, the prices wont go up.

There is a high percentage of “jaguar enthusiasts” that do not consider our S-types to be a “true Jaguars” They consider the X-types and S-types as “Fords”. Only the XJ series is a true “Jaguar” (We know better, but that perception exists for the S-types.
Most of the “Jaguar enthusiasts” I know prefer the XJ8 Vanden Plas or XJR over the S-type.

From my perspective, the S-type is a sleeper car that few want, but is reliable, and has very high depreciation. This works in favor of those who like the car. A great car for minimal money.

 

Joseph, pay no attention to these nay sayers........Hold out for at least $23,798.49!

 

You also might want to check out

www.cars.com for more pricing info..

 

Hello,

I sense an intensity I would not have expected from a forum such as this.

My comments were never intended to be adversarial - If anything I'm guilty of being quite loyal towards my vehicle choice and the brand. Isn't what this forum is all about???

No one needed to respond negatively to towards my expectations - as one said supportively "I hope you get it" or "Yes, a pristine vehicle would command a price like that" I add especially IF they desire this type of vehicle.
After all - There are 300 million people in this Country.

About the bushings, etc..........I have a 1999 Buick LeSabre (128,000 miles) purchased new - that just this month needed a Sway bar. Items such as tires, brakes, thermostat, etc. is normal and expected expenditures. I have not done anything else.
IF my Buick has held up - NOT had the issues stated with rubber dry rot then I must assume 'some' feel Jaguars are NOT a quality built vehicle. Possibly experiencing buyer remorse?!
To avoid problems with Vehicles then you must buy NEW - then trade up to another NEW vehicle every two to four years. I [really] wonder what that costs to do.
I have all my 61 years respected my vehicles; learned to repair what I can [do it right] have the specialists attend to the rest. My 1999 Buick appears close to NEW. The Riviera - I bought from an Elderly Lady with a 'thing' for Rivieras. She was a bad driver - going backwards, banged it up then garaged it in a hot damp garage for many years. I bought it two years ago with 21,525 miles on it. It is solid as a rock! Interior almost as if no one sat in it. But it has some surface rust from that hot damp garage.
Why do I say this.....because I bet my Young Wife will still be using these vehicles for many years. The one and only thing that bothered me about cars is THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS which I have NOT had as far back as I can remember.
What ....How did I pay for the Jaguar? I wrote out a check.

This will be my last post nor will I ever come back to look - I do not feel advice here is worth my time - GOODBYE and Thank You - to all the Wise here.

 

I guess it happens occasionally on all forums that people asking for 'advice' or 'recommendations' really just want others to agree with their already cast in concrete ideas. They then get upset and leave when this does not happen.

 

Yep. I call it the "I'll just take my ball and go home" syndrome....

Kinda what Lance Armstrong has been doing the past few years....

 

Does he still have a ball?

 

I thought he lost his home too.

He and I do have something in common though, we have won the same number of Tour de France.

 

Wow. Sorry we chased him away with a dose of reality.

- "No one needed to respond negatively to towards my expectations." I re-read the thread and didn't see negative comments, just facts and good opinions.

- "'some' feel Jaguars are NOT a quality built vehicle. Possibly experiencing buyer remorse?"
Amazing. We point out the problems his car could have and he says we may be experiencing "buyers remorse"

- I have all my 61 years respected my vehicles..." I'm quickly approaching sixty. What does age have to do with anything? It is nice to know he respects his cars, but this has little to do with the car's value.

Concerning MBL. (Mono Ball Lance) he was still able to get his girlfriend pregnant several years ago. Seems his straight six is still firing on all cylinders.

 

wow -- he's got a young wife??? get rid of that jalopy and go get some, man

 

Just curious about VDP S-Types....in the Atlanta area, I have never seen one in person even though base models abound. Mainly 3.0s, and a split between 4.0 and 4.2 models. Was the $3,000 or so premium considered over the top?

 

You hit the nail on the head, on multiple points. OK, so I'm over 50, and like the retro look of both the grille and rear window, originally type S and Mark series inspired. Look at a newer car, and most have boomerang rear door edges.

And now that I own one, I see a decent amount of clean looking examples around. You can still find serviceable ones for under $5,000 with UNDER 100K miles. The depreciation is similar to a Lincoln LS or Town Car (usually with blown airbag suspension). It's worth it to hear co-workers ask: YOU own a Jag? The uninitiated can't believe it's an '02.

Bottom line...Ford parts or not, a S-type's STILL a Jag. Let's see if F-types drop in price! Get as much as you can for the VDP. I'm seeing XF models going for mid to high $20's, so that over $15k S-Type will soon be a hard sell.