AzRon, what a great post that sums up my experience as well. And yes, in some ways I'm having second thoughts about my decision (the car was a beauty, no doubt about it) but on the other hand, I think I've become old enough -and wise enough -to take heed of others advice and experience (again, thanks to the posters who responded). If anything, this has given me a more defined target (e.g. 2003+ 3.0) which is helpful.

There were other things I didn't go into -while I have a one car garage and a driveway, I do have very limited space, and if I had a large garage I might just have just gone for it..... Granted the lower tensioners sounded like a more complex job, but I'd have been willing to have had a go if I had a larger garage knowing I could comfortably leave it in place and pick up where I left off the next weekend in. I think my setup is ok for small to medium jobs, but given the feedback and all things considered, I decided to err on the course of safety!

And of course with age comes.... patience. Ever since I saw the s-type (the x-type is completely another story and if I express what I think about the looks of it I fear I would get into trouble and offend many people!) I've thought what a gorgeous car! I'm willing to sit back and be patient and just wait for that right opportunity. May take days, may take months, may take years -but I'm willing to wait for what I want.

 

I kinda walked into the 2002 4.0 - literally. It was my wife's car...one she had since 2005, and I would be damned if I let her give it to one of her #%$@ friends. So, I BOUGHT it from her. Did it need work? Yes, and it still does. HOWEVER, every used luxury vehicle I've owned had an equivalent laundry list of common ailments that were unique to the brand.

Cadillac Northstar engines, if allowed to run hot, would blow a head gasket for sure.
Infiniti Q45 G50 engines would need an "under the plenum" job at least once.
Cadillac Seville air shocks are no longer made. Arnotts were a great substitute.
Lincoln Town Car air shocks will always leak, or develop a pinhole.
BMWs...Russian Roulette with any electronic subsystem.

The list is endless. Jaguars are no worse than any other luxury brand in the used market.

Now that I own the ST, I see more on the road now than before I was even noticing....and with the "S-Type" emblem on the right side of the boot (trunk), means these are 1999-2002 models representing the majority (at least in Atlanta). I don't regret acquiring a 1st gen ST, although I would have liked a newer one, just for the newer audio interface, and the better mileage you get with a ZF transmission.

 

Hello AzRon,

Well said in your 04-20-2016, 10:00 PM post.
I always wanted a Jag too and had some of the thoughts and feelings that you and Owlsfan went through.
Last year I came across a Lady who had a 2000 s type 4.0 stored in her garage which she purchased new.
Knowing Jags reputation for problems I still had to have it.
I had to buy a new set of tires and a set of coils but I love the car.
Black on black with tinted windows, the feel of driving a Jag is unique.

John
2000 S-type 4.0, 38,000 miles
1937 Chev Pick-up

 

Welcome to the forum John,

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some information about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham