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Just saying hi to the Jaguar community and sharing my unique Jaguar story.
I would assume i am one of the youngest S type R owners in the world having just turned 19 yesterday. I've been into cars my whole life. When i turned 16 I started buying, flipping, and selling cars making some money and learning a whole lot in the process. I've had an e46 330ci, e24 635CSI, Big turbo B5 A4, a B5 s4, a B5 s4 avant 6spd, a 2.7tt A6 6spd, a 1984 300D turbodiesel, a BMW 540i 6spd, Triumph Spitfire and now a Jaguar S type R.
About a year and a half ago I decided to take my "passion" to the next level. I started my own detailing company: Distinct Detailing. Since opening the company I have been fortunate enough to work on some incredible cars. Vintage Ferraris, Porsches, BMW's etc. I have built a pretty good name for the company around my area and hope to keep growing the business. I never saw myself in a Jaguar at such a young age however I sort of stumbled upon my STR. My girlfriend at the time had an english teacher who's owned jags for the past 40 years (first one being a mark II). Upon seeing his car she mentioned to him that I have a detailing business. He called to inquire about a detail because he is trying to sell it. I saw the car in person and instantly fell in love. He explained all the unique aspects of the "R" as well as how meticulously cared for his was. The moment i first drove that car I was sold. I fell in love. it was such a unique and different experience from my previous german sports sedans. The refined power and class this car has is unmatched by any of its german competitors. We agreed upon a price and the following week she was mine.
Included in the sale was a stack of almost 100 receipts for work that has been done. i bought it with just under 116,000 miles. at 100,000 the transmission was replaced, the fuel pumps, all gaskets, tires, brakes, fluids etc etc was all taken care of. It was like buying it with 16k miles. I really lucked out with the condition of the car. I could not find a single flaw with the car *with the exception of minor curb rash on a few wheels*. The car was perfect. I have been enjoying it for the last few months and have big plans for the future!
Just wanted to share my story with the community. Here's some pics
Congrats and welcome. She's a beauty. You have much better taste and luck than I did at your age. I was dealing with Fiat 850s and 128s at 16-17 years old. But I agree with you after driving BMW and Mercedes, the cat is a unique breed. At 52, I am both ends of spectrum, alternating between Jeep and Jag....both of which I love for completely different reasons.
Enjoy your R and make use of this forum's resources and members. It has been very helpful to me with minor maintenance issues I've had.
Congrats and welcome. She's a beauty. You have much better taste and luck than I did at your age. I was dealing with Fiat 850s and 128s at 16-17 years old. But I agree with you after driving BMW and Mercedes, the cat is a unique breed. At 52, I am both ends of spectrum, alternating between Jeep and Jag....both of which I love for completely different reasons.
Enjoy your R and make use of this forum's resources and members. It has been very helpful to me with minor maintenance issues I've had.
Love that story, Dimitrigregorio. Your car looks like an '03 or '04 model, quite gorgeous. Good luck with your new business, and don't forget to feed us any tips for top-class detailing that you discover as you go along.
Just in case the meticulous previous owner didn't attend to everything, here are a few low-cost items that have bothered STR owners over the years...
> Replace 2-piece OEM lug nuts with solid Gorilla before too long.
> Check the torque on the prop shaft bolts.
> Check that the 2 bolts holding the tranny cable linkage are good and tight.
> Put some lithium grease on the latch mechanism of the fuel tank door.
> Consider replacing the battery if over 7 years old.
> Make sure the moonroof drain channels are clear.
> Consider replacing the thermostat and some upper coolant hoses.
I may well be the oldest STR owner on the forum - here's my very first Jag when I was about your age.
Well, we're all a bit envious I'd say..we all hope that we'll end up finding a vehicle like that, pristine condition, meticulous maintenance. Enjoy your Cat..
Barbara
I wanted to give everyone an update on my progress with the STR.
Since my original post i have installed a full custom catback exhaust, mina gallery intake as well as intake elbow, carbon fiber side markers, 3k yellow foglights, euro plate, a subwoofer in the trunk and much more to come! Here's many pics from various photoshoots i've done.
Wow...I just turned 20 and had the car for just over a year, congrats to the two year ago you, Ive replaced so much and still need to do more. But good job dude.
simply beautiful...I too lucked out with my str..found it 200 miles away from me one day just looking on craiglist...talked to the owner..he had just listed it an hour before...bought it without driving it on a feeling and this car still never fails to impress me
simply beautiful...I too lucked out with my str..found it 200 miles away from me one day just looking on craiglist...talked to the owner..he had just listed it an hour before...bought it without driving it on a feeling and this car still never fails to impress me
ironically enough, I have a very similar story to that, was the first one I saw, test drove it even though it’s been problematic ever since it’s been fun, wish it hadn’t caused me so many issues though.
Don’t laugh girlfriend named the car TIGGER from Winnie the Pooh she says I have a big smile on my face when I am driving lol
I will take the str daily every time
2005 STR It’s awesome to hear that you found a beautiful cat I just bought a 2005 STR! I have been in love with the str since 2003,when I first laid eyes on one. I have been looking for the right one for the past two years. I have owned a BMW m3,BMW M5, mercedes-Benz E and C class. But the STR is on a different level. The power, handling the luxury sets it apart from the German cars. Basically the refinement, character , personality and soul of the STR is what the German cars are missing. To drive it is to love it. I am now looking for a second STR so I can put miles on them evenly. Wow talk about being in love with a car!! This car has given me more smiles per mile then any other car I have ever had. Omg I am going to become a STR hoarder. O well! Congratulations you’re very lucky guy at such a young age to be driving a very special and Unique car. Take care of her and she’ll take care of you will pay you back with smiles on your face
I am 72 years old in body and life experience, but 50 years younger in mind, spirit, and attitude toward life.
I sold my 1962 Red Ford Thunderbird in 1970, shortly after going on active duty as a 2LT in the U.S. Army. I needed a family car for the wife and two small children, and the no trunk 1972 T-Bird wasn't going to cut it.
I sold my 1972 Ontario Orange Corvette Coupe two years ago. I had had it since 1977, the year I graduated from law school.
I had always admired the Jaguar XKE looks since college days during the second half of the 1960s.
I purchased my first Jaguar 7 days ago. It is a black one. I purchased my second Jaguar yesterday. It is a white one. I think I am through buying Jaguars for a very long time to come. The MSRP for my 2005 and 2007 Jaguars was $149,830. I paid a total of $28,800 for both of them. That is 19% of the MSRP. It was the right time and the right place and the right prices for me to buy these two Jaguars. From the words of Charlton Heston: "I'll give you my two Jaguars when you prythemfrom my cold, dead hands."
Great write up Robert, a pleasure to read about your story. Two wise choices of cars indeed and both beautiful designs! At 72 mate, you have plenty of time to enjoy them. Cant complain about the savings on the MSRP.