Hello,
I am considering the purchase of a 2005 Jaguar S Type and have never owned a Jaguar. I have read some of the CarFax reports on a few for sale locally and read some owner reviews on line. Everyone who owns this car seems to agree, and so do I, that this is possibly the most beautiful sedan on the road or at worst in the top five or so.
My concern is related to maintenance. Spmeof the reviews were very negative but seemed to be directed to models older than 2005.
I don'tknow if I am getting an accurate impression on this vehicle so if anyone can give me some information as to what to expect on a 2005 with the V6 engine, it will be greatly appreciated.

Submitted by Rob@ThussLawOf… on Thu, 03/28/2013 - 22:24

Ditto, congratulations. Check out your local clubs as they're active in the northwest and do some great drives. Cheers.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Mon, 03/18/2013 - 12:13

Excellent choice, Dennis. I think you'll be happy with that one, especially if it's been well cared for by the prior owner.

Looking forward to your report after you have some quality seat time up and down the coast.

Cheers,

Submitted by denniscatone@c… on Sun, 03/17/2013 - 23:03

Well, I took the leap and bought a 2005 S Type with the 4.2. It is British Racing Green with a saddle leather interior. I could not be happier. It is in excellent condition from what I can tell so far and I can't wait for a good opportunity for a picture on the Oregon Coast. I am still leaarning about all the features so I am sure a question or two will pop up here in the forum.

Submitted by denniscatone@c… on Sun, 02/24/2013 - 16:00

Thank you all for your comments. I find them very helpful. I have been thinking about a luxury car for some time now but never considered Jaguar assuming they are just too expensive then I see an X Type for sale at what looks to me as an incredible bargain. After a little research I decided the X Type was not ther car I want but in the process found that the S Type was every bit the same bargain so my research started in earnest.
The reality is that in Oregon, there just are not many used S Types for sale at this time and they are all in or around Portland. The one that has my attention is a V6 but tat least one of the others is the V8, With all the positive comments about the V8, I will have to look at it as well. Thanks again and if I buy one of them I am sure I will post a picture.

Submitted by Rob@ThussLawOf… on Fri, 02/22/2013 - 18:18

Hi,

I have and 03 STR and my wife drives an 05 4.2. These cars are beautiful and bargains. There are known issues and the forum mentioned above is a good source, but you can get lost with the overload of info. The 300 bhp 4.2 has more comfortable seats and has more than enough power. The 3.0 is underpowered imho. I agree 05 is a good year for a 4.2. You get variable cam timing and an slight redesign. With a car this age, expect certain maintenance. A transmission flush is a $400 job with the cost of the pan/filter and fluid. There's a known issue with a coolant hose set under the manifold on the 4.2, and under supercharger on the STR.
You want to know if this hose has been replaced. Suspension and brakes on a nine or ten year old car is another concern. You want at least an 03 with the 4.2 and ZF transmission.

I love the STR on the highway but the cost of replacing CATS shocks vs non-CATS, is significant. The R holds the road at speed exceptionally, but the seats in the 4.2 are more comfortable on a long drive. Sleekest and sexist looking of the S-types are the 03 and 04 STRs, imho. But, my wife prefers the chrome details etc on her 05.

Lastly, the later cars ... perhaps 06 to 08, had newer electronics that made it easier to have bluetooth etc.

Cheers,

Rob

Submitted by TheRealLiftMan… on Fri, 02/22/2013 - 15:08

Dennis,
First of all welcome to the forum. I can tell you first hand its by far one of the most exciting and just plain kick a** fun cars I have owned. We are now on our 2nd, a 2005 S Type R , the first a standard s Type (6 CYL). By far for lots of reason the R is tops in the food chain.
Until recently ( just 4 Mths ago) she was an everyday driver (Wash DC / Baltimore Na. VA) and a regular at the Home Depot. No trailer Queen by any stretch.
Like any other auto, check out its history, best bet in my opinion, find one thatÔÇÖs had a documented Dealer service history. We have not had any major issues and if we do now that IÔÇÖm asked I will find you.
The most extensive was an system vacuum leak that was a tad pricy because it was hell to get to.
Would absolutely do what you can to find an R, there is really nothing like it at the price point inside or out. After your due diligence and you find the ÔÇ£right oneÔÇØ I would challenge you to get involved in the JCNA Concours shows. I have found no better way to keep my enthusiasm up to keep her in in pristine condition and still enjoy a legal adrenaline rush when over the ÔÇ£Posted SpeedÔÇØ sometimes x 2.
Good Luck and if I can answer anything let me know
Brad (and) Melanie Hauck