2003 / 2005 s type

[phillj]

First post, looking to purchase a year 03, 04 or 05 S type auto, 2.5 or 3.0ltr.

A few questions please---

Is it worth holding out for a 3.0ltr or is the 2.5 ok? Vehicle will be a hobby car so no more than 5k miles annually.

Considering a 53 plate pre facelift and a 54 post facelift, are the post facelift changes essential or make little difference?

I'm sure this has been asked many times but what are the common issues to watch out for + any buying tips?

Any help most welcome

 

 

[Bromers]

Hello Phill,

You dont fancy the 2.7 diesel then? Good engine in my opinion so long as the diesel particular filters have been serviced as can be around £700 - £800 to have done. Find a good one and happy days, if no receipts for this work either walk away or haggle hard for a discount. Bromers.

[Raistlin]

Hello John,

Welcome to the Jaguar Owners Club. We hope you will find lots to interest you wish you the bast of luck in finding your cat.

I have driven both the 2.5 and 3.0 petrol engined versions of the S-Type and I would have to say that for all round grunt (and grins) the 3.0 wins every time. However, I haven't been able to drive either on a long term basis so I'm sure my enthusiasm will be tempered by the voices of experience

[phillj]

Sorry should have made it clear its petrol engines only please.

[Drivingdad]

Hi John and welcome, I have had my 53 plate 2.5 for 2 years on sunday and love it to bits.She has enough grunt for me and I still smile when I push the sport button excellent grin factor.One common prob check the air con is working as should be.

[TargetDan]

From what I read before buying mine recently the gearbox is the main thing to check. Make sure it changes smoothly and if you are able to have a look at the Oil pan then check for leaks. Also ask whether they have had the Oil changed for the box - it does need doing every so often.

No timing belt to worry about on the petrol models which is a plus.

If you have an airbag warning light it is usually a clock spring clean-up required, check for code 19. Common from what I've read and already had to take mine apart!

Hth,

Dan

[Old Peter]

Hi John,

A friend of mine bought the S Type 2.5 litre when it first came out and he has not had a problem with it..  Obviously it is not a quick as the other S Type models but when you will probably do less than 5k miles as year that will not bother you.

Driving through Oxford in an S Type is what a few owners would like to do!

Regards,

Peter.

[Claws]

Hi John

Will this be your first Jag?

I Bought mine last July (as you will see from my signature panel she's a 2003, 3.0) it is my first Jaguar, and I'm totally smitten by her  I cant therefore comment on the 2.5 or any other Jag come to that! she cost me under 3k with just under 85k on the clock, she is not without some age related marks, but in good enough condition to keep me smiling that's for sure! I have spent some on her since of course.

I suppose one tip would be having a look for rust around the sills / arches but I understand a lot of the problems have been sorted from 2004? the guys will give a lot more info / detail than I can.

You will be doing a similar mileage to mine, I actually do less, so petrol costs are not a concern, parts are also quite reasonable, a lot of the guys would recommend finding yourself a good independent garage / mechanic rather than a main dealer, as main dealers can be quite costly.

I'm sure the chaps will chip in with other advice and tips,

Regards

Steve

Here's some pic's of my little girlie

[Simjag]

14 hours ago, Bromers said:

Hello Phill,

You dont fancy the 2.7 diesel then? Good engine in my opinion so long as the diesel particular filters have been serviced as can be around £700 - £800 to have done. Find a good one and happy days, if no receipts for this work either walk away or haggle hard for a discount. Bromers.

Diesel is no good for 5k miles per year!

[Russ68]

Having taken out a nice 2003 2.5 Sport before buying our 3.0, my opinion is the the extra 40bhp is really noticeable, almost the same difference between the 3.0 and the 4.0 but without the extra weight of the V8. Not that the 2.5 is slow, but the 3.0 is actually quite fast! I held out for a 3.0 manual Sport, and I'm glad I did 

[phillj]

Ok so a 3ltr petrol seems the way to go.

Anybody have any opinions on the pre facelift v post facelift question?

Thanks

[Simjag]

47 minutes ago, phillj said:

Ok so a 3ltr petrol seems the way to go.

Anybody have any opinions on the pre facelift v post facelift question?

Thanks

 

Out of 3.0 or 2.5 the 3.0 is best, it's got good over taking power. And I have read about a few 2.5 with HGF but no 3.0s which is funny as it's the same engine.

Well that depends on how much you have to spend and which one you like the most. 

I have owned all 3 models of S - 99/T 3.0 with the 5 speed auto, late 2002 3.0 and now a 05/55 plate facelift.

The facelift has a different shape bonnet and it's alloy, also grille, front bumper, dash (dials), doors and everything from back door backwards!