Reliable second car ?

[slowprop]

Hi,

We will soon need to have access to 2 cars. I was thinking of a nearly new first car but the second car will be a nice to have really which won't cover high mileage. I'd expect a fair amount of town driving but some occasional longer journeys.

I'm wondering if a decent S Type would potentially be a reliable proposition for the second car rather than go for something newer which is going to depreciate heavily. I'd be prepared to pay reasonable money to get a good low mileage one with service history. I've always liked these cars. I would want a petrol auto but flexible on the engine size.

Do you guys think this is a viable proposition as a second vehicle compared to a newer car ? Or is a money pit a strong possibility ? Any advice appreciated

 

Thanks

[Drivingdad]

Hi Slowprop I have had my stype 2.5 se for over 2 years now & she has never failed to start or break down on me.2004 140000 miles drives like a dream my second car to so not many miles a year about 5000.Enjoy if you purchase one they are a bit special, regards Dave.

[slowprop]

11 minutes ago, Drivingdad said:

Hi Slowprop I have had my stype 2.5 se for over 2 years now & she has never failed to start or break down on me.2004 140000 miles drives like a dream my second car to so not many miles a year about 5000.Enjoy if you purchase one they are a bit special, regards Dave.

Thanks Dave. Glad your has worked out well. I'm hoping to take early retirement within the next year or so and will be handing back my company car when I do. 

[Old Peter]

Hi Robin, and welcome to the club.

Like you, I have admired the s type for some years, and although I don't do more than 7,000 miles a year I went for the 2.7 diesel, which in 3 and half years has been very reliable. It is our only car, as SWMBO parted with her Red XR3i convertible 10 years ago saying that we no longer needed 2 cars.

I don't do many long journeys, and although I was told that the DPF and the EGR valves could cause a problem, neither have ever bothered me.

The Petrol engined cars have very good engines, and are most reliable.

The s type can suffer with rust in the sills, so a check behind the plastic covers is worthwhile.

Regards, 

Peter.

[slowprop]

Thanks Peter. Yes I have heard the sills can be an issue.

I think I will be in the unusual position of going from one car to two when I retire. My wife thinks my company car is her car ! As I don't use it for work she gets sole use of it most of the week. I have been told that a happy marriage equals 2 cars when I give up work ! Thing is I don't think either will do massive mileage so it seems a pity to buy 2 new or nearly new run of the mill cars which will be sitting there depreciating.

Anyway I've always liked these and have always fancied  a Jag. Never managed one due to 30 years of company cars.

[Old Peter]

Hi Robin, 

I too had company cars for 30 years, the last one being a Toyota Avensis which I hated.  SWMBO who also worked for a few years also had  various cars used to get to work and as shopping trolleys preferred the Rover Sterling I bought after I retired, which was why her XR3i went --- I found it a great little car.

I bought the Rover when it was 8 months old for £12,500 - as new but which had cost £27k when new.

You will find the S Type you want if you are patiently looking around.

Regards,

Peter.

[slowprop]

Hi Peter,

Well if you are going to buy nearly new that's the way to do it. That's a massive saving on the new price.

Just looking on Auto trader there are plenty of S Types. Some look like they've had a hard life but are very cheap whilst others look like they have hardly ever ventured out of the garage. I think I would probably be avoiding the cheap ones and going for something which has been looked after with good service history and lowish mileage.

[red-z]

Almost any car can be reliable if it has been well maintained, and especially if low mileage.  Likewise any car if abused and neglected will eventually break down.  The S-Type is no better or worse than other modern cars on this score.  Parts can be a tad more expensive that some, but you don't normally buy a Jag for its economy, but for its class.

If you like the S-Type (and I do, very much) then get one, but get a good one.  You'll love it.

"You remember the quality long after you've forgotten the price"

 

[StrayCat]

Hi Slowprop

I've owned an S Type for four years which has been my primary mode of transport. When I bought the car it was (relatively) the least expensive I'd owned for very many years but I've had no regrets. In fact, my affection for S Types has increased, so much so that I too find myself contemplating a second car and top of the list - another S Type!

Go spoil yourself.

 

[slowprop]

On 30/11/2016 at 9:06 AM, red-z said:

Almost any car can be reliable if it has been well maintained, and especially if low mileage.  Likewise any car if abused and neglected will eventually break down.  The S-Type is no better or worse than other modern cars on this score.  Parts can be a tad more expensive that some, but you don't normally buy a Jag for its economy, but for its class.

If you like the S-Type (and I do, very much) then get one, but get a good one.  You'll love it.

"You remember the quality long after you've forgotten the price"

 

Yes I think that's the plan. Pay a bit more money and get a good low mileage one with a full service history. 

[slowprop]

On 30/11/2016 at 9:06 AM, red-z said:

Almost any car can be reliable if it has been well maintained, and especially if low mileage.  Likewise any car if abused and neglected will eventually break down.  The S-Type is no better or worse than other modern cars on this score.  Parts can be a tad more expensive that some, but you don't normally buy a Jag for its economy, but for its class.

If you like the S-Type (and I do, very much) then get one, but get a good one.  You'll love it.

"You remember the quality long after you've forgotten the price"

 

Yes I think that's the plan. Pay a bit more money and get a good low mileage one with a full service history. 

 

On 30/11/2016 at 0:37 PM, StrayCat said:

Hi Slowprop

I've owned an S Type for four years which has been my primary mode of transport. When I bought the car it was (relatively) the least expensive I'd owned for very many years but I've had no regrets. In fact, my affection for S Types has increased, so much so that I too find myself contemplating a second car and top of the list - another S Type!

Go spoil yourself.

 

That's great to hear Straycat. I'm pleased you've enjoyed yours. I have liked the S Type since it was launched. So as soon as my company car goes back one of these is top of the list.