Newbie here, on the look out for an S-type and after some advice!

[waltzinblack]

Hi,

Nice to join, will hopefully be posting up a picture of my first Jag soon (if I find the right one!).

I'm currently a 350z owner of 2 years, I'm looking to modify it quite bit, and am planning to have a Jag as my usual cruiser and 4 seater. The 350z is sadly an underrated and often overlooked car. It's beautiful, torquey, handles like a dream and sounds fantastic. Mine certainly won't be going anywhere, but looking to increase it's performance to such significant levels that it won't really be practical to drive it everyday!

So on to the Jag, (yes, forum regulars I know what a search button is and am planning to use it when I get a bit more time!) but really just looking for some quick answers from those in the know on what to expect and what to look out for.

I'm after an early S-type V8. I've heard the 4.2 and cars from 2002 onwards are generally much better than the older 4.0 engine and earlier models for niggles and problems. But is this accurate, and are there any things in particular which also affect the 4.2 engine and models?

Now, I don't plan to be fast and furious street racing, but I heard a story about the car in Auto changes up very early even when driving 'spiritedly'. I do hope this isn't true, what's the point of 300 NA bhp if you cant get to the top end and use them every now and then? Just a point of interest really.. but it would disappoint me somewhat if that was the case.

Last two questions - promise!

Do they run OK on normal octane unleaded (the 350z has a big problem with detonation on 95) for when super isn't available?

My price bracket is right at the bottom end, for a 2003 ish car. Would an S-type R with over 100k miles be a better buy than the NA 4.2 with less than half?

Thank you

[Mr D]

Hi Evan, welcome to the club, I look forward to seeing your posts/phots of your chosen car.

As to some of your questions (can't answer them all), I've recently bought my first Jag - about 5/6 weeks ago - a S-Type 4.2 V8 Sport. I agree with your observation about the earlier V8 (namely 4.0 vs 4.2), the research I did prior to buying suggested the newer 4.2 a better powerplant.

In my short experience, I haven't experienced early changing up when driving 'spiritedly' and if that were the case you do have the 'J' gate or the sport mode, both of which keep the system from changing early and holding the engine until it reaches higher revs.

So far, other than a slight glitch with the engine malfunction light (which resolved itself), the car runs very well on unleaded.

Good luck with your search,

Dave

[Jaguar Owners Club]

Welcome to the Jaguar Owners Club !

[BigAl]

Welcome to the forum, could be worth looking for an older car, to get more for your money, just make sure you buy a car with FSH and the condition of the car will show how the car has been looked after, good luck