Potential new S-Type Owner

[Draknyen]

Hello Everyone,

 

I hope you don't mind me joining early, I do not actually have a Jaguar yet but I am in need of some advice before I purchase one.

 

I have found a T-Reg Jaguar 1999 S Type 3 Litre V6 Auto for sale and it sounds a little too good to be true so I would like some advice on whether I would be making a good decision or more a decision that would leave me out of pocket and soured by the experience.

 

I have found this Jaguar for sale from a local repair & MOT garage near where i work (which we get all our company vehicles repaired at & my boss's Porsche).

 

The S Type has not been moved or driven for about a year, overall there is no rust on the car, some minor scratches, a little bumper discolouration otherwise in pretty good condition for a '99 car.  It will need at least one new tyre. The leather interior is used but not excessively, once given a clean and some treatment will look very good.

 

I do not currently know the mileage but he has said it isn't more than 130,000 miles.

This car had belonged to his sister & I have seen the V5 document to prove this.

 

Now basically as this has sat there for a year this guy wants shot of the car and is only asking £300 for it, because he knows me through work etc. and being as he is a mechanic in an independent garage that is also MOT certified he can do the ongoing repair work and get it roadworthy etc (with a deal being made for parts to make it road worthy) . Also I trust this guys honesty as I have dealt with him over the last couple of years.

 

 

I know its not been on the road for a while and this is all subject to him getting it up and road worthy to pass an MOT.

 

I have always loved Jaguars and would dearly love to own one and this seems a perfect oppertunity.

So basically, I would like to know if there is any real reason I shouldn't go for this car?

 

Apologies for the length of the email.

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions offered.

Pete

[Guest]

Hi Pete, at 300 quid I don't see how you can lose. My S-Type is an 02 reg. and that had stood for 6 months at least SORN registered as the previous owner died and his widow did not get around to doing anything with the car, she did not drive it. It had done 60,000 miles when I bought it last year and cost me just under £3000. I have not regretted it once, they are super cars, yes they can be expensive if things go wrong, but that is a chance you take with any second hand car. As you know the fella who is selling it and trust him it has got to be worth chancing it, I don't think you will regret it and if you don't chance it you may always regret it. Go for it my son and good luck!  Best wishes Geoff.

[Draknyen]

Thanks Geoff,

 

I have been burned with 2nd hand cars before so I am understandably wary.

No money will change hands till its been up and started and i have had a good look around everything inside (just window browsed so far).

 

Exactly my thought, and the abundance of parts online make it less costly than going through Jaguar directly, and as he repairs various makes of cars he knows his way around an old Jag.

Plus one of the big issues i have seen with the auto's is the gearbox, and you can get them from breakers or that well known auction site for around £300-£600 if needs be.

 

I was really asking if I was missing something as it seems a goldmine opportunity and wanted to check I wasn't missing something very obvious

 

Pete

[Guest]

No problems Pete, just check it out as thoroughly as you can visually, if a car looks as if it has been looked after then it probably has. If you can get a look at any old MOTs, service history and bills all the better. See if you can have a test run in it  when he has got it roadworthy and make sure it has 12 months MOT. Go with your gut feeling about the car, but don't let your heart rule your head. As I said in my earlier post for 300 quid I don't see how you can lose provided it does not cost too much to get it on the road. Good luck and keep us informed of the outcome. Best wishes Geoff.

[Draknyen]

Thanks again Geoff, 

I will take it for a test drive as soon as its road worthy

 

Its been stored at a garage so there are some scratches on it but nothing a good going over with T cut and some touch up paint wont cure.

 

As I said the leather looks very good, There is an S plate BMW 5 series there and the leathers on that look about 10 years older than this Jag.

 

I am budgeting for about 900 all in for getting it on the road. Only going with 6 months tax in case of any big issues, can review it from there.

He will do the MOT as he is an authorised centre. 

If it comes in under that then great im laughing, if not then I can always review it and make a decision on it once its been started up.

The battery is taken out which helps as it means it should still be alright for a couple of months.

There is no real mold visible inside which is good.

 

As i said may need one to 2 tyres, I'm also gonna ask him to do a complete Service on it too, and also change the transmission fluid etc.

Also i checked and it has been left with the handbrake off, so thankfully the brakes shouldn't have seized up....i hope.

 

Pete

[Guest]

Hi Pete, if you are budgeting for a maximum £900 to get the car on the road with a full service, transmission fluid changed, two tyres, taxed for 6 months and MOT'd I still think that is a good buy if the basic fabric of the car is OK and by the way I think it is a good decision to only tax it for 6 months initially just in case, but I am sure it will be alright. Good luck with it, keep us up to speed. Best wishes mate Geoff.

[harpersimon]

Most people's push bike costs more.

Buy it ;)

[Mr D]

Hi Pete,

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I agree with Geoff and Simon, for a 99 plate, I think you should buy the car.  If it cost a couple of grand I would have recommended an AA inspection (for peace of mind) but under a grand a thorough inspection and extended test drive.

 

Good luck,

Dave

[Draknyen]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

Yeah I did think for the price it is a steal, IF and I repeat IF it all goes OK.

I'm going to try and get down to the garage when they get it up on the lift, so I can have a good look around the car underneath, check chasis etc

 

I am looking to get them to start sorting the Jag at the early part of May so not long now till I can let you know what it's going to need to get it on the road and if I will be lucky enough to join the prestigious group of Jaguar owners & make a childhood dream finally a reality.

 

Thanks

Pete

[Guest]

Good luck with it Pete, all the best Geoff.

[Steve]

share some pics when you get the chance mate