I have an opportunity to purchase a fully-loaded 2003 Jaguar S-type R for just under 20k. I am psyched about it. I was just wondering: how many of you use your jags as daily drivers? How much maintenance do the newer ones require (are they in the shop as often as the older ones)? Just how expensive can they get compared to other cars?

Submitted by manshun@usys.net on Sat, 04/12/2008 - 13:08

Edited on 2008-04-12 13:54:03

Edited on 2008-04-12 13:53:22

Edited on 2008-04-12 13:50:37

I must concur, driving a Jaguar is the most wonderful experience. Wherelse will you find an automobile with a level of performance that also evokes a storied heritage with more wins at Lemans than most other performance car makers of today (aside from Porsche), whilst basking in total comfort, a refined and quiet cabin, and the desire to drive fast as much as to drive slowly - never wanting the journey to end! And today, the used car prices of Jaguar's simply cannot be beat ... and the bonus comes at the quality and reliability section where Jaguar scores very highly. Jaguar has made the right choice not to equip their vehicles with technological gadgetry that take ages to learn, but on the contrary are easy to understand - take for example the Navigation system in the S-type R, a touchscreen system is absolutely perfect - what you touch is what you get! None of this dial rubbish with 1000 page instruction dictionary you have in a BMW or Audi!

You will be very happy with an S-type R in any weather conditions. I have had a 2001 Jaguar XJR and it served me through all four seasons, in the wintertime, having mounted new Continental tires, I drove through 6 inches of wet snow without any difficulty, and even climbing the street to my home - a massive 20% grade! But I must say, tires with good tread, a driver with sensibility, and good driving skill is far more relevent when driving in the snow.

Regarding my 2001 XJR, within a year, at 70k miles, the throttle body was replaced free under extended warranty; at 71k miles I replaced the Pirelli P-zero's to Conti Sportcontact all-season tires for $900 total. I replaced the suspension bushings to improve the ride, and also replaced the fuel filter and did a couple of oil changes for good measure; I also replaced the brake pads and had the rotor machined. The car was driven a total of 12k miles throughout the year. So I spent about $1600 in total for maintainenance, which I would think is not very much at all for a car of this calibre.

Submitted by SE21-33540J on Sat, 04/12/2008 - 12:39

Bradley,

First of all ,a modern Jaguar does not cost more to own and maintain than any other car in it's class. However, some Jaguars cost more to maintain than other Jaguars. Those would be the ones badged as "R". High performance driving requires high peformance tires and brakes. Low profile ZR rated tires are more costly to replace and need replacing more often. The '03-05 "R" has Brembo brakes. These have what it takes to stop a supercharged car, but replacement can be close to twice regular brakes.
Like the ad says, " Tires $300 plus each, Pads and Rotors $1800, the thrill and fun of driving a high performance Jaguar...priceless."

I say go for it!

Jerry

Submitted by ideacounselo@e… on Sat, 04/12/2008 - 07:25

Hi Bradley

We live in the downtown of Boston and we both have Jags. I have a 1995 XJS convertible and my honey has a 2001 XKR convertible. They are both garaged. We also have a ford explorer which we use in the snow and when we are going some where that we think there we be a problem to park. There is no more maintenance on the jags then the explorer. We both drive the jags all summer, spring and fall. It is the winter that we defer to the explorer and that is just because of the potholes and deep snow. Buy that beauty and love driving again. Driving a jag is a wonderful experience. Keep it in great looking shape and it will last as long as any other car. (and will look sexier)

Jag on
Brenda