Learn me 2002 Jag S Type 3.0

I've been looking for a suitable replacement for the beloved family Neon ACR for a few months. The whole time I have been trying to come to grips with the idea of a long lasting relationship with a Geoyota Corollism that has a nasty interior funk and not a single dent-free panel of body work.

So. I have been keeping my eye out for something better. Something that my wife wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen in. Something with a nice interior. Something with a straight body.

I've seen some high miles Focuses, Beetles, and a Protoge 5-door. All of which are at the upper end of my meager price range. Then yesterday out of nowhere (quite literally) in front of an old man's barn, a stunning red S-Type Jag.

I've done a little checking up on it... seems that its a Euro Ford (Mondeo) V-6, with much Jag parts all over the upper end, inside what's basically a Lincoln LS with Jag body and suspension bits.

Is this sexy beast a can't pass up deal at just under $4K, or is it a run screaming to the lot and jump into the boxy yet practical Mazda type of hot mess?

Well, aside from some things being expensive, there isn't much of a downside. Lincoln LS owners could tell you the reliability aspect.

Conversely, the jag x-type is the Mondeo that came after the contour generation.....if that would be an option as well.

I had been meaning to post something similar to this too, I have seen quite a few nice looking s types for sale recently but I don't know much about them. How are the v8 ones? I even saw a manual awd x type for sale too, that must be rare. It wasn't in very good shape though.

X-type...AVOID. Self-machining transfer cases and inaccessible bolts everywhere. There's a reason they are so cheap.

I like this thread (it's a what car thread of sorts, of course I like it!).

I often wonder why some the non-appliance cars such as these: Saab, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar are so cheap in the 2003-2006 era. With decent mileage to boot...

I could be wrong, but I think their native habitat is on a flatbed. As ddavid said, there is a reason they're so cheap.

ebonyandivory wrote: I like this thread (it's a what car thread of sorts, of course I like it!). I often wonder why some the non-appliance cars such as these: Saab, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar are so cheap in the 2003-2006 era. With decent mileage to boot...

I keep wondering the same thing, is it better to get a e46, e39, Saab, jaguar etc in nice shape with 100k miles or a beater Lexus is300 with 250k and a salvage title for the same $5k. I know there is no real answer, its strange how it works out that way though.

Travis_K wrote:

ebonyandivory wrote: I like this thread (it's a what car thread of sorts, of course I like it!). I often wonder why some the non-appliance cars such as these: Saab, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar are so cheap in the 2003-2006 era. With decent mileage to boot...

I keep wondering the same thing, is it better to get a e46, e39, Saab, jaguar etc in nice shape with 100k miles or a beater Lexus is300 with 250k and a salvage title for the same $5k. I know there is no real answer, its strange how it works out that way though.

For me, I don't care how berkeleyed up it is to work on, always the lower mileage not abused car for me. I love a good wrenching challenge.....

Are any of these "upper class" cars just money pits? Or are they in a tie for Most Likely To Be On A Ramp Truck?

In reply to Flyin Mikey J:

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/4353538210.html

That is my favorite motor, a Duratec but a variation from the Taurus/Contour in that it has bucket lifters instead of roller rockers. Also sports 50 more ponies.

These have the same transmission as the later Mazda MPV's. I believe they also have the same issue. The reverse piston cracks, the reverse and high frictions wear out, and the tranny slips in 3rd to 5th and reverse. It's an easy fix that you can do through the wheel well for about $250 in parts and a few hours of work. Find one with a "bad transmission," buy for cheap, and fix.

Well, it turns out my loan was denied. Now its wait until the tax check comes, then see whats out there.

Thanks for the info guys

If I were out your way and shopping sub $3k, I would go look at this.
'96 Mazda 626 4cyl, manual, 125k, asking $2,650

Interesting '84 Corolla Diesel w/ 130k asking $2.4k
Fueleconomy.gov says 33/36/41 mpg

If your wife hates to be seen in what you drive now, just imagine how much worse it could be...

Seller claims to be going through divorce??
Asking $1,500

^ The last two cars make me wonder why we refer to 73-80 US cars as "the malaise era" when its obviously gone on up to if not through the 1990s.

Flyin Mikey J wrote: Is this sexy beast a can't pass up deal at just under $4K, or is it a run screaming to the lot and jump into the boxy yet practical Mazda type of hot mess?

Run away. Every time you turn your head to look back, and this is the crucial part, punch yourself in the nards. This way you will give a negative reinforcement to the times you think about that car.

Buying one will also give you a negative reinforcement, but that takes a lot longer and is much more expensive.

Example: That squeak in the rear suspension? The one that is phenomenally irritating? The bushings (which are uniballs, not bushings) are worn out. They are only available as control arm assemblies. Say goodbye to another $2000.

Also, the Jaguar engineers have managed to figure out how to make a fan that leaks oil. Its run off of power steering fluid. That's why they have TWO p/s reservoirs. You might think you can convert it to electric fans, but then the A/C won't work because the control unit isn't getting a signal that says the hydraulic fan is turning. (Which is the first clue that it is broken... "My A/C doesn't work." Not "My temp gauge is pointed past H" because who looks at gauges?)

Lexus does that too.

Thanks Knurled.

I guess I will stick to tried and true, and hope there is a nice low miles Focus or Mazda3 in the area when I have the cash in hand.