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Post by chipbutty on Jul 5, 2017 6:53:52 GMT
So for the first time in 7 years, I am without a Jaguar.
S-Type R has been sold - a relatively quick and painless process despite the fact that S-Type Rs don't appear to be selling well (there are plenty of ornaments on Autotrader and ebay).
I had it serviced in May and it went through without any issues, so it seemed an opportune time to get it MOT'd and advertised.
Over the 11 months I put 3,300 miles on it without any problems (sort of) but a few days before it was due for test, I noticed the passenger's side headlamp would illuminate intermittently (cock, arse, widdle, etc). Being an R, it had xenons as standard and they are a complete and total pain in the arse when they aren't working properly.
However, the internet is your friend and I spent a day or two teaching myself how xenons work and how to diagnose issues when you are a cheap bastard with no training. Wiring issues aside, it's either the ballast, the igniter or the bulb at fault - but if the lights are intermittent, it's highly unlikely the bulb is buggered (£90 each), so the problem is with the igniter or ballast. On the Jag system, 90% of the time, it's the ballast at fault (£310 new), so I bought a used one from a breaker (Autoreserve - I can't recommend them enough) for £35 delivered.
That was the easy bit - due to the unique and fun way that Jaguar designed the S-type, the only way to get the ballast out is to remove the headlamp, and the only way to get the headlamp out is to remove the front bumper. No problem, I soon unearthed a detailed front bumper removal thread on a Jag forum and it was a 30 minute job for a noob at most...............
...........assuming some the of the captive bolts wouldn't spin in their mountings. It actually took me 3 hours to get the passenger's side loose and 30 minutes to wrestle the headlamp out around the partially dropped bumper - followed by 5 minutes of air punching and whooping.
Changing the ballast was a 2 minute job, the fix worked, the car flew through the MOT with some nice compliments and I had saved myself 300 quid and got a million man points.
In summary
The S-type R is a lovely car, unsurprisingly it still feels like a modern Jag and that supercharged V8 is a delight and pleasantly dirty sounding. They are reasonably quick, but despite the torque, you need to give it really good kick to make it go and the gearbox isn't always on message.
Despite the fact it was very well behaved, I couldn't shake the thought that it could drop some big bills at any point (this is the downside of a comprehensive service history - my car had receipts from 2010 to 2016 that totalled £15k). This is not so bad on a mint condition classic, but my car was neither mint, nor in any danger of being an appreciating classic.
As the lamp issue demonstrated, very minor problems can either become a titanic pain in the arse, or eye wateringly expensive it you can't fix it yourself. From now on - if it's not new or wearing an approved used nappy, I would only buy sub £1k sheds, the middle ground is a pain in the goolies.
What's next ? - I don't really need a car for work, so I use Truckzilla when required - but I need to go drive an M140i. I'm also considering a temporary return to shedding - but that and the state of the used market requires another thread.
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Post by LandieMark on Jul 5, 2017 7:35:45 GMT
Sometimes the simplest sounding jobs can be a pain - satisfying when a cheap fix works though when a garage has quoted £££.
I've always liked the S-Type in R variety - certainly something that could be used everyday as long as you didn't mind the occasional bill. They do rot though.
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Post by Andy C on Jul 5, 2017 10:15:29 GMT
My mate recently ordered an M140i shadow edition ,on a stupidly cheap PCP deal . Picks it up at the end of the month . He's not too bothered by the external tweaks , it was mainly due to getting more FG thrown in .
He did message yesterday saying BMW have just upped the APR by 1% to 4.9 , and took £1k off the deposit contribution .
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Post by Blarno on Jul 5, 2017 12:05:29 GMT
A work colleague recently bought an M140i on a stupidly low PCP deal. I had a go of it and can recommend it - if not for the noise alone. I'd like to try a manual one for comparison though. I've driven several 1 Series with the 8 speed auto now and it fits the 40i better. The 116d I drove was fucking terrible, it felt like the gearbox was out of an old Granada.
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Post by PG on Jul 5, 2017 13:05:51 GMT
I assume you mean shedding as in a cheap car and not shedding as in caravanning?
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Post by Blarno on Jul 5, 2017 14:24:31 GMT
I will go back to shedding again at some point. If I can't muster up the cash to get myself an XF Sportbrake in a few years, I'll probably get another snotter Mondeo estate or an LS400 on LPG.
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 5, 2017 16:13:07 GMT
I've never caravanned in my life  Shedding = Bangernomics I have arranged to drive an M140i manual on Saturday. |
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Post by racingteatray on Jul 5, 2017 17:18:56 GMT
Top man points.
I once replaced the entire tailgate on a Mk2 Golf, including re-wiring, and felt like a hero for days!
Let us know how you get on with the M140i manual. I would try both the manual and the auto. I've heard it said the manuals can suffer irritating rev-hanging...mine never did so perhaps it's a feature of later cars?
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 8, 2017 19:19:52 GMT
 Well - manual emm one forty eye driven.... As to be expected, it's naffin quick and makes a nice noise. The shift is notchy and a tad rubbery, but the auto blip on the downshift works very well. It rides much better than I was expecting it to (adaptive suspension not fitted) - firm and bouncy, but neither harsh nor uncomfortable - however it was very squirmy on the brakes and the steering was a non event. Also - there was noticeable lag in every gear when accelerating from a constant speed, not sure if this was because the car was very new (400 miles), or whether it's a characteristic. No sight of any great deals though - opening gambit was that a factory order wouldn't turn up until November, but they had a white manual 3dr with parky beeps in stock and they wanted £428 deposit and £428 a month (4 year, 32k deal). A mineral grey factory order with no options would actually be a Sept delivery and the deal was now £1000 deposit and £385 a month. No sale - as mentioned above, the Q3 deals are worse and the best price from TRL is £1000 deposit and £360 a month on a base car (although the shadow edition cars are possibly £337 a month, but it looks like a fuck up). Lease costs on these were £2500 and £259 a month (2 year deal) a few months ago - so I am not happy about being the pratt who subsidises everyone else's cheap deal (for the same reason - I wouldn't buy a Golf R when they keep running the " blink or you miss it " £200 a month lease deals). I'll just bide my time a wait for the pencils to be sharpened. |
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Post by alf on Jul 10, 2017 10:49:44 GMT
Sounds good! I'm still tempted by going the new, lease route at some stage, especially as I could probably get down to 15k p.a. miles now (or take a low miles deal and pay the difference - some of the charges for additional mileage were very low and seemed the same across all models.
My problem with leasing was that the monthly cost on a 3 year deal was always £500-600+ (very much "+" for anything remotely like my current steed) by the time you included the "initial rental" split across the term. The headline grabbing numbers all turned out to be cars "already sold" and I started to wonder if the industry is not some massive trading standards injustice hoping that you just sign anyway when you fail to get the advertised price.
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Post by racingteatray on Jul 10, 2017 11:15:01 GMT
Interesting about the rev-matching – some hate it. Mine didn't have it. I certainly don't recall lag and it’s not something my 440i suffers.
I do think it would be worth trying the automatic - I suspect it's a better car - and trying one with adaptive suspension.
Start of the new quarter never the greatest time to bargain hunt, esp. since the 1-series just had another LCI with a new dash etc.
What about a 4-series? I see BMW are still doing 2.9% APR and handsome discounts on those for Q3 (like £9.5k) despite the fact that it's now the new LCI version with all the latest refinements.
A 440i comes well-equipped as standard (metallic paint is a no-cost option). The GC is auto-only but the coupe comes in manual flavour and is more practical than you'd think - split-fold rear seats.
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 11, 2017 11:35:25 GMT
I don't want a 4 year PCP - particularly at the prices quoted. 440i coupe is nice - but I am doing this on the cheap. I want something I can be in and out of without getting skinned residually Looking at approved used, there are some well specified and well priced cars in the network - this being a case in point usedcars.bmw.co.uk/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Northampton/3415094-606391126-3497154.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_It's got all the good options and they appear to be free if you compare the price of this car to the others available. However, i'm not mad keen on Melbourne red and I don't know what those carbon wrapped exhaust tips are for...why people can't behave themselves and just order silver or mineral grey  Need to be careful though - as a few of the nearly new cars were specified by window lickers who ticked the " run flat " box rather than having the car on standard Michie Pilot Sports. |
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Post by PetrolEd on Jul 11, 2017 12:03:27 GMT
Great cars but man they're ugly and the 3dr doesn't help with the massive expanse of slab sidedness. Always liked Melbourne red though and the carbon wrapped tips get a thumbs up from me.
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 11, 2017 13:08:38 GMT
Yep - they are ugly little brutes, but I find the 3dr to look more purposeful than the 5 door.
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Post by clunes on Jul 11, 2017 13:33:39 GMT
I quite like the red and the carbon tips are in offensive- lots to like with that  Always been a fan of the big engined 1-Series and very nearly went for one a few years back - still feel that a smaller car with powerful motor is on the cards at some point but it's hard to step away from the slightly more luxurious end when 99% of my driving is fairly mundane. On an entirely different note the MK1 MR2 article in the latest EVO reminded me of how much I liked mine - probably still the most fun / involving car I've ever had and by far the cheapest (mine cost me £1500). Seriously tempting to jack in the depreciating monster on my driveway and get back to basics. |
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Post by racingteatray on Jul 11, 2017 14:31:51 GMT
I don't want a 4 year PCP - particularly at the prices quoted. 440i coupe is nice - but I am doing this on the cheap. I want something I can be in and out of without getting skinned residually Looking at approved used, there are some well specified and well priced cars in the network - this being a case in point usedcars.bmw.co.uk/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Northampton/3415094-606391126-3497154.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_It's got all the good options and they appear to be free if you compare the price of this car to the others available. However, i'm not mad keen on Melbourne red and I don't know what those carbon wrapped exhaust tips are for...why people can't behave themselves and just order silver or mineral grey Need to be careful though - as a few of the nearly new cars were specified by window lickers who ticked the " run flat " box rather than having the car on standard Michie Pilot Sports. Fair enough. You'd quoted 4yr prices so was just doing like for like.
I quite like Melbourne Red on a 3dr M140i - colour suits it. Less sure about an all-black interior - I think it would feel a bit dour.
Problem with Approved Used is that the interest rates are a complete joke.
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 11, 2017 14:38:41 GMT
If I got an Approved used car - I would use cash or bank loan.
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Post by Andy C on Jul 11, 2017 18:12:03 GMT
Are you not tempted by a Jag approved XFR with a 2 year warranty ?
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 12, 2017 7:03:08 GMT
There is only 1 nationally and it's black with hideous black wheels. As a bonus, it appears to have been priced by Bobo the clown.
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Post by PG on Jul 12, 2017 11:33:05 GMT
There is only 1 nationally and it's black with hideous black wheels. As a bonus, it appears to have been priced by Bobo the clown. It's quite sad that XFR's have now been out of production long enough that there are so few in the Jag channel. And far too many of the late ones had pretty suspect specs too - like they were using up the red seats and black wheels before production ended. |
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Post by alf on Jul 12, 2017 13:31:58 GMT
There is only 1 nationally and it's black with hideous black wheels. As a bonus, it appears to have been priced by Bobo the clown. It's quite sad that XFR's have now been out of production long enough that there are so few in the Jag channel. And far too many of the late ones had pretty suspect specs too - like they were using up the red seats and black wheels before production ended. Oh dear! 2-3 years ago there were boat loads of them, in and out of the approved network, for £22-30k (more like £25k+ for approved ones). Approved used is certainly a good route for cars with potentially expensive issues when the original warranty has run out. I have not kept an eye on XFR values but have noticed that C63 AMG's (the actual 6.3 ones) and E9X M3's seem to have held value very well since that period 2-3 years ago when I was looking, they are not looking as good value now they are a few years older but not much cheaper. Personally I like the 1 series in black, silver, grey, and blue, but that's about it... |
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 12, 2017 14:35:21 GMT
XFR retail prices have gone silly, but it's taking longer for the stock to shift and there are less cars for sale. I think there is a huge gap between trade and retail and the aged stock suggests the bubble is getting...erm....bubblier.
Let's be honest - whichever way you cut it, £27k for a 6 year old Jag is nuts
As much as it pains me to admit it, I've gone off super saloons recently. Aside from the inflated retail pricing, the new mutant hatchbacks are offering 95% of the performance in combination with significantly reduced running costs.
Granted above 100 mph, XFR and E63 would start to pull out a big gap - but realistically it's a completely inaccessible performance advantage (in this country at least) which you have to pay through the nose for (£530 year road tax just takes the piss - it's the principle more than anything).
I think I am just turning into a miserable old get (and I want the mortgage paid off by the time I'm 45), but when I think about all of the cars I've had over the last 7 years, the one that was the most fun most of the time was the ST, not the XKR or the V8 XFs.
It comes down to 3 simple components:
Good manual gearbox
Beefy, snorty engine that makes an encouraging noises
Engaging chassis and steering (firm, but controlled).
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Post by Tim on Jul 12, 2017 15:22:31 GMT
As much as it pains me to admit it, I've gone off super saloons recently. Aside from the inflated retail pricing, the new mutant hatchbacks are offering 95% of the performance in combination with significantly reduced running costs. Granted above 100 mph, XFR and E63 would start to pull out a big gap - but realistically it's a completely inaccessible performance advantage (in this country at least) which you have to pay through the nose for (£530 year road tax just takes the piss - it's the principle more than anything). I think I am just turning into a miserable old get (and I want the mortgage paid off by the time I'm 45), but when I think about all of the cars I've had over the last 7 years, the one that was the most fun most of the time was the ST, not the XKR or the V8 XFs. It comes down to 3 simple components: Good manual gearbox Beefy, snorty engine that makes an encouraging noises Engaging chassis and steering (firm, but controlled).
The latest EVO has a new vs used comparison and the Golf R estate vs C63 covers the same ground as the post above but it misses out 1 massive point - the sheer delight of sitting behind a big non-turbo engine with more than 4 cylinders. Over the years of M5 ownership I've been stuck in, for example, tourist traffic doing 40 on a twisty road with no hope of overtaking and the car has still brought me a lot more pleasure and enjoyment in those circumstances than any of the 4 pot - petrol or diesel - cars I've had concurrently.
There's also a point to be made about just how effective these modern superhatches are (and this applies to other types as well) in that they appear to need to have their neck wrung to become involving, perversely I think this is more accessible from a big supersaloon (RS6 excepted, going by media reports).
Obviously there are variations within this argument but even with a moderate but entertaining hot hatch with, say, 225BHP if its on modern tyres with good modern suspension it's going to need big speeds and commitment to truly entertain and how often can you say you really do that?
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jul 12, 2017 15:32:49 GMT
It's quite sad that XFR's have now been out of production long enough that there are so few in the Jag channel. And far too many of the late ones had pretty suspect specs too - like they were using up the red seats and black wheels before production ended. Oh dear! 2-3 years ago there were boat loads of them, in and out of the approved network, for £22-30k (more like £25k+ for approved ones). Approved used is certainly a good route for cars with potentially expensive issues when the original warranty has run out. I have not kept an eye on XFR values but have noticed that C63 AMG's (the actual 6.3 ones) and E9X M3's seem to have held value very well since that period 2-3 years ago when I was looking, they are not looking as good value now they are a few years older but not much cheaper. Personally I like the 1 series in black, silver, grey, and blue, but that's about it... I had a blue one for about 3 months last year and loved the colour - even the looks grow on you. Compared to the Mk1 the Mk2 is a much improved looker.  |
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 12, 2017 16:05:50 GMT
The benefit of a V8 vs lesser configurations is only apparent when you are working the engine ? - I can't see what a V8 gives you over a 4 pot when you are doing a constant 40 mph and not using the performance.
I completely agree power delivery and sound quality is what separates a good fast car from a great one - but it's all about compromise and a zingy turbo six is not exactly a poor relation to a relatively quiet V8, especially when the performance it offers will keep the 500 bhp saloons honest to 100 mph.
The ST may have only had a petrol four, but it was a masterclass in " making the best of what you've got ". The internal sound augmentation was superb - To quote myself
" Just like the real thing, the range and breadth of " notes " and noises you get dependant on load and revs is endlessly amusing. Short shift at 4k rpm - sounds ace, red line in each gear - sounds ace, stabs of throttle in 6th on the motorway - sounds ace.
The breadth of performance is very similar to the prior 5 cylinder car in that respect, but with a greater appetite for chasing the red line. Sensible gear ratios + rich seam of torque means it's effortlessly quick when you aren't really trying and very quick when you are "
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Post by alf on Jul 13, 2017 10:43:41 GMT
I'd love to try a 5-pot ST to see what they are like - they sounded quite GT-like from the reviews, in a good way.
I know what you mean CB - Ironically, given that I used to slag off RWD obsessives, I am myself now fairly obsessed with RWD - and I often ponder that an E9X 335i is about as much car as one could need, while being (relatively) sensible money to buy and run, great to drive -able to doorhandle and be truly comfortable on long trips as well - and well equipped.
That said, my own little experiment in "super saloons" has been a total success. My only regret is that prices are up and I may not be able to do it again., especially if we move on up the housing ladder, which must happen some time, my mortgage is half a year's salary now. For me it has simply been worth the extra money on fuel and tax (other costs have been no higher). I love the toys, I love the performance, but most of all I love the childish pleasure I get every time I start the engine, or prod the throttle. It's not a case of need, its a strong case of "want"!!! The 330i felt a little too slow at times, the XFR as too much power to actually use that often, somewhere in the 350bhp area probably lies a useful mid ground, but while you can never summon up more horses, you can always use a mm less throttle, so "too much" is not really a thing as long as the engine is smooth and the throttle well controlled.
I'll have a look at XFR prices then, just out of interest... I'm only 8 months from having had it 3 years, if there is a bubble on it might make sense to look into it, I'm always very jealous of the likes of Franki that can run a car for a while then sell it for what they paid for it! Alternatively I could happily keep it a long time, but I don't know what 140k miles XFR's would be worth in 3 year's time... Next summer it will have 90k on and still be fairly salable (its on 75k now and my mileage is dropping).
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Post by chipbutty on Jul 13, 2017 11:07:27 GMT
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Post by racingteatray on Jul 13, 2017 11:40:19 GMT
It comes down to 3 simple components: Good manual gearbox Beefy, snorty engine that makes an encouraging noises Engaging chassis and steering (firm, but controlled). Then I think an M140i is where it's at. But 3drs and manuals have the worst residuals, so bear that in mind.
Would an M240i coupe not do the trick? It has folding back seats, a pretty sizeable boot and reasonable rear seating too?
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Post by alf on Jul 13, 2017 11:52:24 GMT
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Post by johnc on Jul 13, 2017 11:59:41 GMT
That looks nice but Ayr is a long way away for you! |
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Shedding = Bangernomics
