3.0 manual - good daily driver? Which one to buy?

[ChrisDixon]

I'm thinking of buying a relatively modern Jag for everyday use and altough I've looked at XFs and S Type Rs I don't think I really need the performance. As I enjoy changing my own gears I thought I'd consider an S-Type 3.0 manual. I test drove one when they first came out and remember enjoying the experience. I've seen these for as little as a grand, but would probably be looking for something with sensible mileage and no impending issues. It will need to do around 5,000 miles a year. I'm not keen on the facelift rear end so am thinking about an 04 model or thereabouts. Rust, suspension and electrics aside any particlar issues a 60-80,000 miler is likely to throw up? Should I expect the clutch (and dmf if it has one) to have been changed by now? And should I avoid sunroofs?

All insight appreciated! Regards, Chris.

[Tintin]

I know of a very well maintained 2003 MY 3.0 V6 sport which has covered about 50,000 miles coming up shortly (but I'm afraid it will set you back more than £1,000). If you decide to take the S type plunge and are interested send me a PM, Chris.

Robbie

[BrizzleJag]

Hi Chris
I had an S-Type 3.0l SE automatic for a while and absolutely, loved it, until someone drove into it whilst parked and wrote it off. The AJ30 engine is a brilliant power plant with a fairly wide power band and I would think matted to the manual box would be wonderful to drive. Sadly not too many manuals available, but spotted this one in South Wales; https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 4bq&page=1 for £2695, 69,000 mile on an 05 plate, is a very fair price.

[ChrisDixon]

Unfortunately the one above is a misdescribed auto