mugpom

A decidedly inauspicious collection of vehicles have been owned by myself, starting with: 

'59 Simca Vedette;

'59 Austin Westminster,

'69 Renault 10 [New],

'66 Toyota Crown 2000 'S' [for 33.5 yrs],

'87 Ford Falcon GL Wagon,

'90 Mitsubishi Magna Wagon,

'97 Ford Fairmont [New],

'00 Ford Fairmont Ghia [New, for 17.5 yrs]

'05 Jaguar S type  

And five Motorbikes from Honda 50 in '72, Yamaha 90 [earned my license on], Suzuki 425N, Honda VF750 Shaft, Honda ST1100 [New] in '98 [Handed my license in 2016].

G'Day to you Paul and 'Cheerio' to all my Forum Friends including Carole + significant other, Russ, Joe [Dot.Com] and please forgive any omissions,

Well folks, tomorrow the 1st day of July marks my first calendar month of Jaguar ownership and her ladyship Juliette is travelling beautifully. Having neither logged time at the helm nor noted her odo, I have no real idea just how far we've travelled however Wendy and I are settling into our respective 'bridge' duties [Wendy chooses to leave me to drive - Honest!!]. My very capable mechanic of several years, Doctor Pat, plugged his OBD machine into her yesterday and no untoward messages appeared. You may have noticed the driver's door seal damage - we ordered a replacement from Melbourne which should arrive Monday in which case Juliette shall undergo minor surgery a.s.a.p. ready for our sojourn North a few hours where we will enjoy an overnight romp on my birthday weekend.

The girl is ever eager to advance at the pace of a startled Gazelle with a growl so she requires close supervision at Constabulary 'Hot-Spots' and the engine room is under strict instructions to deny 'All Ahead Both' requests from the bridge

To mark the Lunarversary I dispatched a few photo's to the previous owner.as evidence of Juliette's level of care.

On 6/5/2017 at 4:51 AM, Carole Simpson-Hadley said:

Well Dutchy, poo your luck but stick with it....it will be worth it.  Honest!

Of course, the bonnet ornament wasn't a standard fitting, always retro.  We have a "keep it as it left the factory" protocol on both our S-type and our XK so don't have a mascot.  There are many suitable replacements available on e-bay.

Our S is the SE model, from around run-out time (2007) but doesn't have folding mirrors either.  We were a little surprised (as was the first ,and only other, owner when he bought the car, particularly as it had been the Jaguar, Mayfair showroom car before coming to the Midlands as Stratstone, Solihull showroom car), but hey-ho.   As a consolation, we do have Jaguar Voice to control the climate, radio/cd etc. (Although it doesn't respond to four letter words).

As you are ex-Navy, perhaps a few choruses of "Shiver me timbers" and "Twas on the goodship Venus" might help. Then again.  We hope that Wendy hasn't suffered from terminal sense of humour failure, and that Juliette doesn't end up taking a one-way trip off the coat hanger (sure you know that's AKA Sydney Harbour Bridge).

Happy (future) growling

Carole & significant other (the one with boxed ears, he has just been looking at a Mk V advert!)

Juliette's Cockpit for night flying.

Hi All,

Wanting to know about that part which is attached, somehow, to the underside of the dash. This is loose and was so when I took delivery of this car on the 1st of June although that's all down to me and is certainly not open for discussion/analysis here because I have the compartment cover, aka glove box lid in my kitchroom where I've just given it a go with Jif which has improved the look of it no end but, of course, has done nothing w.r.t. functionality. Could someone assist me with either removing the loose bit or correcting it's  looseness in-situ [which may be best if in fact it's do-able. So, everyone please, in a nutshell I need guidance with rectifying the glove box lid catch looseness and inability to actually hold the lid closed. That is all. Dutchy

Prior to my Jaguar fascination a Gold duco-ed XR6T topped my wish-list. The six is as tractable as the 8 though rather more fuel efficient and as torquey which, I believe, is a result of the power pulses being delivered about a common axis whereas the  8 is not sure if perhaps it wants to be a boxer. The sequential 6 speed would be most fun to use and the driver retains control although the auto is very very clever and can assume much of the mental chore of achieving best practice. As for a replacement it would appear likely to be a X Type Front/Four wheel drive on a US model planform or Mondeo.

Thanks Russ, Have just run an eBay search where, from the US they fetch up to $200 so I shall persevere with my unit for the moment. Today, Sunday, we're leaving our car woes behind to spend the day touring the Scenic Rim region to the west - see map and pic. As previously stated, my pre-purchase inspection was a non event. Good Day All. 

Well now Laz, you are more than likely quite correct my friend although please remain mindful of my unspoken inference that my statement referred to motor car power plants since this site is in fact given over to motor cars generally and Jaguar models more specifically and as such would not intend to include the overwhelming range of engines various, fixed, power generation, for the use of.

Don't 'Dusty' me Russ, I'm Dutchy......lol.

The Australian Falcon is unique in that no other production vehicle is constructed on it's floor pan whereas the S type shared the Lincoln/Thunderbird floor pan. I doubt very much that a glove box lid, sun visor or fuel flap would go anywhere near being compatible. The issues I have with the S may have happened likewise to any number of vehicles however not one of these is relevant to my 17 year old Fairmont on which every thing no matter how small or insignificant still functions as it did on the day the car left the factory. Wendy and I, having discussed the situation at some length, have agreed to go with the flow and give our 'S' a fair go. We remain disappointed that an otherwise immaculately presented vehicle might sustain damage as mentioned which could only be occasioned by a front seat passenger who was burdened with a psychopathic temper given that the glove box door catch has been displaced from it's installed position by a rather urgent force. A more than minor problem is the boot mounted cd changer, the cartridge of which is soundly jammed in place and has thus far defied all attempts at its non destructive separation. We choose to pretend there's no such device in the boot and use the single in-dash slot.

Best Regards, Dutchy.

IT ALL COMES TO AN END IN OCTOBER - NO MORE AUSTRALIAN FALCON

Thankyou Russ, If that is short for Russell it's my middle name. With all due respect back at you mate I would have thought a fine British luxury motor car might have survived twelve years in a tad better shape. My 17 year old Ford had not one defect when the transporter loaded it for  transfer to Melbourne yesterday and it cost me less than half what the Jag was when new. Everything, and I mean everything, works. Since taking delivery on the 29th of February 2000 I made 8 four thousand kilometre round trips to Melbourne, and such an accomplished and comfortable tourer is she that I twice drove non stop, but for fuel, from Melbourne to Brisbane and once in 19 1/2 hours. On my last trip south with Wendy for my daughter's wedding she returned a best economy of 43mpg and that's from a 4 litre six the latest iteration of which [twin-cam, turbo] is said to be the world's most powerful inline 6.  So, my friend, your Jag has a little ground to make up. and should not be falling apart quite yet. Dutchy

Wendy and Moi engage in lots of pleasurable pastimes on the aforementioned balcony which affords us a panorama from Southport, where I was born 69 years ago next month, just a few kilometres to the North all the way around to South which brings you to the NSW border, the point of which your own James Cook, Captain, RN named Pt. Danger on his 1770 journey up the East coast and that's where the Ford photo with the 'Blue Oval' caption was taken. As for Juliette, her list of defects grows yet longer with the discovery of damage to the passenger sun visor [no lights/cover broken] plus the horn doesn't work. Still she is a treat to be with and this afternoon she growled some in the presence of a slowcoach in front - and I had not depressed the 'cut-snake' pedal more than a tad - shades of the Ford, which overtook us as we drove on Via Roma, on the back of the truck which had just loaded it moments earlier at the start of her 1850 kilometre journey to Melbourne where my son-in-law Andre' takes over.Best Regards, Wendy and Dutchy.

Thanks All for your support and assistance. I shan't attempt to answer you all individually as I am digitally challenged thanks to the old PD. I now have a Jaguar factory manifest so I know the configuration of Juliette ex-build and am considerably happier having perused the shop manual which covers every part of the car [and some] though no mention of the glove box latch mechanism. The manual reads exactly like an aircraft maintenance manual and also reminds me of examination essay questions beginning with 'Sketch and Describe the Operation Of ...................'. Familiar territory is so calming. Happy Jaguar-ing, Dutchy. PS: My Nikon is on the floor behind my seat ready for some pics to share with you guys - whenever! Speaking of snaps, here's one I prepared earlier of our balcony Coral Sea view

3 hours ago, Andy X400 3.0 said:

I had lots of small problems with my x - type when i bought it , most of them were sorted out for a few pounds . Stick with it as it hopefully will be worth it in the end . Mine is just about where i want it now and i'm glad i kept it and has been worth every penny spent . It is really disheartening to buy a car and find it has problems but most of your problems can be sorted quite easily . Plenty of cheap spares on e-bay .

Cheers ,

Andy .

Thankyou Andy,

Having a few minutes ago arrived home from Queensland Transport Wendy and I are much happier to know that Juliette Sara Jaguar is now officially a family member.

Much appreciation also to everyone who has responded positively [or not], I am confident of overcoming the small number of insignificant defects/deficiencies which may appear especially with the assistance of you fine antipodean folk and my mechanic who ok'd the S purchase. What I would like from those who are able is suggestions w.r.t. a repair and maintenance manual please.

Fair winds and rolling tarmac [following seas], Aye.

Wendy and Dutchy 

PS Some outgoing Ford pic's - She stays in the family at least.

Here's a features checklist although it's provided by a third party so who knows?

Thank

9 minutes ago, JOE-DOT-COM said:

HI

Your suppose to check every thing work before you buy it, Not after

Just hope you checked the sills when you bought it, as you might be in for a serious shock

cheers

Joe

Well, I didn't because I am on a short leash with medication for Parkinson's which I've had for 21 years so I have limited windows of opportunity to do anything and I had researched on-line for 3 months in compiling a short list then to have cars disappear before I could act and I couldn't consider any more than an hour from home and even that was a stretch. When in my position a goodly dose of trust is required and I expected some surprises but I really thought features of a 2005 3.0L SE  might be there since the day the car left the factory, but no, features would appear to be a lucky dip - maybe the box was empty that day - who knows how cars are built in UK. And thanks for the positive spin Joe. Like I need more shocks in my life.    

Well, I must be Mister Unlucky because I bought my platinum S type just a few days ago on the 1st of June and the honeymoon is already done and dusted. My 1st discovery was the broken bonnet ornament followed by the broken glove box latch - ask Wendy how impressed she is with that. Then I found the CD cartridge will not come out of the boot changer and today I discovered that the external mirrors do not fold [mine must be the Irish model]and the front armrest !Removed! console lid doesn't always want to play open up. Oh! and the rear screen mounted radio aerial can't pick up my favourite radio station. I had read about the great sound system reproduction of the S type but it isn't a patch on my Ford 250Watt 13 speaker including sub-woofer standard fitment system which I'm handing down to my Melbourne son-in-law. My first ever Jaguar is becoming a nightmare and I've not had it a week yet. The Ford didn't disappoint.

Thank you Carole and Significant Other,

I shall post the Spitfire photo to a few of my facebook sites, it will surely evoke a little interest, from my UK members as well. I find the connection quite fascinating. I must say, the Seafrost duco is rather attractive, We plan to visit a favourite chopin precinct this morning called Harbour Town and while I stand watch over Juliette I shall endeavour to set my seat memory which I trust facilitates modification of the 'easy in - easy out' feature. [Chopin was deliberate - 'Gone Chopin, Bach in a Minuet'] Good Day All, [04:25 here], Dutchy 

PS. The pic is the view from our apartment with the Coral Sea beyond the GC Hwy, which catches it's breathe oh! so! briefly from carrying folk hither and thither.That's life huh? 

Thank you Steve,

Wendy and I took her for a short run down the Gold Coast Highway, leaving home as the sun was falling toward the horizon, and only took a 'U' turn to return because I was not able to effectively control the interior climate while navigating in peak traffic with a goodly dose of confidence. 'Juliette S. Jaguar' behaved with impeccable manners such that we are both thrilled to include her in the family and I look forward to that certain familiarity which develops betwixt a driver and his machine as occurred with my Ford these past 17 years. Where did Juliette's life begin? My research for this purchase indicates that the S-Type was built in the ex-Supermarine Spitfire factory, Castle Bromwich. Am I correct? You say  she looks very clean Steve, where did my uploaded photo's get to mate, I don't see them.

Dutchy [my Navy nickname]

Hi All and thank you for having me as a member of your fine group.

This day, Thursday the 1st of June 2017, at about 16:00 I should be a Jaguar owner for the first time in my life which shall span sixty-nine years five weeks hence.

My quest began four months ago, initially seeking an X type, and to this point I have read many reviews, tales of woe, brilliant testimony to a wonderful daily drive and non committal ownership stories from far and wide.

The example which is to be delivered by the seller this afternoon is a beautifully presented S type which was built in '05 and is a one owner vehicle. She is perfect externally and internally and shows absolutely no signs of wear apart from some crazing of the driver's seat bu-ttock support cushion.

Being an eternal fatalist I choose to ignore reviews as 'que sera sera' and there is precious little I am able to do about whatever is going to be, my simply stated plea is 'bring it on, baby.'

Wendy and I have resided at Surfers Paradise since '09 and we look forward to introducing 'Juliette' Jaguar to our favourite POI's.

That is all, Fair winds and following seas [touring tarmac], Aye.

Dutchy.