S-Type: is it terrible?
Discussion
Just a general question really, as I'm struggling to find much of an unbiased opinion of these.
Looking at some wafters, and although the S-type doesn't seem to have the spec that rivals its, err, rivals, they are very well priced these days, and I do quite like the looks.
I'd probably be looking at an X204 or X206 (leaning towards the latter) in the 2.7D.
The pricing of them suggests that they are either undesired for fashion/spec reasons, or because they are horrific. Does anyone have any practical/realistic experience of a later diesel 'S'?
The kind of things I've been looking at are the A8 (D3), 5 and 7-series, and thanks to some topics on here, C5/C6. So exec barge that will make motorway journeys pleasant. Obviously it'll struggle to match the spec (e.g. laminated windows, massage seats and other modern 'touches'), but the prices seem to reflect that.
Looking at some wafters, and although the S-type doesn't seem to have the spec that rivals its, err, rivals, they are very well priced these days, and I do quite like the looks.
I'd probably be looking at an X204 or X206 (leaning towards the latter) in the 2.7D.
The pricing of them suggests that they are either undesired for fashion/spec reasons, or because they are horrific. Does anyone have any practical/realistic experience of a later diesel 'S'?
The kind of things I've been looking at are the A8 (D3), 5 and 7-series, and thanks to some topics on here, C5/C6. So exec barge that will make motorway journeys pleasant. Obviously it'll struggle to match the spec (e.g. laminated windows, massage seats and other modern 'touches'), but the prices seem to reflect that.
I have a mate who swears by them and always has at least one on the go. Has owned 4 I think in the last 10 yrs or so.
His have all been V6 petrols so can't help re diesel specific issues. He buys them fairly old but reasonably well cared for. Doesn't do mega miles. Had two head gasket failures that I know of, not much else major. They seem quite heavy on brakes, tyres and bushes etc.
I think mostly it is fashion/expectations that make them so cheap. Not as dynamic as German rivals. They drive like what they are - scaled down American wafters, with lightly madeover US style interiors too. If that's what you are after and you like the styling they seem like great value.
His have all been V6 petrols so can't help re diesel specific issues. He buys them fairly old but reasonably well cared for. Doesn't do mega miles. Had two head gasket failures that I know of, not much else major. They seem quite heavy on brakes, tyres and bushes etc.
I think mostly it is fashion/expectations that make them so cheap. Not as dynamic as German rivals. They drive like what they are - scaled down American wafters, with lightly madeover US style interiors too. If that's what you are after and you like the styling they seem like great value.
dontlookdown said:
I have a mate who swears by them and always has at least one on the go. Has owned 4 I think in the last 10 yrs or so.
His have all been V6 petrols so can't help re diesel specific issues. He buys them fairly old but reasonably well cared for. Doesn't do mega miles. Had two head gasket failures that I know of, not much else major. They seem quite heavy on brakes, tyres and bushes etc.
I think mostly it is fashion/expectations that make them so cheap. Not as dynamic as German rivals. They drive like what they are - scaled down American wafters, with lightly madeover US style interiors too. If that's what you are after and you like the styling they seem like great value.
Since having a further look into them, it seems like the spec is worse than I actually thought. The later 'XS' spec is quite desirable, but the original buyers must have been a bit tight on spec, as I've not seen a single one with heated seats yet.His have all been V6 petrols so can't help re diesel specific issues. He buys them fairly old but reasonably well cared for. Doesn't do mega miles. Had two head gasket failures that I know of, not much else major. They seem quite heavy on brakes, tyres and bushes etc.
I think mostly it is fashion/expectations that make them so cheap. Not as dynamic as German rivals. They drive like what they are - scaled down American wafters, with lightly madeover US style interiors too. If that's what you are after and you like the styling they seem like great value.
I had an 04 4.2 S type and ran it for a couple of years, it's new owner still has it and is very pleased.
To watch for; rust especially the sill under the plasic body kit too.
Aircon and heating does it work properly? No heat is blocked DCCV, all heat no cool is failed DCCV plus possible failure of the CCM control module or wiring fault behind front bumper. Common to have noises after switch off from flaps.
Its the standard 2.7 diesel and does not like shoprt runs, Jaguar forum owners advise the earlier pre DPF versions are better. Have heard of several failures by diesel in oil.
Normal ZF 6 box issues if you don't change the oil
Suspension prone to squeak which may/may not be due to worn bushes
Odd thought heated seats standard. SatNav ok but stuck in about 2010 as DVD based.
Super cheap in 4.2 V8 form, reasonably economical , if I needed a wafter again I'll certainly be looking for one
To watch for; rust especially the sill under the plasic body kit too.
Aircon and heating does it work properly? No heat is blocked DCCV, all heat no cool is failed DCCV plus possible failure of the CCM control module or wiring fault behind front bumper. Common to have noises after switch off from flaps.
Its the standard 2.7 diesel and does not like shoprt runs, Jaguar forum owners advise the earlier pre DPF versions are better. Have heard of several failures by diesel in oil.
Normal ZF 6 box issues if you don't change the oil
Suspension prone to squeak which may/may not be due to worn bushes
Odd thought heated seats standard. SatNav ok but stuck in about 2010 as DVD based.
Super cheap in 4.2 V8 form, reasonably economical , if I needed a wafter again I'll certainly be looking for one
My first Jag was a 2003 3.0 S type Sport manual, until I took it for test drive I was after a BMW 530i Sport... I didn't think there was much to choose between them handling wise, but the ride of the Jag made it a nicer proposition to live with. A guy I used to work with took it out once, he came back saying 'that is SO smooth to drive, I'm surprised how good it is' ...and he usually drove e46 BMWs...a 330i & M3
I'm no fan of the early S types, the late 2002 facelift brought a new interior, some new looks externally and plenty of improvements mechanically, much nicer to sit in and to drive...the 2004 facelift mostly improved the looks
My 3.0 got replaced by a 2004 R after 4 years, I kept the R for 7 years... the 3.0 was very well behaved, but the R suffered with numerous electrical gremlins, so I would check the electrics thoroughly on any potential purchase, also check cooling hoses as they can become brittle over time...
I'm no fan of the early S types, the late 2002 facelift brought a new interior, some new looks externally and plenty of improvements mechanically, much nicer to sit in and to drive...the 2004 facelift mostly improved the looks
My 3.0 got replaced by a 2004 R after 4 years, I kept the R for 7 years... the 3.0 was very well behaved, but the R suffered with numerous electrical gremlins, so I would check the electrics thoroughly on any potential purchase, also check cooling hoses as they can become brittle over time...
cj2013 said:
Since having a further look into them, it seems like the spec is worse than I actually thought. The later 'XS' spec is quite desirable, but the original buyers must have been a bit tight on spec, as I've not seen a single one with heated seats yet.
I had a 1999, a 2001 and a 2004 and all had heated seats.All were the 3.0L V6 petrol.
The 2001 even had an electric rear window blind which was of no use at all as far as I could tell...!
jdw100 said:
I had a 1999, a 2001 and a 2004 and all had heated seats.
All were the 3.0L V6 petrol.
The 2001 even had an electric rear window blind which was of no use at all as far as I could tell...!
It's the diesels I was looking at that didn't have them - you'd think it'd be more prevalent in a car which takes forever to heat up on a cold day!All were the 3.0L V6 petrol.
The 2001 even had an electric rear window blind which was of no use at all as far as I could tell...!
cj2013 said:
Looking at some wafters, and although the S-type doesn't seem to have the spec that rivals its, err, rivals, they are very well priced these days, and I do quite like the looks.
I'd probably be looking at an X204 or X206 (leaning towards the latter) in the 2.7D.
I had a 2006 2.7D and over six years took it from 70K to 130K miles. A great car, comfortable and the turbo shove was prefect for overtaking. On cruise resume it's like a rocketship. Sitting inside at tickover you could barely hear the engine (not so in the XF 3.0D!) - people didn't believe it was a diesel.I'd probably be looking at an X204 or X206 (leaning towards the latter) in the 2.7D.
It only let me down once, when it failed to start at home - this proved to be a wiring corrosion issue near a wheelarch. Known problem apparently.
The main reason for selling, other than fancying a change after six years, was rust getting hold around the wheelarches.
Before that I had a 2001 3.0 V6.
There was an S-Type for sale near me recently. A4 paper in the window on the drive, asking for £1250.
Looked OK, not sure what engine, etc, as I was on crutches and forbidden to drive anyway (still am right now). Nice gold colour, but sadly with a 'leaper' on the bonnet.
I'm quite keen on the idea of one now. And from what I can sense through reading this thread, I should be looking for a post 2002 facelift model 3.0l V6. Is that about right? Spec I can be flexible with, as I'd not be buying it with one eye on selling it again anyway.
Not sure about budget either right now, as I need to see what value my insurer puts on my tree-damaged current car.
These are probably just musings anyway. I'm just as likely to end up in a Fiesta or a Honda Accord if I'm honest. But I'm going to need a "new" car soon, and why shouldn't it be an S-type? Anyone got any words of wisdom for me? Or want to talk me out of the idea? I'm not looking for a specific "type" of car to do any specific job. My kids are grown up, so it'd be nice to seat 4 adults but would normally be carrying just me and my wife. It'd be desirable for it to be able to carry a decent size tent and camping gear for a week, but not essential. Perhaps an X-type estate would suit me better? Currently I'm in a Mondeo Titanium X hatch with the 2.0l diesel (163) motor and I love it. But sadly it's been clonked by a rotten tree and the roof is quite badly beaten up. I don't think the ins co will wear repairing it if I'm honest with myself.
I also saw an XJ sitting in a second hand dealer's window t'other day, priced at £5400. Not sure which XJ exactly, as I'm no expert on Jaguar model chronology, and the dealer was closed for the day. As said, though, just musings for now. Gotta get my surgeon/physio to agree that I'm ready to start driving again first to be able to test drive a car in the first place...
Looked OK, not sure what engine, etc, as I was on crutches and forbidden to drive anyway (still am right now). Nice gold colour, but sadly with a 'leaper' on the bonnet.
I'm quite keen on the idea of one now. And from what I can sense through reading this thread, I should be looking for a post 2002 facelift model 3.0l V6. Is that about right? Spec I can be flexible with, as I'd not be buying it with one eye on selling it again anyway.
Not sure about budget either right now, as I need to see what value my insurer puts on my tree-damaged current car.
These are probably just musings anyway. I'm just as likely to end up in a Fiesta or a Honda Accord if I'm honest. But I'm going to need a "new" car soon, and why shouldn't it be an S-type? Anyone got any words of wisdom for me? Or want to talk me out of the idea? I'm not looking for a specific "type" of car to do any specific job. My kids are grown up, so it'd be nice to seat 4 adults but would normally be carrying just me and my wife. It'd be desirable for it to be able to carry a decent size tent and camping gear for a week, but not essential. Perhaps an X-type estate would suit me better? Currently I'm in a Mondeo Titanium X hatch with the 2.0l diesel (163) motor and I love it. But sadly it's been clonked by a rotten tree and the roof is quite badly beaten up. I don't think the ins co will wear repairing it if I'm honest with myself.
I also saw an XJ sitting in a second hand dealer's window t'other day, priced at £5400. Not sure which XJ exactly, as I'm no expert on Jaguar model chronology, and the dealer was closed for the day. As said, though, just musings for now. Gotta get my surgeon/physio to agree that I'm ready to start driving again first to be able to test drive a car in the first place...
I had two S Types in succession.
The first was a first iteration model 4.0 V8 SE. Had this car for about 3 years and did around 70,000 miles. It was a JMD demonstrator. Good car but a relatively poor interior. Performed well and was reasonably trouble free.
The next S Type was a second iteration model 4.2 V8 SE. Had this car for around 10 years, did around 120,000 miles. It was also a JMD demonstrator (a good deal: 150 miles on the clock, fully loaded including a sun roof, list price value £39,500, got it for £28,000 cash). A vast improvement on the first car: far better gearbox and suspension, and a vastly better more Jaguar like interior, bit more rear legroom too. Real performer too. Biggest issue was the gearbox. Had it replaced three times under warranty. On one occasion Jaguar UK requested it was returned to them for examination because they though they had cured the issue of weak washers (?) that allowed oil to seep through to the wrong areas of the gearbox, but clearly they had not cured this problem.
Overall, my view is that the S Types are excellent cars, originally downplayed by the media especially Top Gear. Now they are a bargain and a good one if found will be a sound and enjoyable vehicle to drive regularly. I would not be interested in the first iteration as the second and third are far better all round.
I then got an XF 5.0 V8 n/a, Portfolio, fully loaded, originally registered to a Jaguar UK executive. Magnificent car in all respects except one: the ride was not what I expected as it was crashy and not Jaguar-like. I regarded this car as a keeper but after 2 ½ years it had to go because my wife’s hip issues meant she found it difficult to enter/exit and uncomfortable after about two hours.
I now have an SUV, sadly.
R.
The first was a first iteration model 4.0 V8 SE. Had this car for about 3 years and did around 70,000 miles. It was a JMD demonstrator. Good car but a relatively poor interior. Performed well and was reasonably trouble free.
The next S Type was a second iteration model 4.2 V8 SE. Had this car for around 10 years, did around 120,000 miles. It was also a JMD demonstrator (a good deal: 150 miles on the clock, fully loaded including a sun roof, list price value £39,500, got it for £28,000 cash). A vast improvement on the first car: far better gearbox and suspension, and a vastly better more Jaguar like interior, bit more rear legroom too. Real performer too. Biggest issue was the gearbox. Had it replaced three times under warranty. On one occasion Jaguar UK requested it was returned to them for examination because they though they had cured the issue of weak washers (?) that allowed oil to seep through to the wrong areas of the gearbox, but clearly they had not cured this problem.
Overall, my view is that the S Types are excellent cars, originally downplayed by the media especially Top Gear. Now they are a bargain and a good one if found will be a sound and enjoyable vehicle to drive regularly. I would not be interested in the first iteration as the second and third are far better all round.
I then got an XF 5.0 V8 n/a, Portfolio, fully loaded, originally registered to a Jaguar UK executive. Magnificent car in all respects except one: the ride was not what I expected as it was crashy and not Jaguar-like. I regarded this car as a keeper but after 2 ½ years it had to go because my wife’s hip issues meant she found it difficult to enter/exit and uncomfortable after about two hours.
I now have an SUV, sadly.
R.
yellowjack said:
But I'm going to need a "new" car soon, and why shouldn't it be an S-type? Anyone got any words of wisdom for me? Or want to talk me out of the idea? I'm not looking for a specific "type" of car to do any specific job. My kids are grown up, so it'd be nice to seat 4 adults but would normally be carrying just me and my wife. It'd be desirable for it to be able to carry a decent size tent and camping gear for a week, but not essential. Perhaps an X-type estate would suit me better?
An S-Type seats (obviously) 4 but legroom in the back is not massive, so if you're all six-footers it could be tedious.Luggage - the good news is that the back seat folds down (2/3 and 1/3) giving you 6' length - but not much height. I carried 6'x4' staging in mine, and also dining tables (legs off obviously!). But if you need an estate car then you need an estate so you'd have to go X-Type. X-Type was the entry level model; you won't find it as refined as the S-Type.
Go and test drive some
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