S-type questions

[ZackM]

I have decided to buy a S-type. It's a great looking car, looks unique, has a lot of presence and check all the boxes for me. Mainly, RWD, available in manual with a petrol engine, 4 doors saloon, enough space (I checked) and comfortable. A very nice daily I'm thinking. We already have a soulless, boring new-ish car in the family. A Jaguar would be a welcome addition. Something as stylish, unique and rare (on the road today), with the driving dynamics and comfort of the S-type will be a nice change.

For the reasons above, the one for me is a V6 manual. I would prefer the 3.0. More power. Unless the 2.5 is preferable for some stronger reason, like reliability?

I definitely want the facelift interior. But I'm undecided if facelift exterior. The facelift exterior looks a bit more modern. But there is something about the pre facelift which I find somehow more interesting. Maybe because it looks more exotic. Specially from the rear. It seems a bit more muscular, for lack of a better word. I'm not sure anybody can relate to that. I might be in the minority. But both are gorgeous in my opinion.

When it comes to the R, the styling is even more of a dilemma. The pre facelift STR has a very nice front end. More exotic again than the facelift. I don't know what it is.

But regardless, I will definitely be going for a mesh grill like the STR. I would love a STR. But really want a manual. I know autos suit Jaguars. But I enjoy manuals.

So if facelift interior with pre-facelift exterior, I guess I would be looking at 2002-2003 cars? 2004 was the external facelift right? What else would I be missing besides the facelift external style?

But then again, tomorrow I might just think the facelift loos better. 1 or each would be perfect.

Edited by ZackM on Friday 30th April 23:39

[The Leaper]

I had two S Types over a thirteen year period: a first series 4.0 V8 SE which I had for three years (70,000 miles) followed by a second series 4.2 V8 SE for ten years (129,000 miles).

I would avoid the first series S Types because, for me, the later versions are far superior: better design especially inside, more space inside, far better auto gearbox.

The major issue I had was with the second car was that it had three replacement gearboxes, all under warranty. The problem was that some internal parts (washers?) were not up to the job, and the gearbox was improved over the years. In fact, Jaguar took back one of these boxes because it had had the improvements to it but still failed. Also, heater header tank failed which I think is a common fault, fixed under warranty. No other significant issues in those 10 years.

There's no doubt the 4.2 V8 is a better car than the earlier model. A lovely wafting yet powerful sports saloon.

Sold the S Type and replaced it with XF 5.0 V8 n/a, another superb, and rare, car. 380 bhp, what's not to like! Only dislike was that it did not waft like I expected, maybe a compromise between comfort and performance. I would have kept this car for a long period but after 2 1/2 years the wife began to find that it was not so comfortable with her hip problem.

Your biggest problem is going to find an S Type with a manual gearbox: extremely rare choice for an original owner to specify. Indeed, I think that in time Jaguar produced a manual version to special order only.

R.

[Simpo Two]

As soon as I saw an S-type in 1999 I knew I'd get one when they were cheap enough. I've had two, a 2001 3.0 and a 2006 2.7D (both autos). Loved them both. Quiet, comfortable, different from the rabble and also practical - you can get 6' tables in the back with the rear seats down The earlier car has a unique dashboard which I really liked. The later car interior matches other Jags, which I also liked. Exterior-wise whilst I was very happy with the 2001 car, on balance I preferred the 2006. It was the first work of Ian Callum I think. So I guess you need to see them side by side and decide! A manual one would be cheaper I guess as most people prefer auto.

I always feel the S-Type got an unfair slamming from the motoring press, mostly because it was distinctive. Enjoy your purchase

[ZackM]

Thanks for all the replies.

Thankfully, the manuals are not so hard to find where I'm living now. I'm living in the continent and the 2 good things about it here is, manual versions of any car are not difficult to find. It seems continental Europeans enjoy shifting more. The second is, saloon and estates are still basically the normal and SUVs have not taken over, yet.

So any trouble related to the automatic gearboxes doesn't apply here. I will only buy a manual petrol S-type.

Same thing with V8s. Any details or trouble related to the V8s doesn't apply here. I really want a manual and unfortunately there were never any V8 manuals.

The good thing is, the choice of a manual gearbox seems to eliminate one of the problems I hear the most talked about along with the heater header and rot under the plastic sill covers. The auto gearbox. The manuals seems more trouble free.

About rot under the plastic sill covers, I'm not bothered. It can be taken care of and once done, if you protect the car, seal the underbody etc, it should last for years. Because the alternative to a manual petrol S-type is a BMW of some sort, and I'm not having that. So if the price is some welding work on the sills to have a perfect manual petrol S-type then fair enough.

[ZackM]

The Leaper said:

I would avoid the first series S Types because, for me, the later versions are far superior: better design especially inside, more space inside, far better auto gearbox..

The better auto gearbox is not relevant here. But the better design, are you talking about style or engineering? Style, I agree the facelift interior looks nicer and as I said I won't go for a car with the older interior. For the outside, style is subjective. Some days I like better the earlier car exterior and other days I like better the later car exterior. I guess I will probably go with the cleanest facelift interior car I can find, regardless of the exterior. Unless there are engineering advantages to a later car.

But so far my questions are:

3.0 V6 vs 2.5 V6?

2002-2004 vs post 2004 engineering advantages or just style?

Thanks again to all for playing

[The Leaper]

ZM,

As I recall, the main updates with the second edition onwards of the S Type are:

• minor improvements to the exterior, eg the grill position and boot design
• big improvement to the interior, much more what to expect from a Jaguar, no Ford parts now.
• slightly more rear leg room
• much improved suspension all round.

I am sure that Google will enable you to source car reviews at that time which will identify the improvements.

R.

[Simpo Two]

Don't rule out the 2.7D (if they did manual ones) - t's the model Jeremy Clarkson took round the Nurburgring. I actually preferred the 'whoosh' that the twin turbos gave over the toppy power delivery of petrol - the way you go storming past other traffic is remarkable.

[ZackM]

Simpo Two said:

Don't rule out the 2.7D (if they did manual ones) - t's the model Jeremy Clarkson took round the Nurburgring. I actually preferred the 'whoosh' that the twin turbos gave over the toppy power delivery of petrol - the way you go storming past other traffic is remarkable.

Thanks. But just not interested in diesels.

[ZackM]

The Leaper said:

ZM,

As I recall, the main updates with the second edition onwards of the S Type are:

• minor improvements to the exterior, eg the grill position and boot design
• big improvement to the interior, much more what to expect from a Jaguar, no Ford parts now.
• slightly more rear leg room
• much improved suspension all round.

I am sure that Google will enable you to source car reviews at that time which will identify the improvements.

Thanks. Yep. Been reading on it a lot. Not very easy to dig out old reviews of the time. But found some.

Some of what has been said in reviews of the v6 manual:

"One of the more involving luxury cars. Strong, smooth engine, good manual gearbox and great handling. Feels like a Jag inside. Excellent ride comfort on all surfaces. Jaguars used to be driver's cars. The S-Type Sport, in style and substance, is a welcome reprise."

Some criticism too. Like about the brakes. But I intended to fit the STR brakes all around.

I also found this: "For 2003, all S-Type models boast new interiors, new suspensions, new transmissions, and new or revised engines." " stronger construction" "Fully 70 percent of the car has new content,"

So it seems the pre-facelift cars which have the new interior already have the goods. I'm trying to find if anything else got improved with the external facelift.

[steve S owner]

I have had 3 S types, an early 3.0 manual, a facelift 2.5 manual and then an STR. The early manual gearbox was not good althought the 3 litre engine was great. For me a manual 3 litre facelift would be good as the STR while very powerful didnt have the chance to really exploit it as the torque meant ir didnt hang on to gears long unless you were really caning it.

[ZackM]

steve S owner said:

I have had 3 S types, an early 3.0 manual, a facelift 2.5 manual and then an STR. The early manual gearbox was not good althought the 3 litre engine was great. For me a manual 3 litre facelift would be good as the STR while very powerful didnt have the chance to really exploit it as the torque meant ir didnt hang on to gears long unless you were really caning it.

Thanks for the reply. Very interesting point of view. I know this is probably not a popular opinion, but a STR manual would have been great and would make the perfect daily driver for me. Fun, fast and ultra comfortable.

But as they never made it, the 3.0 manual is the one to have and the facelift is the one to go for, even though I think the rear of the earlier cars have more personality somehow. The facelift rear is a bit generic in comparison. What are the opinions here about that? Despite looking more modern, the facelift rear is not unmistakably Jaguar as the earlier rear is.

[reddiesel]

ZackM said:

Thanks for the reply. Very interesting point of view. I know this is probably not a popular opinion, but a STR manual would have been great and would make the perfect daily driver for me. Fun, fast and ultra comfortable.

But as they never made it, the 3.0 manual is the one to have and the facelift is the one to go for, even though I think the rear of the earlier cars have more personality somehow. The facelift rear is a bit generic in comparison. What are the opinions here about that? Despite looking more modern, the facelift rear is not unmistakably Jaguar as the earlier rear is.

Great Post Zac and good luck with your hunt for a manual S Type . I disagree with your opinion about the facelift rear not being as unmistakably Jaguar as the earlier model when you gaze at that rear profile and the narrow rear screen I dont believe there is any doubt that you are looking at a Jaguar S Type.
Personally I would have gone for an X350 if only because you eliminate those dreaded box sections but thats only my choice , the S Type is a lovely looking thing though a tad colour sensitive especially some of the wishy washy metallics .

[ZackM]

reddiesel said:

Great Post Zac and good luck with your hunt for a manual S Type . I disagree with your opinion about the facelift rear not being as unmistakably Jaguar as the earlier model when you gaze at that rear profile and the narrow rear screen I dont believe there is any doubt that you are looking at a Jaguar S Type.
Personally I would have gone for an X350 if only because you eliminate those dreaded box sections but thats only my choice , the S Type is a lovely looking thing though a tad colour sensitive especially some of the wishy washy metallics .

You're right. The facelift rear does look Jaguar. But the earlier shape is just that much more Jaguar in my opinion. I think it's the taillights.

By the way, can anybody recommend a good Jaguar only forum with a good S-type section? The S-type doesn't seem very popular around these parts and I will need to discuss details as I search for the perfect one. Thanks.

[BUG4LIFE]

ZackM said:

You're right. The facelift rear does look Jaguar. But the earlier shape is just that much more Jaguar in my opinion. I think it's the taillights.

By the way, can anybody recommend a good Jaguar only forum with a good S-type section? The S-type doesn't seem very popular around these parts and I will need to discuss details as I search for the perfect one. Thanks.

Try the S-Type Facebook groups Zack. I've found the couple I'm on quite useful...I'll get the names of the groups I'm on for you.

[Simpo Two]

ZackM said:

By the way, can anybody recommend a good Jaguar only forum with a good S-type section? The S-type doesn't seem very popular around these parts and I will need to discuss details as I search for the perfect one. Thanks.

Maybe https://www.jaguarforum.com/forums/s-type-x200-x20...

I use the XK section and it's been helpful.

[ZackM]

BUG4LIFE said:

Try the S-Type Facebook groups Zack. I've found the couple I'm on quite useful...I'll get the names of the groups I'm on for you.

That would be great. Thanks!

[ZackM]

Simpo Two said:

Maybe https://www.jaguarforum.com/forums/s-type-x200-x20...

I use the XK section and it's been helpful.

Thanks! Is that U.S. or UK based?

[BUG4LIFE]

ZackM said:

BUG4LIFE said:

Try the S-Type Facebook groups Zack. I've found the couple I'm on quite useful...I'll get the names of the groups I'm on for you.

That would be great. Thanks!

So, I 'follow' Jaguar S-Type Lovers, Jaguar Drivers' Club and The Jaguar STR (S-Type-R) Groups on Facebook.

Been pretty useful for me, even if Facebook Groups can be a pain sometimes!!

[ZackM]

BUG4LIFE said:

So, I 'follow' Jaguar S-Type Lovers, Jaguar Drivers' Club and The Jaguar STR (S-Type-R) Groups on Facebook.

Been pretty useful for me, even if Facebook Groups can be a pain sometimes!!

Thanks! I will check them out.

Talking about the STR, I'm trying to find solid information on what is different between the STR and the other versions. Apart from the supercharger, and most likely a different compression than the standard V8 that is.

I know visually apart from the R badges, only the front bumper is different, as it seems the boot spoiler was an option on the others too. And in 2008 it seems all S-Types got the facelift STR bumper.

Mechanically, apart from the engine, it has different brakes, which I'm thinking means not only different calipers but also larger discs. But the rest it's difficult to find information on what else is different on the STR. Probably stiffer suspension too. But exactly what I haven't found.

[Simpo Two]

ZackM said:

Simpo Two said:

Maybe https://www.jaguarforum.com/forums/s-type-x200-x20...

I use the XK section and it's been helpful.

Thanks! Is that U.S. or UK based?

Judging from the respondents on the XK forum, UK. But a few US owners do pop in.