Pitfalls of S-Types?
Discussion
Fancy another Jag. It’s been a while since I’ve driven one now. Really want an XJ40. But prices seem a little all over the place and generally fairly strong. But very little choice too.
So it got me thinking. S-Types must be right at the bottom of their deprecation curve now. I’ve always loved the looks of them and drove some when new.
Is there anything major to watch out for that they are all older and with miles under the belt.
Given the choice I think I’d like a manual 3.0 V6 as first choice. I recall driving one shortly after launch and thinking how awesome it was. I also have no issues with the early U shaped dash. But wouldn’t be precious either way on model year.
Wouldn’t have an auto V6 having having also driven one. It just felt flat and somewhat sluggish compared to the manual. And while the diesels look frugal, I guess the reality is. It just doesn’t need to be for my intended use.
I’d consider a V8, but if going V8 I kind of feel I’d want a supercharged one and probably always regret going for the na version. Although having spot checked prices the R’s do seem to retain their money a little better.
Thoughts?
So it got me thinking. S-Types must be right at the bottom of their deprecation curve now. I’ve always loved the looks of them and drove some when new.
Is there anything major to watch out for that they are all older and with miles under the belt.
Given the choice I think I’d like a manual 3.0 V6 as first choice. I recall driving one shortly after launch and thinking how awesome it was. I also have no issues with the early U shaped dash. But wouldn’t be precious either way on model year.
Wouldn’t have an auto V6 having having also driven one. It just felt flat and somewhat sluggish compared to the manual. And while the diesels look frugal, I guess the reality is. It just doesn’t need to be for my intended use.
I’d consider a V8, but if going V8 I kind of feel I’d want a supercharged one and probably always regret going for the na version. Although having spot checked prices the R’s do seem to retain their money a little better.
Thoughts?
I think you are right about the R retaining most of its value and you would easily need £10k to get into a good one and inevitably that would be the earlier version . The rest of the range I think are largely Britain’s forgotten car with one Dealer near me even claiming the car was owned by a “ Jaguar Breakfast Club Member “ in order to help shift it out the door . Desperate days indeed .
Plenty of choice out there and some with very low mileage , these were like the X350 amongst the last of the Jaguars which weren’t bought on Leasing Agreements so you can buy with more confidence than an XE , XF or X351 . I agree with you about the 3.0 V6 manual , it’s all the S type you would ever need ..
Plenty of choice out there and some with very low mileage , these were like the X350 amongst the last of the Jaguars which weren’t bought on Leasing Agreements so you can buy with more confidence than an XE , XF or X351 . I agree with you about the 3.0 V6 manual , it’s all the S type you would ever need ..
I've been looking out for manual V6 ones (even a 2.5) as a comedy shed, they get really strong money compared to the autos.
The rust isn't just internet fussing though, right up to the last ones they are almost all visibly rotten and as you know by the time it's blistering arches the car is absolutely knackered.
If'd also consider early XFs if you're after V8s. A friend of mine picked up a 4.2 2008 for £3k including fees and it was a fabulous car, it's hard to believe it was only 5 years newer than a launch X350 and I can see why sales of the XJ collapsed once it was in showrooms. They sold it for £5750 within a week of putting it up, there is a huge disparity between trade prices on old Jags and retail/private, possibly due to an expectation of warranty costs, IDK?
I love an XJ but I'd have an XF V8 over an X350 all day long now. It also sounded absolutely wicked, properly good but not obnoxious, and the performance was decent.
The trade values of SV8s are also a billion trillion miles away from the prices private buyers seem to fantasise about. Also watched a later 5.0 portfolio on 100k miles go through for £4,300 - they don't turn up often but they appear to be absolutely toxic to the trade.
3.0 XFs are even cheaper but of course they're all autos and they are sluggish tbh.
I'd also say that the early XFs (and X351s) appear to take massive miles and wear them very well. I'm pretty sure Tata ripped the arse out of quality later but the late Ford era cars are very high quality.
The rust isn't just internet fussing though, right up to the last ones they are almost all visibly rotten and as you know by the time it's blistering arches the car is absolutely knackered.
If'd also consider early XFs if you're after V8s. A friend of mine picked up a 4.2 2008 for £3k including fees and it was a fabulous car, it's hard to believe it was only 5 years newer than a launch X350 and I can see why sales of the XJ collapsed once it was in showrooms. They sold it for £5750 within a week of putting it up, there is a huge disparity between trade prices on old Jags and retail/private, possibly due to an expectation of warranty costs, IDK?
I love an XJ but I'd have an XF V8 over an X350 all day long now. It also sounded absolutely wicked, properly good but not obnoxious, and the performance was decent.
The trade values of SV8s are also a billion trillion miles away from the prices private buyers seem to fantasise about. Also watched a later 5.0 portfolio on 100k miles go through for £4,300 - they don't turn up often but they appear to be absolutely toxic to the trade.
3.0 XFs are even cheaper but of course they're all autos and they are sluggish tbh.
I'd also say that the early XFs (and X351s) appear to take massive miles and wear them very well. I'm pretty sure Tata ripped the arse out of quality later but the late Ford era cars are very high quality.
I had three Jaguars in succession.
S Type 4.0 V8 SE (auto)
This was the first version of the car. Was a new company car from a JMD. Had it for about 3 years and did 50,000 miles or so. I thought it was a good car until I got......
S Type 4.2 V8 SE (auto)
This was the second version of the car. I bought as an ex demo car with 120 miles from new from the same JMD. It was one of the very last of the second version (the third had been announced), so got a fantastic deal...£39,000 per list, reduced to £28,000. Vast improvement on the first S Type. Much, much better interior, slightly more rear leg room, improved suspension, far better auto gearbox, nicer exterior too. Had this car for 10 years, traded in at 128,000 miles. Biggest issue was a series of problems including two replacements with the gearbox, all covered under warranty without question and with good service by the JMD. Only sold due to its age and mileage. Then replaced with....
XF 5.0 V8 n/a Studio model.
Now this was a really excellent car and wish I still had it! Rare (made for the USA market but available in UK to special order), about 380BHP, non stressed engine, wafted like a Jaguar should and went like stink when asked. Bought from a JMD with 31,000 miles. It was previously owned by a Jaguar executive, so fully loaded, hence the designation Studio model. Never had any serious issue with this car and all done under warranty when needed. Traded in, reluctantly, after 2 1/2 years at 57,000miles. Wife found it a problem getting in and out due to her hip issues, hence had a LR DS ever since. Wish I still had this XF!
In summary, all three cars were good, all V8s, all autos (would never touch a Jaguar with a manual because of reputation and difficulty selling on). Each was significantly a better car than the one before. My advice: get an XF 5.0 V8 n/a...if you can find one!
R.
S Type 4.0 V8 SE (auto)
This was the first version of the car. Was a new company car from a JMD. Had it for about 3 years and did 50,000 miles or so. I thought it was a good car until I got......
S Type 4.2 V8 SE (auto)
This was the second version of the car. I bought as an ex demo car with 120 miles from new from the same JMD. It was one of the very last of the second version (the third had been announced), so got a fantastic deal...£39,000 per list, reduced to £28,000. Vast improvement on the first S Type. Much, much better interior, slightly more rear leg room, improved suspension, far better auto gearbox, nicer exterior too. Had this car for 10 years, traded in at 128,000 miles. Biggest issue was a series of problems including two replacements with the gearbox, all covered under warranty without question and with good service by the JMD. Only sold due to its age and mileage. Then replaced with....
XF 5.0 V8 n/a Studio model.
Now this was a really excellent car and wish I still had it! Rare (made for the USA market but available in UK to special order), about 380BHP, non stressed engine, wafted like a Jaguar should and went like stink when asked. Bought from a JMD with 31,000 miles. It was previously owned by a Jaguar executive, so fully loaded, hence the designation Studio model. Never had any serious issue with this car and all done under warranty when needed. Traded in, reluctantly, after 2 1/2 years at 57,000miles. Wife found it a problem getting in and out due to her hip issues, hence had a LR DS ever since. Wish I still had this XF!
In summary, all three cars were good, all V8s, all autos (would never touch a Jaguar with a manual because of reputation and difficulty selling on). Each was significantly a better car than the one before. My advice: get an XF 5.0 V8 n/a...if you can find one!
R.
I dont think that corrosion is that great an issue and is mostly concentrated on Sills and possibly the Subframe . Obviously before purchasing from a Dealer you are going to want it on a ramp and be going over past MOTs checking those Advisories and perhaps Failures . Some of these are still with the original Owner and have covered very low mileages in comparison with their age . The idea that all are rotten is a complete nonsense and any shortcomings are well documented and remedies available .
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is another though sadly for you an automatic . No mention of any corrosion on any MOT and both sensible mileage and money . The point I suppose I am trying to make is that not all are rotten and good historied cars are still out there with both sensible mileage and at sensible money . I wouldn't think there is a Dealer anywhere who wouldn't be open to an Offer on any S Type
Here is another though sadly for you an automatic . No mention of any corrosion on any MOT and both sensible mileage and money . The point I suppose I am trying to make is that not all are rotten and good historied cars are still out there with both sensible mileage and at sensible money . I wouldn't think there is a Dealer anywhere who wouldn't be open to an Offer on any S Type
reddiesel said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
Nice example but it's the first version with the propeller dash, IMO much inferior to the second version.Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
R.
reddiesel said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
Thanks. That does look quite nice. And I’m fine with the early dash myself. Latter one probably looks a bit better but not enough to be a decider. Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
I had a 2003 R for 8 years and loved it, it had a few tweaks it sounded like thunder and went like a greased pig… the interior is a nice place to be as well. I think that the R only came with an auto box could be wrong.
If you’re worried about rust make sure that you check under the Sill covers and engine try. Another big bill is if the valley pipe goes, it’s a £20 part and a shed load of labour…
Hope this helps.
If you’re worried about rust make sure that you check under the Sill covers and engine try. Another big bill is if the valley pipe goes, it’s a £20 part and a shed load of labour…
Hope this helps.
The Leaper said:
reddiesel said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
Nice example but it's the first version with the propeller dash, IMO much inferior to the second version.Here is an example of what I am referring to here .
R.
Externally, looking back I preferred the tweaked styling of the later model. I miss the comfort, quietness (at tickover you couldn't hear the 2.7 running) and also the load capacity - fold the back seats down and you can get 6'x4' staging in.
By contrast my DB9 is very noisy, very bumpy, goes wrong a lot, does 20mpg, can barely carry a suitcase and my local garage can't fix it. But it looks great and has a nice badge.
My 2.7D S-Type in Jaguar Racing Green was one of my favourite cars.
It’s good to hear experiences both good and bad on these cars and although personally struggling with the retro looks I never bought one I knew plenty that did .
A Diesel Jaguar of any sort always struck me as a contradiction and with result I steered clear of those too.
I should add that I have never covered the mileage where such a vehicle would have been of any economic benefit . Out of them all it’s the STR that holds my interest and my fellow Jaguar Enthusiast” The Engineer”
who posted on a few Jaguar Forums sadly died of a massive heart attack last year owned a beautiful low mileage example . I don’t know what became of the Car perhaps another friend “Stagnite”if he reads this will be able to shed some light ?I hope it’s found a good home because I would have loved to have kept it in his memory
A Diesel Jaguar of any sort always struck me as a contradiction and with result I steered clear of those too.
I should add that I have never covered the mileage where such a vehicle would have been of any economic benefit . Out of them all it’s the STR that holds my interest and my fellow Jaguar Enthusiast” The Engineer”
who posted on a few Jaguar Forums sadly died of a massive heart attack last year owned a beautiful low mileage example . I don’t know what became of the Car perhaps another friend “Stagnite”if he reads this will be able to shed some light ?I hope it’s found a good home because I would have loved to have kept it in his memory
I had a 2006 2.7 manual, a delight to drive. The gearbox was amongst the best I have used, precise and smooth change. The engine was quite and smooth although not the economical, sub 40 mpg on the motorway at 70 mph with cruise on. Ergonomically a Tardis in reverse as mentioned by others. Rust was like no other car I have had none then almost everywhere. I had so much trouble with DPF that I wish I had never seen the car. Still a good 3.0 manual generation two would have me looking. For what its worth I preferred my 2.5 75 in almost every way. Trying to find a good one of either is difficult but there are still some out there.
Ouch to the price of a Y2000 V6 manual! You should be able to pick up a decent 4.2 post 2003 for about £3k, and an STR for that money. They take miles well as long as serviced but do rust. I ran a 4.2 V8 for three years and about 50K miles , loved it got 30mpg as lots of motorway. Bought 10 years ago for £3k, sold to a mate for £2k he ran it for another 3 years and sold in 2020. As an XKR driver I did regret not getting an STR
Love the look but would get an X350 or XF now as they are super cheap and don't rust as much.
Love the look but would get an X350 or XF now as they are super cheap and don't rust as much.
There is also a chasm between what S types change hands for at trade (nothing) and what dealers and chancers ask for them (loads).
They can look really clean and lovely and be incredibly rotten underneath, proper lacework stuff. Agree the facelift 2001 on cars with the ZF6 are vastly improved - Jaguar didn't change the car so much so early because it was great.
I had a 2.7d auto, it was very very refined for a diesel (much more so than the later 3.0 ime) but it was really underpowered for the car if you were more than a 4/10ths sort of driver. Also drove one with a manual, which was ok but ran out of revs all the time of course, but one of those with a remap could be a cheap and amusing alternative to a 3.0 manual petrol.
They can look really clean and lovely and be incredibly rotten underneath, proper lacework stuff. Agree the facelift 2001 on cars with the ZF6 are vastly improved - Jaguar didn't change the car so much so early because it was great.
I had a 2.7d auto, it was very very refined for a diesel (much more so than the later 3.0 ime) but it was really underpowered for the car if you were more than a 4/10ths sort of driver. Also drove one with a manual, which was ok but ran out of revs all the time of course, but one of those with a remap could be a cheap and amusing alternative to a 3.0 manual petrol.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 5th February 16:40
reddiesel said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is another though sadly for you an automatic . No mention of any corrosion on any MOT and both sensible mileage and money . The point I suppose I am trying to make is that not all are rotten and good historied cars are still out there with both sensible mileage and at sensible money . I wouldn't think there is a Dealer anywhere who wouldn't be open to an Offer on any S Type
If anyone wants to spend SIX THOUSANDS POUNDS on an early S-Type then I have a investment opportunity in Magic Bean Futures I need to talk to them about.Here is another though sadly for you an automatic . No mention of any corrosion on any MOT and both sensible mileage and money . The point I suppose I am trying to make is that not all are rotten and good historied cars are still out there with both sensible mileage and at sensible money . I wouldn't think there is a Dealer anywhere who wouldn't be open to an Offer on any S Type
P700DEE said:
Love the look but would get an X350 or XF now as they are super cheap and don't rust as much.
Don't think the XF is for me, I just don't really like how they look all that much.The x350/x358 looks good, arguably the last good looking Jaguar saloon car. Although if you see an x300 or x308 driving about you realise how much more elegant and better they look over the x350.
Think I'll keep looking for now. Herat is really set on an XJ40, but don't want to buy a project. Want something I can use at weekends or going out for dinner kind of thing. But I am a little picky on engines, gearboxes and colours. If I stumble across an S-Type for the right money/condition and spec I'll take a serious look at it though.
stickleback123 said:
reddiesel said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
Here is another though sadly for you an automatic . No mention of any corrosion on any MOT and both sensible mileage and money . The point I suppose I am trying to make is that not all are rotten and good historied cars are still out there with both sensible mileage and at sensible money . I wouldn't think there is a Dealer anywhere who wouldn't be open to an Offer on any S Type
If anyone wants to spend SIX THOUSANDS POUNDS on an early S-Type then I have a investment opportunity in Magic Bean Futures I need to talk to them about.Here is another though sadly for you an automatic . No mention of any corrosion on any MOT and both sensible mileage and money . The point I suppose I am trying to make is that not all are rotten and good historied cars are still out there with both sensible mileage and at sensible money . I wouldn't think there is a Dealer anywhere who wouldn't be open to an Offer on any S Type
"Find another" no thanks, Id rather drink bleach than looking at anymore gopping early s types.
The interior (it's not just the dash but the quality of materials of the whole interior) on the early cars is absolutely pigging woeful. Think 90s American car like a grand voyager or Dodge neon more than anything "jaguar" - X types are genuinely nicer places to be.
Don't get suckered into the comedy pricing on some of these - They are absolutely in no way anymore of a "future classic" than the plethora of other 4 door Jaguars upto and including series xjs that are still realistically worth absolute buttons.
Absolutely worth considering If you can find a decent one for close to shed money, but once you're into "proper" car money they are very poor value.
If you absolutely must have a "mint" one and will pay more than shed money, get in contact with a Japanese exporter/importer. Low KM S types quite literally make a few hundred GBP over there. You won't find a manual though.
WorldBoss said:
Comical pricing, especially when it will have been picked up for a few hundred quid from the previous owner
"Find another" no thanks, Id rather drink bleach than looking at anymore gopping early s types.
The low mileage will be the reason, but overall I agree."Find another" no thanks, Id rather drink bleach than looking at anymore gopping early s types.
As for 'gopping', well, you are not buying it and opinions vary
I certainly wouldn't have another XF - unrefined and look like all the other cars on the road. Decent interior though. Mine ended up in a front garden somewhat shortened and I bought an XK convertible with the insurance money; best swap I ever did! Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff