Thinking about buying an S-Type

[Davidqhog]

I have an XJ8 Sovereign & a Daimler Super V8 so I'm familiar with the cost of keeping a Jag on the road! To reduce the strain on the XJ8, I'm thinking about an S-Type. I've read about sills and wouldn't touch a diesel but would like to know what other things I should look out for. I've read that the 4.2 is fairly bullet-proof as far as engines go and it's a V8 so would match the other two! But what years are good and what should I be aware of as I look around. Any help gratefully received.

[J44EAG]

As you probably know, I ran a 4 litre V8 early model S-type for nearly ten years. Sold on to another owner and then subsiquently to another just a month ago, this particular car finally had an issue with rear sill rot. That is probably the S-type`s biggest issue.

With the last run out models now being around ten years old, they too will be subject to possible corrosion issues. See Steve Howard`s recent articles and posts on the issue.

Lack of gearbox oil changing can also cause the S-type to become an expensive car to run with old age. Old, second hand cars suffer progressive decay and in this respect, the S-type is probably little better or any worse than any other similar car of the period. I took fright as my old S-type began its slide towards oblivion and sold the car on as I knew it was going to become a money pit. Having the 4 litre V8, it was also the most thirsty of the range and with the price of fuel being what it was, the car was eventually knocked on in favour of my present ali bodied X350R.

Jumping ship to the X350 was one of the best decisions I`ve ever made. I can achieve 33mpg compared to the 27 of the S-type, the underfloor is corrosion free, the car is rather more spacious, is nimbler, better handling and sheer magic to own and run. Changing from S-type to X350 was not only a revelation but also sheer joy. You know you have the right car when you get exited each time you turn the key.

Buying even a V6 S-type is unlikely to save much money on running costs compared to your current cars. Any Jaguar of this time line will have broadly similar running costs which can become expensive especially if a poor buying choice is made. I personally now concider buying a steel bodied car to be a dangerous proposition and for me aluminium bodied vehicles offer a far better alternatve. A reliable lifespan for a steel car appears to be around fifteen years. Aluminium offers an improvement. We certainly haven`t heard of any chassis issues with X350 but with S-type reports of severe body corrosion occur on a regular basis.

It really is a case of choose your poison!

Mike

[Davidqhog]

Mike, many thanks for taking the time. Funnily enough, the other possibility is an X350 or X358. I've driven a couple of S-Types and quite liked the feel of the car. More nimble than the XJ8 but not quite as comfortable (but then the Daimler takes comfort to a higher level). I know it's the wrong place to be asking the question, but what issues do the X350/358 have from your perspective (sounds like none from your answer!).Certainly some of the articles in the club mag seem to indicate it's a great vehicle and still in the traditional Jaguar style.

[J44EAG]

David,

If you ping me your email address either using the pm facility on this site or use the mail address for me in the X350 magazine pages, I`ll send you some of my 350 material.

The best bit about the 350 is it is almost all corrosion free. Yes, like any car they car have problems if badly maintained or at very high mileages. Parts can fail. They are not totally bulletproof but I`ve certainly found a 350 to be less tedious when it comes to repairs. What does it for me is the quality of the drive and that you really feel how light a 350 is by comparison to an S-type. Young Jenner always used to tell me that the 350 was a rather more enguaging car and nearly two years on after buying one, I`m even more taken with it than ever I was with the S-type. The 350 really is a peach to own and drive. It does things with such consumate ease.

Mike

[oldtimer]

David,
In broad terms I agree with what Mike has to say. Most S types were purchased to be used not locked away only to come out on sunny days.
Certainly corrosion is the S type's Achilles heel. but don't all old cars suffer this problem.

There are exceptions to the rule and I would claim my 03 3litre V6 Sport with manual gearbox is one of them . I am lucky to have had it from new and I can guarantee absolutely no corrosion what so ever, still with only 48K on the clock. Up until recently my wife and I spent two months a year for 14 years touring France. From new till now I have experienced to problems at all.

Should you choose to go the S type route I would strongly recommend you obtain a post 2025.5 year model as there are so many changes it is practically a different vehicle.

Good hunting

[rosemary]

I concur with Mike and Oldtimer I've had 2:- S-Types, a 3.0l Petrol 1999 and a 2005 2.7d ,not counting the engine both are completely different cars.
The 2005 car is streets ahead of the 99 car although both have had similar problems e.g. Air Con leaks, dissimilar metals touching you;d think Jaguar would sort it out, , hundreds of pounds, cost greater than value of both cars, suspension bushes, hundreds of pounds, front wheel bearings, hundreds of pounds, fuel consumption, the 99 car was not so good 25 to 28 normal and 18 towing, the Diesel is a lot better 40 mpg and 30 towing, however a new gearbox, three new injectors and new EGR diaphragms valves only because the Jaguar Main Dealer didn't know what they were doing until Jaguar themselves got involved, new suspension bushes etc:- thousands of pounds. I still have that car amazingly only because when I came to trade it in for an XF the salesman offered me the price of a push bike. I like it better than than my 3.0l d XF Premium, it rides infinitely better. It's done 140,000 miles now and I hope it will reach 200,000 plus until a scrappage scheme comes in and I can get an Electric Mini. Personally I would get a 350, like Mike.
Dave