I own a 2003 XJR and I love it, very reliable and few problems. I have a friend that wants to buy a 2000 S-Type with a 3.0 and 88,000 miles. She is not a car enthusiast, she wants it to be a daily driver for the family. I have heard many bad things about early S-Types. Should she look for something else?

 

I'd suggest that she should try and stretch to a facelift 2003 or later.

 

Depending on her budget, I would go further than Norri and recommend a 2004-2005. I have a 2005 and it is great so far. It is well developed and has been very reliable especially for a daily driver. Not sure what her budget is, but Norri's initial jump off point is a good frame of reference.

Hope this helps,

Mike

 

I prefer the styling of the 2003 and on models myself, but the 2000-2003 models could be okay. I have heard that the earlier ones have reliability problems, so I would stay away. I tested a 2001 V8 model several months ago and found it to be fast, but it appeared to be leaking oil somewhere. Smoke was coming through the vents, and it only had 56,000 miles.

The 2000-02 models also had a different engine than the 03 models. The 3.0L only had about 215 HP while the 03 to 08 had 235 and 240 HP. Based on what I have read from others on this and other forums, I recommend the 05-08 models for best reliability.

The 2003's are okay and their prices are obviously the best, so I would recommend them as well, since I own one.

 

totally agree

 

Ditto on the 2005-and-up recommendation. My research tells me that they will be much more reliable as a daily driver and less expensive to maintain over the long run. An early-model S-Type for a female driver with no interest in car maintenance will be an expensive proposition as time passes....

 

The 00 - 02 models seem to be the most troublesome. In 03 the car got a major update in mechanicals and the dash and console were updated to resemble the rest of the Jag family. 04 carried over. 05 got a new instrument cluster, new aluminum hood, new grill and facia, new quarters, trunk, and tail lamps. 06 got a mesh grill. last change in 08 it got the r model's front bumper. The 05 and up cars seem to be the most trouble free, but then again they were mostly under factory warranty until now, so many people just may not be saying much since things were covered. I like my 05 very much but also know that it would be about 10 grand plus more than the one she is looking at. Make sure if she takes "the leap with the leaper" that it comes with a service history.

 

the money she wants to save initially on a 2000, can easily be wiped out and would have made a 03 an up cheaper in the long run. The only saving grace on that car she's looking at is the V6.

 

I have a 2000 S-type 3.0 with aprox 107k miles and the only issues that i've have had were needing a new coil; replaced all 6 & tune-up - cost $700 or so, heating issue that turned out to be the thermostat - cost $230 (troubleshoot time/parts). That's really about it. my car runs strong and is well maintained (I'm second owner).

So, just like any car, look it over or have a qualified tech look at it before buying anything.

Good luck,
Michael

 

I also have a 2000 S-type but mines the 4.0 V8 with 95k Miles. I believe the earlier versions are hit or miss. I have owned my vehicle for 5 years now and I have only replaced 2 window regulators and a cracked coolant reserve tank.

I agree with MEP, you should have a tech look at the car.