Hello,

Since I have recently acquired my license, I am looking for advice on purchasing my first car.
After thorough consideration I am hoping to purchase a Jaguar S type.

I have scanned the forums looking for information regarding the S types, and it seems of particular importance is looking into a facelifted model, since it seems to provide a significant upgrade regarding the reliability of the vehicle.

I am hoping anyone would be able to clarify how I can differentiate between which model is a facelifted one and which isn't, and what the major differences are. E.g., it seems that certain 2004 models have a facelifted rear and front, whereas others do not. Does this mean the whole vehicle is not facelifted?
It seems to me an S-type can be classified in either MK1 (pre 2002), MK1.5 (2002 and onwards), and MK2 (2004-2005~ish and onwards).

• During which facelift the reliability updates are most significant? Is there a major difference between the MK1.5 and MK2 as far as reliablity goes?

Reliability is my main concern, seeing as how I am trying to keep things within budget somehow. For this reason, I have also considered going for a possibly cheaper to maintain X-type over an S-type, yet at my height (6'7), it seems to me that an S-type would be favorable with the additional leg room offered.

I greatly appreciate any insight regarding the matter!

With best regards,
Starv

 

The early S-Type (X200) used the AJ28 4.0 litre V8 and the Ford Duratec 3.0 litre V6. Both are great engines with the early 4.0 litre engines suffering from plastic timing chain tensioners that failed prematurely. This was later rectified during the 2001MY and the engine received steel cylinder liners instead of the Nikasil coating on the early engines.

The main difference between the X200 and X202 (facelift) is in the interior appointments. There are also revisions to the suspension design for the X202. During the 2002MY the AJ28 was replaced by the AJ33, which is a 4.2 litre engine with revised timing chains, guides and tensioners. The Ford Duratec 3.0 engine inlet design was also revised to make servicing the spark plugs and coils easier.

The later cars in 2008, had additional accessories and trim packages added (X206) before the vehicle went out of production.

Most early X200s have had the primary and secondary timing chains, guides and tensioners replaced on the AJ28, so they are, in my opinion, just as reliable as the AJ33 and AJ34 4.2 litre engines. I have also found the S-Type to be quite reliable once known failure points have been addressed,

For ease of maintenance, the Duratec engine is simple to work on and parts are readily available. The V8s are more powerful and give the S-Type a different personality, but are not as easy to work on if you're a novice.

 

The distinction of MK1, MK1.5 and MK2 doesn't reflect the changes at all.

More like Mk1, Mk2, and Mk2.1

The big changes were 2002.5MY

If you don't DIY at least the simple stuff you want a good independent or like any fairly rare import you'd be setting yourself up for costs.

 

As a fresh licence holder, you've great taste choosing the still stylish modern S Type. And you will certainly stand out from the many bland and plentiful marques out there.
That's all good but you're also looking at a car that will be either 14-24 years old.
Buy one that's had lots of love; usually the dearest one you can afford. V8's may have better long term desirability. If you plan to hang on and keep the car buy an STR.

As NBCat has mentioned above, there should now be no issues with reliability of the x200's/AJ28 V8 engine as most would have been updated.
It was a good design from the start. A friend of mine ran a local Jaguar Dealer workshop for a few years when these cars were still new; they had few if any issues with the 4.2' V8's.

The x200 is no bland car and still a beautiful looker but I prefer from the x202 on. Aside of the obvious facia and centre console updates it had a much stiffer body, 6 speed, a front suspension largely updated, revisions to the rear suspension, steering improved, electronic brake installed etc.

The X Type has held up very well also, but a different class of car. The 3.0 litre all wheel drive V6 was the most desirable. The 2.1litre V6 front wheel drive only was an overpriced slug; best avoided. The last run diesels were very nice and desirable as well but not sure what market you're in.

 

The S-type is a much nicer car than the X-type and is likely to hold its value more if you hold onto it for a while.

 

Some aspects of the X-type reflect cost cutting measures and its Mondeo heritage (not meant as an insult, BTW). An example of this is that the S-type has access panels over the fuel tank for access to the fuel pump/sending units, whereas the X-type requires dropping the tank, or cutting sheet metal in order to affect a replacement of these parts.