Hi.

I’ve been thinking about buying an s-type. I havent been able to test drive one yet because i live in finland and they are quite rare here. My question is, how do they compare handling wise to a 5 series bmw or an e-class merc? Comfort is my main concern and thast why im looking for a jag. Im just curious to how they compare handling wise to 5 series bms for expample. I have owned four bemars and hold 5 series’ as a standard when it comes to the compromise of handling/comfort.
Would like to hear some opinions from actual jag enthusiasts.

-thanks.

 

It's very much a personal opinion. I found the BMW harsh and uncomfortable, the S-Type much better, but it is just opinion.

Not to put you off, but if they are rare there can you DIY most tasks? If not, are you sure there is someone affordable and capable to do work for you?

 

Same comment as from JagV8: If they are rare in your area, you obviously need to be able to fix everything yourself.

From what I heard about beamers (BMWs)...:
You can't just have ONE beamer, as you need a minimum of TWO, as one of them will always be in the garage for repairs...

I only have a fantasy of how it looks like in Fjord-land Finland, but my guessing is that an All-Wheel-Drive would come in handy in Finland.
The 2.5L and 3.0L X-Types are All-Wheel-Drives.

The X-Type was designed specifically to compete with BMW - specifically the 3 Series - and to compete with Mercedes C-Class and with Audi A4.
Thus, you will find that all of those will be pretty much on one level.

PS 1: I just noticed that you are asking about S-Type, not X-Type...

So, about the S-Type: If luxury is your main concern, then a S-Type will not disappoint. It is a wonderful car. I would not swap it for a beamer or a Merc.
The S-Type was designed to compete with beamer 5 series and Mercedes E-Class. Thus, you will find that all of those will be pretty much on one level.


PS 2: ...and some special advise for driving in Finland: It is common in Finland to use short-cuts by driving over frozen water in winter. Don't do that, if you do not have local knowledge, because the ice will be a lot thinner where little creeks and little rivers are flowing into the big body of water. Many many years ago a friend broke with his car thru the ice because of that - he was lucky, that the water wasn't very deep there...

PS 3: The best colour for an S-Type is Jaguar Racing Green Metallic. Alternatives are red or golden.

 

Listen to JagV8. Only you can decide and you need to drive all those cars. There is no correct answer as all brands have good and bad points.

BUT when purchasing a used luxury car of any brand be aware they get no cheaper to fix as they age! They only continue dropping in price. Again listen to JagV8 if you can't or won't DIY then it will be a money pit regardless.

Do try to get the latest model and the lowest mileage. JLR made continuing improvements over the S-Type production. The big ones were in the 2003 update as you got the nice ZF 6 speed automatic and the 4.2L V-8 among other stuff. Looks like your over sea's so maybe looking at the Diesel versions? We are mainly a US forum so weak on Diesel knowledge.

Consider looking at the UK Jaguar forum as it's full of Diesels and their problems.
UK Jaguar Forum
.
.
.

 

I bought my S-Type ten years ago. I could have bought a Mercedes, Audi, Saab or BMW. I did not.

Each time I approach, drive, experience its sounds, smells, comfort and ways of doing things I am as delighted as I was the first time. An x-type would be a welcomed rougher little brother but the S-Type was exactly the car for me.

 

It is obvious that an old car does not get any younger and need quite a bit of work "as they age", but that was not the question coming from Finland.
And the jury is still out on the question, if they "only continue dropping in price"...:

An argument against that is that Jaguar (as it was) is a damn fine car. Ford improved it a lot. I see an XJ (eg the X308) and the S-Type as the pinnacles of Jaguar - the Ford-Jaguar "Project" ended around 2010. After that Indian Tata took over. That's not my thing. No style. No Jaguar Design. No quad-headlights. No curves. And the latest woke laughing stock on wheels, which Jaguar has in planning, kills off that brand completely. Thus, if more people in the future get interested into Jaguar, there is no option of buying a new one, and the old ones do not grow in number - which may affect the price.

When buying a S-Type, buy one that was made in 2004 and after. There was an important series of upgrades in 2004. To make sure you get one from AFTER THAT UPGRADE, hold a magnet onto the bonnet (hood). If it sticks, it is the previous design. The newer design has a bonnet made out of aluminium (aluminum).
Obviously - the less the mileage, the better.

 

Jags will give a relatively softer ride, BMW and Mercedes will give a slightly firmer Autobahn handling ride, according to in-period magazine tests. But the Jag is light years ahead of soft pillowy US luxury car rides. My '01 S Type feels like it is melded to the highway at higher speeds and rides beautifully, no floating just a solid but luxurious ride, even fully loaded.
If you get an earlier 4.0 engined model, make sure the timing chain tensioners and guides are or have already been replaced with the "3rd generation" tensioners and guides Jaguar was using by 2003 or so.
As said above, it is prudent to have connections to a trusted garage to fit/repair these as needed, but then that goes for BMW and Mercedes of this era as well. Be sure to get a Jag with all service papers so you know what's been done and what hasn't. BMW have been called "Big Money Wasters", not totally unfounded but as all of these cars can be 20 or more years old, be aware of future upkeep costs. The joys of classic cars! But properly sorted out they are truly great.
And for fun, be sure to check out Jeremy Clarkson on Youtube... "Jaaaaag"

 

Two things come to mind. 2006 or later and how you handle repairs. Lots of money. Find a great indy mechanic that knows the car inside and out. Not so much money for repairs like a lot of us. Be really good diy and learn a lot as you fix things and see how intricate how it is built. I am still amazed at my car in its construction every time i really get into a complicated repair. Right now i am replacing the radiator and getting a good look at most coolant hoses and front suspension

 

One of the biggest problems in the UK is RUST. It might be the same where you are. They rust underneath. This is the reason many end up in the scrapyard. Check very carefully beneath the car before you buy.
They are a lovely, relaxing, car to drive. Not too difficult to work on, if you avoid the V8 models. But changing spark plugs on the early V6 models is a pain.
Parts can be affordable if you find the equivalent Ford part number.
As the other guys said, only get one if you are a good DIY mechanic.

 

Maybe Finland is (now) colder than UK so much slower rusting? Also, do they use salt as here?

 

They do use salt in Finland, but also sand and other minerals depending on conditions.
Though how quickly their cars rust in comparison to the UK, I don’t know.

 

As noted, any opinion will be highly subjective. However, here's my 2c based on nearly 15 years ownership and personal maintenance of our pristine 2007 2.7L V6 TTD S-Type in Luxury spec. I have one brother similarly addicted to Bimmers and another (complete with white cane!) who has a tribe of Wolwos!

I agree with all comments that point to the S-Type's superior ride compared to BMW, whether pushing hard or after hours of relaxed touring. As to condition and maintenance, any 20 year old luxury vehicle will reflect its prior life. This can be a godsend . . . or a pitfall . . . for subsequent owners!

Hence, my principal advice . . . (1) aim to buy the best example you can find and, if it's not available, be patient or look further afield. In limited markets, this can be frustrating . . . (2) low mileage is not always the best buy as these Jags thrive on being driven regularly. All 20yo cars are affected by age, so items like suspension bushes and other rubber parts deteriorate and laid-up cars can be a haven for vermin who love chewing on wiring . . . and (3) be aware that rarity among model variants generally commands a price premium.

Documentation of service history is great, but nothing beats a comprehensive test drive, nor getting the car up on a hoist to visibly check all that you can. If this is beyond you, then find an obliging shop that will allow you in to take notes as the mechanic checks each system or component. These notes will guide you to better assessment of the tasks required and likely expense!

This advice should not deter you . . . but ensures that you approach any purchase with "eyes wide open".
Best wishes,