When the time comes to change the brake pads on my 2000 S-Type, what are my options? Are there aftermarket pads that perform better then stock?

 

Lots of options; you have to choose some side of compromises. If you want average performance and little dust, go with Akebono (www.rockauto.com). If you want increased performance with a bit more dust, EBC RedStuff have been nothing short of outstanding for mine (www.ebcbrakes.com).

 

I put Raybestos quiet stop ceramics on mine and love them. Stops great and no dust.

 

Can any of these be purchased at a national chain like Autozone or Pepboys?

 

Raybestos, maybe...try NAPA too, or O'Reilly's

I haven't found the Akebono Euros anywhere but online, and while i'm at it, recommend them highly. Fun project, good luck.

 

I was just at Napa and they recommend their new ceramic pads called Adaptive One. They have them available for front and rears. Anybody have any experience with them?

 

I have these ceramics installed. They are stellar. Easy as pie to install too. Made to a very good tolerance. Laugh, but I've had a lot of pads that needed filing. These were excellent.