i have a 98 xj8 vdp that is giving me the hints of possible gearbox failure. i am considering a 2005 s-type 6 cyl with 100k miles. racing green and looks to be in great shape. i had an 04 x-type some years ago.. is the ride / feel similar to that? what reasons did any of you choose the s-type? i actually am one of the ones that find the styling to be nice

 

Still one of the best bang-for-the-buck sedans on the planet. But to keep them from sucking your wallet dry, you must be able to DIY most of your maintenance and repairs. There are well-known quirks and issues that must be addressed on every one of them. Some are inexpensive and easy, some can be pricey. DIY mitigates most of that....

Do your due diligence here by searching phrases such as "considering S-type" or "common S-type issues / problems". You find plenty of reading to help educate you....

 

There's virtually NOTHING in common between an X and an S type. A 2005 with 100K miles is almost broken in, do a search for common issues as Jon89 mentions. I think you'll be very happy with the car.

 

Had an 02 X-TYPE 3.0...IMO worst Jag (Jag-a-Taurus) ever made. Ride comparison? There's no comparison. The "S" is supreme.

 

03+ S-Type is the way to go. Again, DIY qualities are a big plus to keep those $$$ in your wallet!

 

A 2005 S-Type should be a pretty good choice. I wouldn't worry about the mileage too much as the V6 engines are pretty bullet-proof. Some areas to look for:

1. Transmission flushed

2. DCCV/Control Module

3. Suspension bushings

4. Oil pan gasket leakage.

Those are some of the high points.

My S-Type has about 80K on it and it still drives like a new car. As Jon mentioned earlier, a really nice car for a bargain price, but DIY will help your wallet.

 

Great car and i have had them all. It is a pleasure to drive.

 

I have had my 2003 S-type 2.5 for nearly two years and it has been a reliable car (90.000 km) nevertheless the price of parts bites big time - but coming from a Jaguar you would know that. if you are not a DIY person then next best thing would be a warranty - shortly after buying, the transmission needed 4500 dollars worth of warranty and since then the warranty has saved me about 1500 dollars. it cost $2000.00 for the warranty so i am well ahead.

 

I only just entered Jaguar ownership last week with a 2003 model year S-type 3.0 SE auto, she's got just under 49000 on the clock and feels like a brand new car! I've come from a "well loved" (ie old and thrashed!) BMW 535i and the ride quality and comfort in the cat is streets ahead, plus despite being 400cc slimmer in the engine she's actually a fair bit quicker too. I'm enormously impressed so far. A friend of mine has an X-type and it's nowhere near as nice as my S!

 

Sshhh, don't tell him!

 

Nah I wouldn't want to rain on his parade, he's in Mondeo (Taurus) denial as it is!