The negative nature of most threads here could lead a casual observer to conclude that the S-Type is a problem plagued mongrel. Yet I'm sure that most of us here still have some emotional attachment to their car. Otherwise they wouldn't be wasting their time trying to cure the problems, & would have off loaded them years ago. So what is it that attracted you to an S-Type in the first place, & why do you still like/love the car?
For me it's the shape. Classic lines that supersede even the original 60s S-Type, & go all the way back to 1948s XK 120. I also like the car's luxury appointments & handling characteristics. Though these are more general Jaguar traits, & not exclusive to the S-Type. I like the mix of modern & retro in the design & think that it's ageing beautifully. I just hope that it's not the last iteration of this classic Jaguar look.

 

Flashy & fast $65K car (STR) for only $15K down and $100/mo (average for maintenance)

 

Mostly, people are tuning their STRs or coming here to solve problems. So you're bound to have the postings weighted towards problems. Those with no problems rarely come here.

In between that a few jokes are told and some nearly naked lassies appear from time to time.

Sounds about normal to me.

 

Woo Hoo Naked Lassies!
As long as it's not this one.

 

Uh oh, here come the moderators, now you've gone too fur ...

LASSIE THEME - YouTube

 

What attracted me to the S-type was:

- Classic Jaguar styling
- Brand heritage
- Richly appointed interior leather and wood with seat piping

 

I couldn't find another car even close to the features and performance of the STR for the money. I've been on other car forums and problems are mostly why people post. Before I actually bought an STR I made sure I could get DIY info cheaply enough, then I read a ton of threads here and on other jag forums and decided there were few likely problems that would be badly expensive (generally, non-DIY) to fix. So I bought my car. I'd still have bought it if I knew then what I now know, nearly 3 years on.

 

I like that the S-type brought back at least some of the styling and themes found in the pre-XJ Jaguar sedans without the long list of problems and idiosyncrasies that pervaded the old Jags.

The view over the hood is almost traditional Jaguar and the ride is very controlled over most surfaces. In my car there is some traditional body rattle and steering wheel squeak, which makes it very much a Jaguar in the old sense.

I hope that people will tire of the new styles quickly because I can't stand the new Jags, even having driven them. They have a slight edge in handling and performance, but they have almost completely lost the the sense of being a Jaguar styling wise.

I predict that if Jaguar is around 10 years from now, that the newer models will once again look more like their early ancestors than they do right now.

 

I love mine because it's mine. The smooth ride, sleek apperance--heated seats.


I love everything about my car except the fact that it scares me on maintenance.

 

By far the best bang-for-the-buck rear-wheel-drive highway cruiser sedan I could steal at the time (December 2008)....

Fantastic highway fuel economy that was totally unexpected and essentially discovered after the first couple of my wife's solo round-trips to Tampa and back....

Smooth ride, nicely appointed, relatively quiet....

And yes, it's still drop-dead gorgeous after all these years....

 

I was hesitant at first before purchasing my 2005 4.2l. I have alway admired Jaguars and loved the looks of the S-Type. I couldn't be happier with my decision to purchase. The ride quality, appointments and performance have exceeded my expectations. I truly look forward to every chance I get to drive the car. I am definitely hooked and even planning ahead for my next Jaguar when it is time to replace my wife's Mercedes.

 

I bought my 2002 S-Type new in December of 2001. I bought it because of the lines and styling - I think this is what classic Jaguars should look like. I drove it everywhere for the first two years and eventually stopped driving it in the winters and now, at just having turned 10 with 100K miles, am trying to preserve it. The interior is perfect and the exterior is dent and ding free and still shines up very nice. It is actually pretty easy to work on compared with the Series I - III XJ6s and my XJS. All the connectors only go on one way and things can usually be assembled only one way. Jaguars are tempermental - that is part of the quaintness and attraction of them for me. Love my S-Type!

 

390 hp.

 

The 2010 Dodge Challenger with manual trans has 391hp...

 

How much does a 2010 one cost?

 

Oops. The R/T Manual for 2010 is rated at a measly 375hp... What a slow poke...

2008-2011 Dodge Challenger car specifications

Too much for what it is.. But WTH... In the US; used; with less than 20k miles they run in the high 20's to low 30's. The 400hp+ SRT8's are more.

Here are the listings within a 100 miles of my zip...

Find Your Car: Used Dodge Challenger Listings Near Akron, OH 44310 - AutoTrader.com

Happy looking.....

 

Take $2000 off the top, no under the supercharger leaks, coolant tank replacements or DCCVs to fuss with...

 

The STR didn't really have those problems at 1 yr old. I bet the Dodge whatsit has some at 7-9 yrs old, though it won't matter to me as I don't think I'll be buying one! Not "big sellers" over here....

 

For me, it was three things basically.

1. Styling. The car has timeless and distinctive styling that reminds me of the MKIIs. The interior as well is a very pleasing environment.

2. Handling. The car has razor sharp steering and sticks like glue in the turns.

3. Comfort. The car is supremely comfortable to drive. The seats in particular are the best I've encountered.

 

I love the look of my Jag, it has a timeless Jag look. It's different than everything else you see on the road, and people are passionate about their Jags, that is why we put up with them.