Jaguar S-Type (1999 - 2007)

Models Covered: (4 dr saloon 2.5,3.0,4.0,4.

2,4.2R petrol, 2.7 diesel [base, SE, Sport, Spirit, XS])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

What would Inspector Morse think of the Jaguar S-TYPE? It would certainly appear at home amongst the dreaming spires of Oxford, its elegant curves signalling the perfect old-money ambience, despite being based on the American Lincoln LS platform. Whether the doughty Inspector, Jaguar man that he is, could afford one on his salary is quite another consideration. With used S-TYPE models starting to appear in steady numbers, maybe this could be the best way to get behind the wheel of this remarkable car. Its still not cheap.

With residual values outperforming rivals from Germany, an S-TYPE will still require a pretty hefty outlay.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

The S-TYPE offers a viable alternative to the BMW 5 series, and whilst maybe not up to the Bavarians standards of driving dynamics, certainly offers keen value for money. Opt for the 4.0-litre and you'll find that it comes with Special Equipment trim included - which means that, as with the V6SE, you get leather upholstery, a power sunroof, steering wheel stereo controls, front fog lamps and cruise control amongst other things. Even the entry-level V6, however, comes fully loaded. Expect to find alloy wheels, electric seats, traction control, climate-controlled air conditioning, a trip computer, ABS, twin front and side airbags and a sophisticated security system. No other premium sector rival can match this.

Not that Jaguar is against offering a lengthy options list. There is one for the S-TYPE, but it tends to include clever, groundbreaking features. Of these, we've seen some before: a satellite navigation system, rain-sensitive wipers and radar parking control. Automatic transmission customers can also specify the CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) adaptive damping system for sportier handling. This can come on its own or as part of a new Sports Pack that also includes special alloys, seats and interior trim. If luxury is a great priority, theres an optional voice activated control system which enables you to given spoken commands to the climate control system, the stereo and the 'phone (which now has an integrated keypad). It also works on the satellite navigation system, which can respond to traffic congestion when calculating your route. You'll also like the little touches like the headlights which turn on automatically. Or the Smart Locking system which makes it impossible to lock your keys in the car. Will you be as impressed by the styling, evocative as it is of the original S-TYPE, produced in the Sixties? It's a subjective thing of course, but most appear to either instantly love it or gradually grow to. Certainly, it makes a distinctive rear view mirror statement - just as designer Geoff Lawson intended. Inside, he's fashioned a typically Jaguar interior embellished with wood veneer. There's comfortable room for four and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to extend the boot should you need to. Theres not a massive amount of design flair about the interior, but it looks quietly classy and appears very well screwed together an important consideration for the used buyer.

Used values for the Jaguar S-TYPE are rock solid, especially for the V6 models. If you can find a well looked after car on a forecourt for less than £7,500, consider it a bargain. Thats a realistic opening figure for a 1999 T-registered 3.0 manual model, although the automatic versions command around £700 more.

If youd like an SE specification V6, they start at £10,500, or £11,600 for an automatic, again on the 1999 T-plate. Values for the 4.0 V8 are barely higher than the V6 SE models. Opening negotiations at £11,800 for a 1999 T-plate car may well pay dividends.

Insurance for the 3.0-litre cars is a surprisingly reasonable Group 15, the same as a Honda Civic 1.8 VTi, whilst the 4.0-litre V8 is rated at Group 17

With Fords acting as watchful custodians of the Jaguar brand, the development budgets and depth of engineering are immediately obvious in the S-TYPE. If your last experience with a Jaguar was one of the unlovely XJ40 models from the eighties, then the feel of an S-TYPE may come as a surprise. Only a few details jar, such as the quality of some plastics used in the interior most notably on the glove box and ashtrays. Check these areas for damage.

No major faults have yet to be reported with any of the S-TYPE models, and none should really be expected. If the car youre looking at has been fitted with the optional 17-inch wheels, check them for kerbing damage, as they are prone to this. Otherwise look for a full service history and a spotless interior and exterior. Any small dents, dings, rips or stains will markedly affect the value of most luxury cars and this Jaguar is no exception.

(approx based on a 1999 S-TYPE 3.0) Spares fro the S-TYPE are about par for the course for an executive car. Front brake pads are around £50, whilst rears are £40. Expect to have to fork out around £220 for a new clutch assembly and around £520 for a new exhaust system.

A replacement headlamp will cost the thick end of £200.

Jaguar chassis engineers have a reputation as some of the industrys best and their expertise is immediately apparent in the S-TYPE. Ride quality is class-leading, bumps and ruts barely affecting the cars creamy composure. Opt for the 17-inch wheel option and the amount of thump increases slightly. The steering is a trifle disappointing, being over-assisted on the V6 models, slightly meatier on the V8, but still not as direct and communicative as a BMW 5 series or even an Alfa Romeo 166.

The engines are both willing units, the V6 lacking the V8s billowing rush of power, but able to post some impressive figures. The smaller engine isnt class-leading however, lacking neither the character, flexibility nor aural accompaniment of rivals offerings. Nevertheless, as a complete package, the S-TYPE acquits itself really rather well. The combination of styling, quality, composure and power work well enough to make it the second best car in the luxury executive sector behind the BMW 5 series, and even then the differences will come down to personal taste.

If youre a keen driver, the BMW may be a more obvious choice, but the Jaguar is both playful and accomplished.

Some will feel that the S-TYPEs failure to vault to the top of the luxury executive class against rivals at least three years old condemned it to the role of a badge-engineered Ford, the an upscale Scorpio. Try telling that to used buyers. With residual values easily outstripping those of the BMW 5 series and Mercedes E-class, the S-TYPE is a sure-fire used hit. Which also means that if youre expecting them to be languishing at the back of the lot for Mondeo money youre in for a shock.

The V6 models, especially in SE trim, appear to be the ones to go for, and should prove to be a canny choice, especially as the older cars already slow depreciation flattens further. Capable of high mileages, the S-TYPE is a British car that needs no apologies, excuses or explanation. A sound used buy.