Item: Used Jaguar S-type Saloon 1998 - 2008
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Saloon

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

S-TYPE

It's not quite a BMW-beater, but it's a refined alternative that's worth considering

Used Jaguar S-type Saloon 1998 - 2008

German rivals hold their value better than the Jag. So a good used S-type gives you a lot of executive car for your money. However it's not the case if you want the diesel, which looks set to stubbornly hang on to its value, and remains quite dear.

That said, the diesel is attractive in many ways. For a start, with an official 41.5mpg, the diesel is almost twice as efficient as the 24.5mpg 300bhp V8 and the 22.7mpg R. And, with just a group 14 rating, it's the cheapest model in the range to insure.

To cap it all, its 15,000-mile service intervals mean it needs to see the inside of a dealership less often than it's 10,000-mile rated petrol counterparts.

Sadly, the bill won't be cheap when the time does come around. Jaguar hourly rates are about the most expensive in the whole market, so unless the car is still under warranty, find a good specialist instead.

It's not quite a BMW-beater, but it's a refined alternative that's worth considering

First-generation cars were fitted with a 240bhp 3.0-litre Ford V6 or a 4.0-litre 280bhp Jaguar V8. The V8 came as an automatic only, but V6s also had the choice of a manual gearbox.

The high-performance R model arrived in January 2002 with a new 400bhp supercharged V8. At the same time a smaller, but more fuel-efficient 2.5-litre 200bhp V6 was also introduced, while the V8 became a 300bhp 4.2-litre.

However, all these petrol engines soon became irrelevant ancient history when, in 2004, Jaguar gave the S-type a major facelift - and made a much better car in the process. There was a nod to the larger all-aluminium XJ, s Jaguar fitted the S-type with an aluminium bonnet, but it was the new diesel engine under that bonnet that really impressed.

The Peugeot-Citroen-Ford-developed 2.7-litre, 24-valve, twin-turbo diesel is our choice. With its 206bhp and 320lbft of pulling power, this unit has the refinement and the performance to wean anyone off petrol power. In mid-model SE spec, it provides all the kit you need.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

Face-lifted cars were introduced in 2004 and are better and more reliable than first-generation machines. There is also a variance within the pre-face-lift range. Early cars suffered from ignition coil failures, premature engine wear and electrical problems brought on by water leaks.

A visit to the Vehicle and Operator Safety Agency website at www.vosa.gov.uk reveals a fairly substantial list of recalls you chould check for. Although some, like the risk of the speed restriction label peeling off the spare wheel, are not so serious, others highlight more potentially dangerous faults. These include seat belt buckle concerns, front suspension ball-joint failure and the risk that the automatic gearbox may engage reverse when in forward drive.

High-mileage S-type Rs may look a cheap way to uncap serious performance, but they are best given a wide berth, while mid-mileage examples should be given a very thorough examination.

When the S-type arrived in 1999, it looked like it had just driven off the set of The Sweeney. Most models had even a classic wood and leather interior to match, but underneath the car was every bit as modern as its German rivals.

While the S-type may not have the ultimate poise of the BMW 5 Series, its handling is still very good, thanks to an agile chassis and precise, accurate steering. Optional CATS suspension sharpens up the responses further, and every model performs well, with not a duff engine in the range.

Electrically adjustable pedals are an option on later models, but even without them, getting a good driving position is easy. However, the centre of the dashboard contains an almost bewildering array of buttons, and tall back seat passengers will find their heads brushing the roof. There could be more stowage in the cabin, too, and the boot opening would be better if it was wider.

Used Jaguar S-type Saloon 1998 - 2008 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Jaguar S-Type saloon?