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When Jaguar showed the S-Type in 1997 and introduced it in 1998, ...
there were different opinions about the design.
The design refers to the past, to he iconic Mark II from the '60s.
The S-Type is very British.
I think it's pretty, but I can imagine you hate it.
The interior is very British as well.
A lot of wood, no bling save for some chrome edges.
It's an older car, from the first generation.
Still, the wood makes it feel less dated.
Unlike the '90s plastics, which looks horrible.
That disadvantage (I'm not a fan of wood) has become an advantage.
It competes with the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6.
The Jaguar S-Type is RWD, which is a good start.
It's very comfortable, not very sporty, but the whole package is OK.
A number of engines were available.
Large V6 and V8 blocks, and the V6 diesel which we're driving now.
The S-Type was for sale since 1998, so there are cheap ones out there.
Some are advertised with a broken automatic gearbox, so beware.
Prices vary from a few thousand euros to a maximum of 20.000, ...
which'll give you a very neat car.
Points of interest: the automatic gearbox in the first generation.
The V6 gasolines had a 5-speed gearbox, which was used by other brands as well.
It's more fragile.
Next came a ZF 6-speed gearbox, which doesn't require maintenance.
However, British forums urge you to change the oil and filters.
It shouldn't be necessary, but you'll prolong the box's lifetime.
Either way it's smarter to choose a younger S-Type.
The XJ got an upgrade with new engines in 2002.
Those upgrades also made it to the S-Type.
There was a facelift in 2004.
The younger the car, the more reliable it is.
However, the turning points were in 2002 and the facelift in 2004.
The S-Type also came with a V8, and later with a supercharged V8.
The first 4-liter V8s are tricky.
The Nikasil cylinder coating was an issue with the S-Type and other cars.
All have been fixed under warranty, but the engine got better ...
with a larger volume. The 4.2-liter V8 is much sturdier.
The electronics need to be checked.
Younger versions may have a jamming electronic handbrake.
It's not a big issue, but the brakes will fade faster.
Check the electronic windows, seats, and all the gadgets.
There are more features than regular cars like the Opel Astras of that age.
Just check it out, because malfunctions are annoying.
This car is a very pretty, nice car with a V6 and automatic gearbox.
When we set off I didn't hear it's a diesel.
It's very quiet.
It has done quite a few miles, but the car still feels crisp.
This shows that you don't have to ignore a Jaguar with high milage.
Buy a good S-Type and you'll have a lot of luxury, ...
a radiant car for less money than a new Polo.
A lot less, actually.
If you buy the wrong one, ...
you'll know exactly why the previous owner wanted to get rid of it.
Thanks to RAC B.V. Rotterdam
Subs - Maru