Jaguar S-Type 4.2 V8 thoughts & opinions?
Discussion
I currently have an S-Type for sale, and while it's only the 2.5 V6 I can't help but think the car is genuinely impressive. I can't reel off its abilities - it's no sports car but it does a lot that a BMW or Audi doesn't. It has more in common with Merc Elegance models perhaps with the silky ride quality.
Anyway, I'm toying with the idea of ditching my old 530d for something a little more interesting in time for Le Mans. V8 is where I want to be. Budget is low as I have a looming house purchase. The CLK430 was top of my list but right now I cannot find a genuinely decent coupe model out there, there's dozens of cabs but I don't want one. The W209 CLK500 would be a bit of a stretch and likewise there's not many about. I do like the idea of a Jag. They've captured my imagination recently. The XK8 keeps dangling a carrot but at this money would see me in an old car, I didn't really want anything pre 2002. So I've arrived at the later 4.2 engined S-Type. The same engine in the XK8 costs double what it does in the S-Type, so it makes more sense ditching the coupe styling in this case for the sake of the better engine. In truth I didn't think the car existed, I was aware of the Supercharged R but didn't remember them doing anything warmer than a 3.0. There's a good choice out there, they all seem to be SE models when naturally I want a Sport, but I dare say with the right colour combination the spec wouldn't matter too much, a Jag's a Jag when all said and done!
I've a limited experience with Jags and this engine. A pal of mine has an X300 3.2 and that's a nice old bird to drive. So who's had an S-Type?
Anyway, I'm toying with the idea of ditching my old 530d for something a little more interesting in time for Le Mans. V8 is where I want to be. Budget is low as I have a looming house purchase. The CLK430 was top of my list but right now I cannot find a genuinely decent coupe model out there, there's dozens of cabs but I don't want one. The W209 CLK500 would be a bit of a stretch and likewise there's not many about. I do like the idea of a Jag. They've captured my imagination recently. The XK8 keeps dangling a carrot but at this money would see me in an old car, I didn't really want anything pre 2002. So I've arrived at the later 4.2 engined S-Type. The same engine in the XK8 costs double what it does in the S-Type, so it makes more sense ditching the coupe styling in this case for the sake of the better engine. In truth I didn't think the car existed, I was aware of the Supercharged R but didn't remember them doing anything warmer than a 3.0. There's a good choice out there, they all seem to be SE models when naturally I want a Sport, but I dare say with the right colour combination the spec wouldn't matter too much, a Jag's a Jag when all said and done!
I've a limited experience with Jags and this engine. A pal of mine has an X300 3.2 and that's a nice old bird to drive. So who's had an S-Type?
I never thought the 286bhp 4.4 was up to much in the E39, so I don't think a 740 is going to excite me I'm afraid. Superb cars, I just fancy a change from the Beemer. And as for the Lexus, it's just can't see myself in one. The idea with the Jag would be to fit a new stainless exhaust to make that V8 bellow, that's not really the kind of tricks you'd get up to with the conservative Lexus!
Better placed in the Jaguar forum 
I run an XKR and a 4.2 S Type so am naturally biased. Its a great fast cruiser that for me is returning about 27-28 mpg 
Bought an 04 (53 plate) for just over £3k with 96K miles. They like miles and if serviced properly the engines are bomb proof.
Try one , I couldn't think of an alternative for the £ I would rather be in.
I run an XKR and a 4.2 S Type so am naturally biased. Its a great fast cruiser that for me is returning about 27-28 mpg Bought an 04 (53 plate) for just over £3k with 96K miles. They like miles and if serviced properly the engines are bomb proof.Try one , I couldn't think of an alternative for the £ I would rather be in.
I have an S Type R, same engine but with a supercharger (as you may know)
I have owned it since september.
The car is effortly fast.
I bought it mainly because insurance was very cheap for my age and what the car is capable of, but also because they had a very good write up for mechanical reliablity (touch wood).
When i bought the car it had two warning lights. One for the airbag (which was solved after removing and cleaning a part) and another for the exhaust catalyst, which i am ignoring until i can afford to fix it, as it does no harm other than the dash warning light.
The tyres were expensive, £250 each for the rears and £170 for the fronts using premium Michelins.
Fuel for for R will be slightly higher than the non charged S Type. I get 19 mpg as an average. If i didnt have such a leaded foot i could probably achieve 22mpg.
I have seen 26 mpg on a cruise and 31 mpg over 10 miles of dual carriage way sat with cruise on at 70mph.
Did i mention it goes rather quickly if need be?
Having said that, i am getting itchy feet already, but that is most likely because the car is a little too practical for my needs (For example - I am looking at Elises and Caterhams for my next only car)
Happy to answer any more questions! Best of luck.
I have owned it since september.
The car is effortly fast.
I bought it mainly because insurance was very cheap for my age and what the car is capable of, but also because they had a very good write up for mechanical reliablity (touch wood).
When i bought the car it had two warning lights. One for the airbag (which was solved after removing and cleaning a part) and another for the exhaust catalyst, which i am ignoring until i can afford to fix it, as it does no harm other than the dash warning light.
The tyres were expensive, £250 each for the rears and £170 for the fronts using premium Michelins.
Fuel for for R will be slightly higher than the non charged S Type. I get 19 mpg as an average. If i didnt have such a leaded foot i could probably achieve 22mpg.
I have seen 26 mpg on a cruise and 31 mpg over 10 miles of dual carriage way sat with cruise on at 70mph.
Did i mention it goes rather quickly if need be?
Having said that, i am getting itchy feet already, but that is most likely because the car is a little too practical for my needs (For example - I am looking at Elises and Caterhams for my next only car)
Happy to answer any more questions! Best of luck.
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