Buying a 3.0 V6 S-Type - any advice.

[AnimalMkIV]

Trying to find something cheap, big & wafty, thinking I might enjoy a Jaguar. I have a 300 mile commute every week (150 miles Monday morn, back on Friday) 50/50 motorway/A roads and want something comfy & nice to be in.

I've found 4 at a local dealer and would welcome any advice/comments before I go to look at them at the weekend as I currently know nothing about newer Jaguars (Dad had an XJ6 that was nice but full of annoying faults).

All are 3.0l V6 SE and in order of preference:

1) Year/Reg: 2002 (02) - Mileage: 66,906 - £1995 - No service history listed on website.

2) Year/Reg: 2000 (W) - Mileage: 109,000 - £1295 - FULL MAIN DEALER APPROVED SERVICE HISTORY (10 STAMPS @ 104K)

3) Year/Reg: 2003 (03) - Mileage: 126,002 - £1795 - FULL MAIN DEALER/APPROVED SERVICE HISTORY (13 STAMPS @ 122K)

4) Year/Reg: 1999 (V) - Mileage: 125,000 - £1195 - PART MAIN DEALER APPROVED SERVICE HISTORY (10 STAMPS @ 59K)

Thanks in advance.

[Six Fiend]

In terms of nicety I'd go for the facelift model with the better dashboard. I think they're 2002 onwards and the central panel with stereo / climate controls is far better to use and look at. The facelift was good and the daker coloured cars look very good.

Engines are generally strong, usual rules apply to suspension and steering components with age/mileage related wear.

Go for the tidiest, most historied, backed up with receipts rather than just stamps if possible.

Edited by Six Fiend on Wednesday 1st August 16:43

[tr7v8]

I had a couple of diesels, both facelift (54 & 56 plate). The suspension is incredibly complex & if a bush or two dies then the lovely ride & handling deteriorates. Mine were pretty fault free, one issue was a heater valve fault which was fixed under warranty but is a pretty common issue. Tyres don't last long as it is surprisingly heavy (1750kg) but I ran Falken FK452s on the laer one with 18" wheels & they were better than PZeros. They are hard on brakes for the same reason but factor bits are reasonable.