S-Types - 3.0, 4.2, or "R"...?
Discussion
S-Types are slowly making their way to the top of my current shopping list, to replace my 530. I’ve driven a fair few miles in rented 3.0s, and had a test drive in a 4.2 non-”R”, and liked them a lot. Slightly confusingly, to me, there are, for example, two 2006 S-Types for sale with easy reach of me, for a price I am willing to pay... both low-ish or very low miles, both £14 grand. But, one is a 3.0 SE, admittedly with only 16,000 miles, and from the main dealer I can walk to in 10 minutes, and the other is an “R”, on 42,000 miles.
As I can afford to insure, and I am confident, run, both, I am a little unsure as to which way to jump. The obvious PH answer is “buy the supercharged V8 you ^&%$”!”, but I hope the assembled Jaguar-istas are sufficiently mature to hear me out. Part of the reason I am getting rid of my BMW is that I am fed up with it being never “quite right”, and fed up with costs which I can afford, but don’t think are really justified. The main reason I am not looking at current BMWs (and, as I theoretically want a RWD, manual, quick-ish family car, another BMW is the rational answer - now resigned to an auto, I think) is that they ride like tea-trays sliding over cobbles. The car will be used for driving to the office (130 miles each way) on the odd occasions I have to go there, pottering around a bit, and taking the family to Italy (or wherever) in the summer. And, of course, the odd blast, where a big, fast, but comfortable saloon car on an open road is a thing of joy indeed! And, fortunately for me, I have a lightweight, quick steering, “sports” car stowed in the garage for when I feel like that, as well.
So, would the huge performance of the “R” come with an unjustifiable extra set of costs (higher of course, but justifiably higher..?), would it have a much harder ride (I’ve not driven an “R” yet), or would the 3.0 do almost everything I want (theoretically slightly slower than my manual 530, but won’t be much in it in reality) with less cost, a nicer ride and less maintenance to keep it “right”? Or, is the non-“R” 4.2 the ideal compromise (shame there isn’t one of those nearby too, but they aren’t exactly rare).
Apologies for length, all advice gratefully received....
As I can afford to insure, and I am confident, run, both, I am a little unsure as to which way to jump. The obvious PH answer is “buy the supercharged V8 you ^&%$”!”, but I hope the assembled Jaguar-istas are sufficiently mature to hear me out. Part of the reason I am getting rid of my BMW is that I am fed up with it being never “quite right”, and fed up with costs which I can afford, but don’t think are really justified. The main reason I am not looking at current BMWs (and, as I theoretically want a RWD, manual, quick-ish family car, another BMW is the rational answer - now resigned to an auto, I think) is that they ride like tea-trays sliding over cobbles. The car will be used for driving to the office (130 miles each way) on the odd occasions I have to go there, pottering around a bit, and taking the family to Italy (or wherever) in the summer. And, of course, the odd blast, where a big, fast, but comfortable saloon car on an open road is a thing of joy indeed! And, fortunately for me, I have a lightweight, quick steering, “sports” car stowed in the garage for when I feel like that, as well.
So, would the huge performance of the “R” come with an unjustifiable extra set of costs (higher of course, but justifiably higher..?), would it have a much harder ride (I’ve not driven an “R” yet), or would the 3.0 do almost everything I want (theoretically slightly slower than my manual 530, but won’t be much in it in reality) with less cost, a nicer ride and less maintenance to keep it “right”? Or, is the non-“R” 4.2 the ideal compromise (shame there isn’t one of those nearby too, but they aren’t exactly rare).
Apologies for length, all advice gratefully received....
My better half chose an S-type V8 S over a 530i (both 07 plates) funnily enough. I wasn't too sure at first, because TBH it was the car I knew least about amongst the ones we test drove.
Anyway, that was last summer, and apart from the rear parking sensors fixed under warranty, it has behaved impeccably.
A few weeks ago we had the chance to really try out the car's performance through the Yorkshire Dales on the way back from the Lakes. I was very impressed with the car's composure and competence through the corners, its sports suspension remaining perfectly flat and unruffled. The steering once up to speed is nicely weighted and plenty sharp. With the gearbox in Sport, it changes down very quickly and holds onto the gears longer, allowing for very rapid, no fuss overtakes.
Like I said, I was very impressed, so much so that I would go as far to say it handles better than my weekend toy, a Monaro. (Doesn't sound as good though, in fact it's so quiet, it doesn't 'sound' at all!)
God only knows what the STR is like.
Anyway, that was last summer, and apart from the rear parking sensors fixed under warranty, it has behaved impeccably.
A few weeks ago we had the chance to really try out the car's performance through the Yorkshire Dales on the way back from the Lakes. I was very impressed with the car's composure and competence through the corners, its sports suspension remaining perfectly flat and unruffled. The steering once up to speed is nicely weighted and plenty sharp. With the gearbox in Sport, it changes down very quickly and holds onto the gears longer, allowing for very rapid, no fuss overtakes.
Like I said, I was very impressed, so much so that I would go as far to say it handles better than my weekend toy, a Monaro. (Doesn't sound as good though, in fact it's so quiet, it doesn't 'sound' at all!)
God only knows what the STR is like.
NLB said:
S-Types are slowly making their way to the top of my current shopping list, to replace my 530. I’ve driven a fair few miles in rented 3.0s, and had a test drive in a 4.2 non-”R”, and liked them a lot. Slightly confusingly, to me, there are, for example, two 2006 S-Types for sale with easy reach of me, for a price I am willing to pay... both low-ish or very low miles, both £14 grand. But, one is a 3.0 SE, admittedly with only 16,000 miles, and from the main dealer I can walk to in 10 minutes, and the other is an “R”, on 42,000 miles.
As I can afford to insure, and I am confident, run, both, I am a little unsure as to which way to jump. The obvious PH answer is “buy the supercharged V8 you ^&%$”!”, but I hope the assembled Jaguar-istas are sufficiently mature to hear me out. Part of the reason I am getting rid of my BMW is that I am fed up with it being never “quite right”, and fed up with costs which I can afford, but don’t think are really justified. The main reason I am not looking at current BMWs (and, as I theoretically want a RWD, manual, quick-ish family car, another BMW is the rational answer - now resigned to an auto, I think) is that they ride like tea-trays sliding over cobbles. The car will be used for driving to the office (130 miles each way) on the odd occasions I have to go there, pottering around a bit, and taking the family to Italy (or wherever) in the summer. And, of course, the odd blast, where a big, fast, but comfortable saloon car on an open road is a thing of joy indeed! And, fortunately for me, I have a lightweight, quick steering, “sports” car stowed in the garage for when I feel like that, as well.
So, would the huge performance of the “R” come with an unjustifiable extra set of costs (higher of course, but justifiably higher..?), would it have a much harder ride (I’ve not driven an “R” yet), or would the 3.0 do almost everything I want (theoretically slightly slower than my manual 530, but won’t be much in it in reality) with less cost, a nicer ride and less maintenance to keep it “right”? Or, is the non-“R” 4.2 the ideal compromise (shame there isn’t one of those nearby too, but they aren’t exactly rare).
Apologies for length, all advice gratefully received....
The STR is a great car but 260 mile commute each day...you would need to be towing your own petrol station behind you!As I can afford to insure, and I am confident, run, both, I am a little unsure as to which way to jump. The obvious PH answer is “buy the supercharged V8 you ^&%$”!”, but I hope the assembled Jaguar-istas are sufficiently mature to hear me out. Part of the reason I am getting rid of my BMW is that I am fed up with it being never “quite right”, and fed up with costs which I can afford, but don’t think are really justified. The main reason I am not looking at current BMWs (and, as I theoretically want a RWD, manual, quick-ish family car, another BMW is the rational answer - now resigned to an auto, I think) is that they ride like tea-trays sliding over cobbles. The car will be used for driving to the office (130 miles each way) on the odd occasions I have to go there, pottering around a bit, and taking the family to Italy (or wherever) in the summer. And, of course, the odd blast, where a big, fast, but comfortable saloon car on an open road is a thing of joy indeed! And, fortunately for me, I have a lightweight, quick steering, “sports” car stowed in the garage for when I feel like that, as well.
So, would the huge performance of the “R” come with an unjustifiable extra set of costs (higher of course, but justifiably higher..?), would it have a much harder ride (I’ve not driven an “R” yet), or would the 3.0 do almost everything I want (theoretically slightly slower than my manual 530, but won’t be much in it in reality) with less cost, a nicer ride and less maintenance to keep it “right”? Or, is the non-“R” 4.2 the ideal compromise (shame there isn’t one of those nearby too, but they aren’t exactly rare).
Apologies for length, all advice gratefully received....
I had a 2002 S-Type R for four years before changing to a 2007 XKR Convertible last September. My R was a fantastic car and I actually miss it! I took it across Europe last spring , did 2500 miles and nine countries, and it didn't miss a beat. Averaged 28mpg over the whole run!. Supremely comfortable for long journeys and very fast when you need it. It also handled very well when negotiating Alpine passes. The one in the ad. looks to have absolutely the right spec. IMO. You should have a drive in it yourself.. that will make your mind up.
buzzsaw said:
The STR is a great car but 260 mile commute each day...you would need to be towing your own petrol station behind you!
If I was doing that, I would be mad, yes, but I go to the office once or twice a month, fortunately (hence the "on the odd occasion I have to go there..." remark above).Thanks all - interesting stuff here, including the XJ, although somehow they don't apppeal as much as S-Types. Don't know why.
ETA: Annual mileage averages out at about 10,000, which is below the threshold for being hugely concerned about fuel consumption, for me.
Edited by NLB on Friday 8th April 14:54
NLB said:
S-Types are slowly making their way to the top of my current shopping list, to replace my 530. I’ve driven a fair few miles in rented 3.0s, and had a test drive in a 4.2 non-”R”, and liked them a lot. Slightly confusingly, to me, there are, for example, two 2006 S-Types for sale with easy reach of me, for a price I am willing to pay... both low-ish or very low miles, both £14 grand. But, one is a 3.0 SE, admittedly with only 16,000 miles, and from the main dealer I can walk to in 10 minutes, and the other is an “R”, on 42,000 miles.
Apologies for length, all advice gratefully received....
Personally I think you will find the 3Lt a bit underpoweredApologies for length, all advice gratefully received....
So that leaves the 4Lt and the R, cost wise I don't think there is much in it if your 260 mile round trip is taken in the same manor
But you will have the extra 100 horses if or when you need them
I'm not sure of the spec between the N/A and the S/C but with the XK8/R most of the 8 extras were standard in the R
42K miles isn't that high
NLB said:
If I was doing that, I would be mad, yes, but I go to the office once or twice a month, fortunately (hence the "on the odd occasion I have to go there..." remark above).
Thanks all - interesting stuff here, including the XJ, although somehow they don't apppeal as much as S-Types. Don't know why.
ETA: Annual mileage averages out at about 10,000, which is below the threshold for being hugely concerned about fuel consumption, for me.
Ok, not so bad at that frequency. I can manage high 20's mpg on a long motorway run. Best to test drive each option. I think you would miss the extra power of the R over the others and I would think there wouldn't be a great deal of difference in the overall running costs.Thanks all - interesting stuff here, including the XJ, although somehow they don't apppeal as much as S-Types. Don't know why.
ETA: Annual mileage averages out at about 10,000, which is below the threshold for being hugely concerned about fuel consumption, for me.
Edited by NLB on Friday 8th April 14:54
buzzsaw said:
Ok, not so bad at that frequency. I can manage high 20's mpg on a long motorway run. Best to test drive each option. I think you would miss the extra power of the R over the others and I would think there wouldn't be a great deal of difference in the overall running costs.
Thanks, to everyone. I'd better drive an "R"; can I assume that the ride quality - one of the things that attracts me to these cars, after all - is much the same as a non-"R"? Back-to-back drives are the only real way of telling, of course. Maybe better drive a 2.7 D for comparison, although I don't really think 10k P/A justifies a diesel.
We shall see.
drangular said:
Ride quality is never an issue in any Jag. is it? Especially when compared to BMW's, Audi's etc. Not in the same league really. Jaguar do 'smooth and sporty' like no other. IMHO
That is what my experience so far shows, and what I hope to be the case with the "R" - I am sure it is, I just need to experience it. I am amazed by how bad the ride quality is on current BMWs - even the non-Sport models. I am also amazed by the "you wuss/moron/old git" reaction you get from the BMW fans and/or salespersons when you bring it up. Ah well.
I've had my S-Type 4.2 V8 SE since February 2004. It was an ex demonstrator with only 30 miles on it when I got it. It went through 100,000 miles this week. The fact that I still have the car and regard it now as a keeper indicates I think it really is a great model to own. I did try out the smaller engined models but they were less Jaguar-like than I expected. I have often hankered after an STR: indeed if I was to go for a replacement car now I may try and seek a good one out. Anyway, the 300bhp I have right now makes for a great cruiser.
I don't check the mpg closely but I reckon I get maybe 22-24 poodling around town and maybe 28-33 on long swift journeys.
Tyres seem to last maybe 30,000 miles, front and rear. I got a new set of Pirelli P6000s for the rear last week for £340.
The car is a tough on brakes and front suspension, but this is the price for such a heavy car.
Had zero problems with the engine.
Had lots of problems early on with the gearbox, all fixed under warranty without any difficulty, and now seems all OK (fingers crossed!).
Some parts can be difficult to source, eg heater matrix, header tank, as it seems Jaguar only make these in batches occasionally.
This month's (May 2011) Jaguar World has an good article about buying Jaguar's arranged by how much you want to pay. It includes the S-Type 4.2 in normal and R models. It may be helpful to you.
R.
I don't check the mpg closely but I reckon I get maybe 22-24 poodling around town and maybe 28-33 on long swift journeys.
Tyres seem to last maybe 30,000 miles, front and rear. I got a new set of Pirelli P6000s for the rear last week for £340.
The car is a tough on brakes and front suspension, but this is the price for such a heavy car.
Had zero problems with the engine.
Had lots of problems early on with the gearbox, all fixed under warranty without any difficulty, and now seems all OK (fingers crossed!).
Some parts can be difficult to source, eg heater matrix, header tank, as it seems Jaguar only make these in batches occasionally.
This month's (May 2011) Jaguar World has an good article about buying Jaguar's arranged by how much you want to pay. It includes the S-Type 4.2 in normal and R models. It may be helpful to you.
R.
drangular said:
Ride quality is never an issue in any Jag. is it? Especially when compared to BMW's, Audi's etc. Not in the same league really. Jaguar do 'smooth and sporty' like no other. IMHO
I don't think the small/medium Jaguars are anywhere close to the XJs for ride, but they still seem to impress passengers.If you drive a BMW a horse and cart will have better ride quality let alone a Jag 
I owned an S Type R when they first came out, one of the best all round cars I've owned.
Excellent as an evryday cruiser but with effortless performance when needed. I also recall the fuel consumption wasn't too bad.
I enjoyed it more than the XKR that I replaced it with.
I owned an S Type R when they first came out, one of the best all round cars I've owned.
Excellent as an evryday cruiser but with effortless performance when needed. I also recall the fuel consumption wasn't too bad.
I enjoyed it more than the XKR that I replaced it with.
mph said:
If you drive a BMW a horse and cart will have better ride quality let alone a Jag
I owned an S Type R when they first came out, one of the best all round cars I've owned.
Excellent as an evryday cruiser but with effortless performance when needed. I also recall the fuel consumption wasn't too bad.
I enjoyed it more than the XKR that I replaced it with.
Thanks, again... My current BMW, a 10 year old E39, has ride quality that whilst not Jaguar class, is not too bad, and certainly liveable-with. What put me off BMWs when looking at potential replacements is the current models (been driving E90 3-series, mainly), where even an SE is stiff as a wound carbon tube, and a Sport seems to have no suspension at all. Also, I know I shouldn't let it get to me, but the sneering attitude of the fan-boys, and the BMW sales-persons, to even a mention of the shocking ride quality, has really got up my nose.I owned an S Type R when they first came out, one of the best all round cars I've owned.
Excellent as an evryday cruiser but with effortless performance when needed. I also recall the fuel consumption wasn't too bad.
I enjoyed it more than the XKR that I replaced it with.
From the most useful comments by all of you, I draw the conclusion that I really should try the two remaining S-Types I haven't yet driven - the 2.7D and the R. What a hardship, eh..?
Thanks again to all.
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff