Low priced saloon?
Discussion
Soon I will be in the situation where I will need another car. I want to buy a saloon. But I will not be able to afford the model I want. So I will need to buy something more affordable first, until I'm in the position to buy the one I really want.
I have looked and the only ones which check all the boxes for now are the Omega or the S-type. I considered the old IS-200 but decided it is too small. For reliability it would probably be ideal.
I have heard Omegas have always been reliable. But they are a bit old at this point.
S-types were made till much later, so I could get a newer car than the Omega.
But reliability on the S-type seems to be mixed. I found people with horror stories and people saying they are very reliable.
I would guess maintenance would cost more with the S-type. Running costs I guess too. But how much more?
Fuel would probably be similar as I would be looking at V6 for both and they have similar power.
This would be my daily car.
Any opinions?
I have looked and the only ones which check all the boxes for now are the Omega or the S-type. I considered the old IS-200 but decided it is too small. For reliability it would probably be ideal.
I have heard Omegas have always been reliable. But they are a bit old at this point.
S-types were made till much later, so I could get a newer car than the Omega.
But reliability on the S-type seems to be mixed. I found people with horror stories and people saying they are very reliable.
I would guess maintenance would cost more with the S-type. Running costs I guess too. But how much more?
Fuel would probably be similar as I would be looking at V6 for both and they have similar power.
This would be my daily car.
Any opinions?
What a great choice to have! 
I suppose I've always been a fan of 6 cylinder RWD cars ever since I had a MK2 Granada, couple of Capri 2.8 Injections, a Scorpio and a couple of Mercs.
But as I prefer a manual gearbox I've had BMWs for the last 6 years, and currently have a manual E90 330i (only because a 130i was out of budget).
I've always fancied an Omega or S Type, but they are both bigger than I need - in fact my 3 Series is too, but I had to compromise somewhere!
You might get a newer Jag, but as the Omega is an older design it might be easier, therefore cheaper, to fix but I've no experience of either.
Hopefully someone will be able to share some ownership experiences, but I hope you get one of them.
I suppose I've always been a fan of 6 cylinder RWD cars ever since I had a MK2 Granada, couple of Capri 2.8 Injections, a Scorpio and a couple of Mercs.
But as I prefer a manual gearbox I've had BMWs for the last 6 years, and currently have a manual E90 330i (only because a 130i was out of budget).
I've always fancied an Omega or S Type, but they are both bigger than I need - in fact my 3 Series is too, but I had to compromise somewhere!
You might get a newer Jag, but as the Omega is an older design it might be easier, therefore cheaper, to fix but I've no experience of either.
Hopefully someone will be able to share some ownership experiences, but I hope you get one of them.
Thank you for replying.
I also prefer a manual gearbox. This is one of the reasons for the S-type and Omega. You can have both with manual gearboxes. One of the few options in the segment in fact.
I like the S-type style better over the Omega. Omega is a nice standard barge. But a little dull.
The S-type being from the Ford times I heard it is not difficult to fix and can be reliable too. I think as long as I stay away from the diesels it should be fine. The diesels seem to be problematic. I also read that the automatics give more problems but the manuals are good.
It would indeed be great if somebody could share some ownership experiences. But it looks like either the cars are not very popular around here, or the thread is not interesting enough to attract replies.
I also prefer a manual gearbox. This is one of the reasons for the S-type and Omega. You can have both with manual gearboxes. One of the few options in the segment in fact.
I like the S-type style better over the Omega. Omega is a nice standard barge. But a little dull.
The S-type being from the Ford times I heard it is not difficult to fix and can be reliable too. I think as long as I stay away from the diesels it should be fine. The diesels seem to be problematic. I also read that the automatics give more problems but the manuals are good.
It would indeed be great if somebody could share some ownership experiences. But it looks like either the cars are not very popular around here, or the thread is not interesting enough to attract replies.
A fair few good suggestions already.
I'm sorry if I've missed your budget, if reliability is a consideration, I would have a look at an Accord 2.4, a Subaru Legacy 3.0 Spec B. These 2 are underated and not a bad steer. Alfa Romeo 159 imho is also a great looking car, Volvo S40/60 t5s are not bad too.
I'm sorry if I've missed your budget, if reliability is a consideration, I would have a look at an Accord 2.4, a Subaru Legacy 3.0 Spec B. These 2 are underated and not a bad steer. Alfa Romeo 159 imho is also a great looking car, Volvo S40/60 t5s are not bad too.
I owned a 2.5 V6 Omega many years ago, I think maybe 15 if memory serves me correctly, It was a big barge of a car but immensely comfortable, I remember the seats were like arm chairs and loads of space inside, the engine was pretty solid up to a point where it wasn't anymore but it was a great cruising car, I did enjoy driving it and if Iw as in the market from a cheap barge I'd have another. The interior plastics were typical Vauxhall of the age, that is basic but functional.
I did scrap mine in the end because of constant breakdowns and really it wasn't worth putting money into but I'd say mine was not the best example anyway, I bought it from a back street garage for around £1500, I'm sure it was on an N reg at the time.
I did scrap mine in the end because of constant breakdowns and really it wasn't worth putting money into but I'd say mine was not the best example anyway, I bought it from a back street garage for around £1500, I'm sure it was on an N reg at the time.
Jamescrs said:
I owned a 2.5 V6 Omega many years ago, I think maybe 15 if memory serves me correctly, It was a big barge of a car but immensely comfortable, I remember the seats were like arm chairs and loads of space inside, the engine was pretty solid up to a point where it wasn't anymore but it was a great cruising car, I did enjoy driving it and if Iw as in the market from a cheap barge I'd have another. The interior plastics were typical Vauxhall of the age, that is basic but functional.
I did scrap mine in the end because of constant breakdowns and really it wasn't worth putting money into but I'd say mine was not the best example anyway, I bought it from a back street garage for around £1500, I'm sure it was on an N reg at the time.
Yes people who owned them normally praise them. I think you describe it well. Functional, basic but good.I did scrap mine in the end because of constant breakdowns and really it wasn't worth putting money into but I'd say mine was not the best example anyway, I bought it from a back street garage for around £1500, I'm sure it was on an N reg at the time.
So I guess your vote would be for the Omega over the S-type then?
james_gt3rs said:
How about the GS300?
Are they not automatic only?For the record, I do realize the S-type and Omega might be the only ones that satisfy my requirements in budget. This is why I asked which one among the 2 people would prefer.
But I do welcome other suggestions, in case I haven't considered all of the options.
CM2020 said:
Yes people who owned them normally praise them. I think you describe it well. Functional, basic but good.
So I guess your vote would be for the Omega over the S-type then?
Yeah I would go for the Omega, I have never owned an S Type though a mate has one, I know it's a V6 he has but I know nothing more about it, to be fair he loves the thing but it's currently parked up as an MOT failure due to numerous corrosion issues, he claims he's going to repair it but knowing him I highly doubt it will ever happen. The S type has a nicer interior, it looks more high end but I'd still take another Omega over the S-Type, and I'm not really a Vauxhall fan as a rule. So I guess your vote would be for the Omega over the S-type then?
Yes the S-type looks and feels more special I would say. It only needs nice wheels and I think it can be in any modern saloon's company without being embarrassed. The style is marmite but I think it looks less dated than the Omega.
The Omega is a bit dull in comparison.
Even if one with the irmscher kit can be found and you like that, I think the S-type has more class and looks more special and less dated.
All in, I think you can see I would probably prefer the S-type- My concern is running costs and reliability. So Omega may be a more sensible choice?
The Omega is a bit dull in comparison.
Even if one with the irmscher kit can be found and you like that, I think the S-type has more class and looks more special and less dated.
All in, I think you can see I would probably prefer the S-type- My concern is running costs and reliability. So Omega may be a more sensible choice?
I had a S type albeit an Auto
It was fine never had any problems, other than replacing the battery.
The auto box is fine, it suits the nature of the car and I doubt you will find many manuals.
They can rust, and its difficult to see as the sills are covered over with a plastic cover.
The auto box is the usual sealed for life nonsense which is where the reputed problems come from. They can be refilled but there is a proceedure to this and it may be easier to let a specialist do this,but once done you wont have any problems.
A lot of the parts are ford parts so can be bought cheaply from other outlets rather than at Jaguar who will gladly rob you.Loads have been broken so plenty of used parts out there.
They are a cruiser of a car, do not expect BMW handling, very comfortable and quiet inside, you can do long distance without feeling tired at the end.
Be aware the interior space is not what you would expect. That curved roof line makes the cabin quite closed in,and if you have a rear passenger behind the drivers seat legroom is not generous.
There are plenty for sale at budget prices, buy the best you can, post 2004 facelift are the best you can spot these by the chrome trim on the boot which extends across the entire length of the boot.
Look for extras on them, some have electric steering wheel controls and other such toys which were expensive options when new.
I also think they are quite colour sensitive, The racing green and the darker blues look best. Lighter interiors rather than black are better too.
Hope this helps
It was fine never had any problems, other than replacing the battery.
The auto box is fine, it suits the nature of the car and I doubt you will find many manuals.
They can rust, and its difficult to see as the sills are covered over with a plastic cover.
The auto box is the usual sealed for life nonsense which is where the reputed problems come from. They can be refilled but there is a proceedure to this and it may be easier to let a specialist do this,but once done you wont have any problems.
A lot of the parts are ford parts so can be bought cheaply from other outlets rather than at Jaguar who will gladly rob you.Loads have been broken so plenty of used parts out there.
They are a cruiser of a car, do not expect BMW handling, very comfortable and quiet inside, you can do long distance without feeling tired at the end.
Be aware the interior space is not what you would expect. That curved roof line makes the cabin quite closed in,and if you have a rear passenger behind the drivers seat legroom is not generous.
There are plenty for sale at budget prices, buy the best you can, post 2004 facelift are the best you can spot these by the chrome trim on the boot which extends across the entire length of the boot.
Look for extras on them, some have electric steering wheel controls and other such toys which were expensive options when new.
I also think they are quite colour sensitive, The racing green and the darker blues look best. Lighter interiors rather than black are better too.
Hope this helps
Thank you.
I'm set on a manual. I won't buy otherwise. But I already found two 3.0 V6 manuals within reach.
Are there any tricks to check the sills for rust then? Or removing the covers is the only way? I'm thinking not many sellers would like that.
For backseat space, only children will sit in the back. I think for this it is fine?
For the handling bit, I heard the S-Type R handled well. Not sure if BMW levels. But couldn't the suspension in the V6 be tuned similarly? I would only do this if I really like the car and decide to keep it a bit longer.
I agree about it being colour sensitive. Thankfully the darker colours are not difficult to find.
I'm set on a manual. I won't buy otherwise. But I already found two 3.0 V6 manuals within reach.
Are there any tricks to check the sills for rust then? Or removing the covers is the only way? I'm thinking not many sellers would like that.
For backseat space, only children will sit in the back. I think for this it is fine?
For the handling bit, I heard the S-Type R handled well. Not sure if BMW levels. But couldn't the suspension in the V6 be tuned similarly? I would only do this if I really like the car and decide to keep it a bit longer.
I agree about it being colour sensitive. Thankfully the darker colours are not difficult to find.
Theres not really any easy way to check the sills. If you have a look on some of the dedicated forums you may get some further info,
Sunroof cars are a bit more prone as the water drains towards the sills.
Im not sure what the differences are on the suspension, again ask on some of the dedicated Jag forums.
A child will be fine in the back,lanky teenagers not so much.
Sunroof cars are a bit more prone as the water drains towards the sills.
Im not sure what the differences are on the suspension, again ask on some of the dedicated Jag forums.
A child will be fine in the back,lanky teenagers not so much.
CM2020 said:
Thank you.
I'm set on a manual. I won't buy otherwise. But I already found two 3.0 V6 manuals within reach.
Are there any tricks to check the sills for rust then? Or removing the covers is the only way? I'm thinking not many sellers would like that.
For backseat space, only children will sit in the back. I think for this it is fine?
For the handling bit, I heard the S-Type R handled well. Not sure if BMW levels. But couldn't the suspension in the V6 be tuned similarly? I would only do this if I really like the car and decide to keep it a bit longer.
I agree about it being colour sensitive. Thankfully the darker colours are not difficult to find.
If only children are going to sit in the back, then I don't think you need to worry about the space in either an IS200 or a 3 series, I have an E46 saloon and there is plenty of space in the back for children, maybe not for an adult for a long journey though.I'm set on a manual. I won't buy otherwise. But I already found two 3.0 V6 manuals within reach.
Are there any tricks to check the sills for rust then? Or removing the covers is the only way? I'm thinking not many sellers would like that.
For backseat space, only children will sit in the back. I think for this it is fine?
For the handling bit, I heard the S-Type R handled well. Not sure if BMW levels. But couldn't the suspension in the V6 be tuned similarly? I would only do this if I really like the car and decide to keep it a bit longer.
I agree about it being colour sensitive. Thankfully the darker colours are not difficult to find.
If you also want reliable, I would be looking at IS200's or the later IS250's which have the V6, they seem to be amazing value and very undervalued for what you get.
Not sure if this is in budget or not:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There are others...
bristolracer said:
Theres not really any easy way to check the sills. If you have a look on some of the dedicated forums you may get some further info,
Sunroof cars are a bit more prone as the water drains towards the sills.
Im not sure what the differences are on the suspension, again ask on some of the dedicated Jag forums.
A child will be fine in the back,lanky teenagers not so much.
That is a good idea. Thank you.Sunroof cars are a bit more prone as the water drains towards the sills.
Im not sure what the differences are on the suspension, again ask on some of the dedicated Jag forums.
A child will be fine in the back,lanky teenagers not so much.
Olivergt said:
If only children are going to sit in the back, then I don't think you need to worry about the space in either an IS200 or a 3 series, I have an E46 saloon and there is plenty of space in the back for children, maybe not for an adult for a long journey though.
If you also want reliable, I would be looking at IS200's or the later IS250's which have the V6, they seem to be amazing value and very undervalued for what you get.
Not sure if this is in budget or not:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There are others...
The IS200 feels cramped all around. Not only in the backseat. I didn't think it was a nice place to be as well. Felt like I was sitting in Mazda 323 or similar car. Dash and the whole set is just so unwelcoming.If you also want reliable, I would be looking at IS200's or the later IS250's which have the V6, they seem to be amazing value and very undervalued for what you get.
Not sure if this is in budget or not:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There are others...
I like the IS250. But that at the moment is not in budget I fear. Anything I found around me is at least 2 to 3 times the price of a S-type or Omega.
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