Why This 23 Year Old Loves His Jaguar S-Type - And You Might Too 

I have one and im 24, and i absolutely love it

A few years back I bought a rather battered V8 S-type from an 85year old who was giving up driving for a whopping £200😁 It had only 45k on the clock, the interior was immaculate, & it drove beautifully, the body on the other hand was very neglected, plenty of evidence of the old guy''s parking skills! A good weekends work made it look 90 % better, a bit of bumper repairs later, she looked stunning. I still regret selling it, but love the XKR that replaced it.

I loved my S-Type 3.0 V6, could do 100s of miles in it feeling refreshed and with uprated bushes was sporty enough when the road got twisty. I did always hanker for a XJ though. Still, a bargain these days

I loved my S type v6 petrol. In 10 years of ownership I had no major issues. Only regular maintenance costs. There was only a little bit of rust on the wheel arches but nothing major. It was easily repairable. I personally don't know why the s type is getting all those bad reviews from automotive journalists. From 2003 onwards the S type is a very, very good car. Design wise, the S type is also quite nice and different looking which in my book is a plus.

JayEmm....people love Jags. I owned a really rare Long Wheelbase series 1 XJ6 in Regency red with natural leather hides (bone colour) . I lived in Bloomsbury Ave, Pymble , Sydney. Australia each morning I needed to make a right hand turn out of Bloomsbury Ave onto Pacific Highway (the absolute main northern road in Sydney) . I owned it 32 years & it's maintenance was paid by my employer, It always looked like it was NEW , not only did people like it , when fellow road users saw it wanting to turn right onto this primary road they stopped/crawled AND WAVED ME OUT, frequently that said same courteous driver would move to my left , tip the horn and in the stop start traffic or at a set of street stop/go lights say how lovely it looked. After 32years I sold it after I bought a 1967 jag mk10 or 420G (british leylands renaming of the 4.2 litre mk10). The Mk10 was even more like new with a mere 52,000mls & just one owner from 1967 thru to 2010. I get the same respect from other road users in the XJ6's big brother mk10.

I had S Types for about twelve years. The first was a low mileage 4 litre V8 whose previous owner was a chauffeur driven chairman of a large multinational company based in London and as anticipated it had all the bells and whistles fitted. Unfortunately I wrote it off. The replacement was a two year old STR with 14,000 miles on the clock which I ran for seven / eight years and traded in after having racked up 168,000 miles. The STR was an amazing car and when in sport mode it felt like starship enterprise entering warp drive when you floored the accelerator as it literally hurled itself down the road. Averaged 22 mpg in mixed city / motorway use but could achieve 32 mpg on a motorway run using cruise control. Never had a corrosion issue with mine but it was a daily drive covering high mileages I guess it was getting a proper airing.

My first car was a 2001 S-Type V8 with the 4.0 liter engine. Sold it 3 years later only to buy it back from the same guy 4 years after that. Never selling it again I love the car!

I'm 34 and have a 10 year old son who's obsessed with me getting a jag ... I'm now looking for one after seeing this Jay 🤣 I think you've just convinced me! My little lucas will rejoice, thank you.

I'm lucky enough to own a 3.0l V6 S Type Sport with a manual box and active suspension and I love it. It's much stiffer and sportier than I expected. Practical, so comfortable and never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Im 18 and I have a 2002 S-Type 3.0 manual and I love it, bought it from my mom for under a grand and want to keep it for as long as possible, its mint, no rust , garage kept

Regarding the Mustang (D2C platform) link to the S-Type, they're more like cousins than direct descendants. There's a bit of an evolutionary fork there to be aware of. The 1999 Jaguar S-Type given model name X200 was based on the Ford DEW and had a lot in common with the Lincoln LS and Thunderbird. It went down like a lead balloon here in the UK though and Jaguar conceded it simply wasn't good enough. It was extensively re-engineered but kept the same body panels and re-emerged in 2002 as the X202 with new suspension, new steering rack, significant revisions to the engines (such that whilst at Wikipedia level they're still AJ25s, AJ30s and AJ-V8s, they're not even close to interchangable) and new gearboxes. The X202 uses all the same suspension castings and bushes as the X350 XJ, X150 XK and of course the XF is mechanically a straight carry-over of the X202 floor pan, suspension* and power trains given a new body and interior. Thus, the D2C Mustang isn't derived from the S-Type, because the S-Type in this video had already gone off some distances from the DEW common ancestor. You'll have to drive the Mustang @JayEmm on Cars to compare the two different developments of the DEW. *One thing about Jaguar is that they rarely keep spring and damper rates standardised. Every engine/body/trim spec combination has spring and damper sets specially chosen for them, so there are numerous parts number for S-Types depending on which engine and trim spec you have, and XFs got new ones again. Even the X-Type has different spring and damper sets depending on saloon or estate body, sport or comfort trim, and FWD or AWD powertrain.

I think Arthur Daley made my mind up over who drove jaguars in minder, If your a child of the 70's I bet you 👍

I have a XJ40 from 1993 and it’s lovely although it's not a daily driver. The main reason is that I can tell people that I drive a Jaaaag hehe There's a video from another youtuber that sums up what I like in Jaguars: “They are beautiful without being ostentatious, they are a display of wealth but without being vulgar, they are fast without being menacing…”

Never forget the S type diesel was the infamous Jeremy clarkson sub 10 minute nurburgring challenge car. This makes it a legend in my book.

I found myself chuckling at the fact you were able to talk your dad out of buying a car as a kid. My dad would have fully schooled me on the benefits of his planned purchase; the affordable performance of his 86 Cavalier SRi, the grandeur of his 84 728i, the classic status his 74 Victor VX 4/90 in 1985 or the quirkiness of his Saab 99. Some, an 11 yo me agreed with, others I certainly didn’t 😀

Of all the cars I've had over the years including 3 S-Types, 3ltr pet, 2.5 pet and 2.7 diesel. I have to say that if I could have any one of them back in top notch condition, it would be the 2.7 diesel. 56 plate. It was so comfortable, quiet and relaxing to drive over short, or better still, long journeys. It was superb.

I inherited my late Mother’s 2001 S-Type 4.0 V8 in 2010…in nearly mint condition and with barely 23K on the clock…what a blessing! Great Spec in Sapphire Blue over Ivory…loved it for the next six summers…never Wintered, even by Mom! I sold it to her old best friend (a Jag lover!) at a jaggedly depreciated price ($55K US when new!) …but Mom’s stylish old Jag is living her best life today in retirement in posh Naples, Florida! Mom’s old friend cherishes that gorgeous S-Type to this day..! Hope she enjoys it for many more years…that car was posh, sexy and surprisingly brisk..!

The s type was beautiful still is and it’s one they should bring back. I still turn my head when I see that car

Once you got one you will never forget it and you’ll always have a strong desire to getting one again . I can confirm it cause that’s what i feeling too.

I get let out of junctions pretty much all the time in my S Type. ... I guess because there are hardly any left, and other motorists like seeing a retro looking car ? ... Thanks Mr M for another great unbiased review.

I'm 21 and ive been driving mine since my 18s and i love it too

I've had my Stype 2.7D for a few months now, I only brought it becuase i had a tight budget (Less than £2k) and needed a decent motorway car. I absolutely love it! I got the diesel as it will spend most of it time on the motorway, coming from an A6 C6 3.0tdi the Jag is so much better on fuel! Its definitely got under my skin and I'm already planning my next Jag!

S-Type is probably the best deals right now out of any cars, good size, not too expensive, can still find a low mileage, good taken care of. Loved my STR.

I just turned 18 and Ive been driving an s type 2.5 for almost a year now I love it to its every bit the wood interior is just perfect yes its slow but I love it I dont think of selling it

I had an S-Type and my wife still does. We love them, and so do other drivers. The deference he describes isn't true of all Jags (especially XJ's). I've driven them as loaners from my mechanic and people don't care about it. The S-type is a beautiful car. I was driving on the freeway in California, and a woman pulled up alongside and yelled out that is a BEAUTIFUL car. And it is. It is self evident, and people love to just look at it driving by.

Back in 2019 when I was 18 I got my first jag 2003 s type 4.2 N/a v8. I just recently bought another jag 1998 xj8 vdp (the car is older then me). Great pretty cheap luxury cars not comparable to the German “luxury” cars. Older jags have the style and class that newer cars just lack.

Fair review. I had a 3 litre manual for 14 years with few problems and covered 100k miles it her including a drive to North Cyprus and back. Couldn’t find a good replacement so bought an STR which I now treasure.

This is BRILLIANT. The world is going about turn. This chap has bought a stately Jag at 23. At 46 I have just bought an EP3 Type R. 😆

Got my first Jag almost a year ago, and from the experience I've had from driving, to the great experiences we had when dealing with the dealership and service center, the wifey and I will always have a Cat Car in our life. 2018 XE 2.0 diesel. The fuel economy is beyond expectation, and I was shocked when I switched to sport mode and paddle shift. I didn't expect that kind of power from a 4cyl. Took a road trip and was extremely comfortable during 5 days on the road. From Florida to Nebraska, got caught in the last December snowstorm and found that I wasn't cutting a doughnut in a snow covered parking lot with the traction control on. As I tested "Kitty" before hitting the highway to start the trip back to FL, I was really impressed by how quick the system was to regain traction with the slightest slip. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the rear end to slide more than about 5" before it regained traction. We traveled over 150 miles on the snow covered highway from 60 to around 75mph with no issues, and hitting the Tennessee Smoky Mountains early Sunday morning was a blast as there was little traffic. Pulled into a rest area before the downhill side of the mountains and ran into a couple of youtuber kids with a Camaro and a Subaru. We stuck with them until the valley and had reached low triple digit speeds and the Jag took the curves and switchbacks like it was on rails. That was an awesome trip! Only issues I had on the trip I caused myself. We are from Florida. Temps got down to 14 degrees F in Nebraska. I had to purge the lines for the windshield washer system with a fluid for cold temps. I didn't purge enough of the Florida washer fluid out, so the lines froze and I had to pull off often to wash the windshield. So far, the XE has been a great, fun and affordable daily driver.

The 2005-2014 Mustang was going to use the Jag's DEW98 platform, but it was too expensive. However, since they'd already done part of the engineering, several parts carry over to the Mustang's D2C platform.

Grear review and your comments from 14:25 on the attitude of other drivers are so true! I has a 2.7d S-Type in Jaguar Racing Green. Beautiful car. I only sold it because I got a company car. Later, when I started up as an independent consultant, I ploughed my money into the start up business. I bought an early 3 litre S Type for less than a grand. Great car for long business trips! Nowadays I have the XF and it's brilliant.

Thanks J, always good to see a Jag in your videos!

I'll admit I'm guilty of following the comments from people slamming this car on reliability. Definitely would have loved to have one of these.

Fair review, I believe these are massively underrated cars. Best in final facelift form, so 54-plate onwards and I think the 3.0v6 is a nice balance for the car. I've owned and dailied nearly all of the rivals in this class with similar engines - e39s & e60s, GS300, GS450h, Mercedes w211 and while the S-type is not a class leader across all aspects, it definitely is a competitor. Brilliant for wafting around in, and in the current market - an absolute steal.

I’m thinking of buying an SType! They are a little more expensive in the American used car market and I’ve NEVER had good luck with a Jaguar. But there is a V8 2005 model where I live with 80,000 miles for $6,000.

Had a 3.0 V6 a couple of years ago and I absolutely loved it! Drove a 2000 mile road trip with it and it was super comfortable. I did have to replace the side sills that rusted, but funnily enough everything else was in top shape. I added a D2 complete adjustable suspension to it and the ride became absolutely sublime!

I sold my blue S-Type 3.0 V6 Sport a few days ago and miss it. Replaced it with the 2010 XJ Portfolio but wish I could have kept both.

Im 19 and brought an s type as my second car best thing i ever did supprisingly cheap to run pennies to buy so much fun to drive and as a bonus looks amazing IMO

I do want a Jaaaaag of the era, but I'd personally rather have an XJ, I can't resist it's aristocratic charm. Also those are aluminium.

I've always loved the look of these. And they are still very much a common sight around town even in 2022. I've seen 3 today alone. And even now, these have aged magnificently imo. However, There is a XJ Vanden Plas south of my city and I am absolutely in love with it. I contemplate going down there to ask how much the guy wants for it.

Really like these for some reason when I was younger. I called it the MidSommers Murder car because I always saw it on the show.

Super happy that I kept my s-type in my fleet.

I owned an S-Type R and I truly miss it, it was a great car to drive. I'd love to own one as a second car again if I could afford to. You're absolutely right about people letting Jaguars out by the way, still happens. I can wait for ages in the Fiat but someone usually lets the Jag out.

The S-Type/LS chassis was used on the S197 Mustang (2005-2014) and I actually owned a 2005 Mustang GT. The major difference was that the Mustang did not enjoy the independent rear suspension that the S-Type enjoyed. I also owned a 2003 S-Type Sport (5-speed manual) - which was a great car, but did succumb to rust. Great review Jay!

I have an elderly neighbour who kept buying old Jags because he loves them so. Sadly, he is a pensioner with limited income, and they are so very needy. They each ended up being disposed of when they had hoovered every last penny from his bank account, even a much beloved XJ12. The latest one is an immaculate older S-class, and it too adorned the forecourt of our rural garage workshop rather more often than maybe it should. Rather than being used as a daily driver these days, it spends much of its time safely snoozing in a shed, being used more selectively. He has something cheap, reliable and rusty (and non-Jag) nowadays for his daily trips to the village shop.

It is a pleasure listening to you. Clear enunciation and perfect pronunciation. Of course the content is top class too.

By 1999 the Italians had learnt the hard way about rust proofing and the cars from the 90s onwards were pretty good with galvanised body panels on many models and the deletion of seams and moisture traps under the cars, so don't play that old record again here and get it right for a change.

I looked at a 2.7D but ultimately ended up with a Saab and don't particularly regret it. I think as nice as these are the rust bunny will sting you eventually. That being said I'm still upset that my stepdad sold his 2001 XKR to WBAC for £1700 without consulting me because I would have happily given him £1701.

I was just considering buying a 2005 V8 S-Type in dark blue, and then this video comes along.

I have 2.5 sport plus. Absolutely beautiful car. Have had 5 in my time. Definitely the most beautiful jaguar back in the day.

Have actually seen a Ford Thunderbird in Hereford whilst cruising past in my S-Type, gave eachother a knowing nod. Drop-dead gorgeous in person!

I had a s type manual. Used it for drifting and as a daily. Was a great car.

22 and currently looking at buying one of these. Going to go see it sometime next week. Very tempted ngl

Always love the styling of the S-Type

Just reluctantly sold mine today. Got it at 17 and lasted me 8 years. Carnival red with the tan interior. Hopefully I’ll own another at some point when I have the space for extra vehicles

Love your reviews mate. Keep up the great work!

I had a new S type 2.7 d sport. Fantastic drive, totally reliable, from the driver seat you could not see the styling. I was over 1000 miles a week.

I loved mine too - but unfortunately head gasket failure claimed it on just under 90k miles. One of the best wafty barges I've ever had.

Excited to watch that video. Same with a Rover 75. Still classy and timeless design. A Android Unit instead of the OG radio and you are good to go. Luxury, cruise control, heated seats, leather, etc. What do you want more?

I just picked up an 2007 S-Type from the original owner with 29,000 miles in this exact same color combination.

Thank you for another great review - really enjoy the thoughtful perspective on classics. I love my 2005 stype here in Canada where it’s viewed as beautiful and quintessentially British. The negatives of a Ford link now long forgotten.

EXCELLENT SYMPOSIUM!! Top Notch..

Wow. I can safely say, if that had been my dad, the response I would've gotten would probably have sounded a bit like this: "Son, when you can afford to buy your own car, feel free to not buy an XKR." He would've then bought an XKR.

Do all Brits pronounce "Jag" with such emphasis and powerful inflection? I thought that was a Top Gear running joke! 😂

I sold my 2013 XF 3.0S Auto three weeks ago. God it was lovely. Dark blue with almond leather seats. Fast. Elegant smooth drive. I keep seeing them drive by on the way to work and sigh. Just such nice cars.

Check the facelift V6 for the water feature under the scuttle plate. You have to stop the water filling the spark plug wells and rotting the coils. It's simple enough to make a shield from thin aluminium sheet. Sandwich it between the cross brace and scuttle plate. Got the X200 V8 4.0 which doesn't suffer the problem.

Excellent video. Love the S-Type, I've had three of them and none gave any troubles. Prices are on the up as you say in your video. If you think the window switches in the S-Type are bad have a look at the XE. They're really awful!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with how long ago things were 🤣

We owned one (built in 2004) and loved it! Unfortunately it rusted like hell and was beyond repair (due to a corroded rear subframe which was nigh-impossible to replace in Germany, and rust on any other part of the body) after only 14 years and 180.000 km.

I have this engine in an x350 xj6 and it's a good engine. Ford duratec V6 with Jaguar VVT heads. Not as much fun as a v8 of course, but that's mostly due to the sound. It goes well enough - definitely punching above it's weight for a 3 litre from nearly 20 years ago.

Just bought 20/06/2022 2007 S type v6 petrol . Fantastic

I'm 21 and my dream car is the Rover P5

A friend and classmate of mine had a Navy blue XJ6 when we graduated from high school and after the ceremony we went in the jag and drove to some club to celebrate. Gorgeous car, I liked its exterior styling better than even the new mercs of the time, but I had to sit in the middle of the rear seat, and it was SHEER TORTURE for a guy of 6 1" and average weight. Fast forward, my landlady in Washington DC when I was there in summer 2003 on a US NAvy Distinguished Faculty Fellowship from the Office of Naval Research, had an old 1987 British racing green XJ6 which she let me drive one Sat evening as we visited a friend of hers in Maryland. The car had a really tiny gear lever, is what I remember most. It was a rainstorm and we could hardly see in front of our noses. As for the tiny Jag based on the Ford Contour, the X or whatever, it was a BAD JOKE, as was the contour itself. NO THANKS, Ford.

Time to get a couple of shooters in the boot, and hold up a regional building society in a 1970s throwback. All the while listening to the Sweeny theme tune on the CD player.

I had both the s type and X type great motors wish I'd still got it

V6 3.0 6 speed , a late car with 295000km...nothing to complain about...still very close to new STR, Disc problems, repetedly But my first car lasted 300000km without gearbox nor engine problem ABS sensors did not like heavy rain and pressure cleaning, putting the car in limp mode for a few minutes And some parts were difficult to source in suspensions My second STR is now 200000km, has no other problems than..DISCS Conclusion, we should save as much of these as we can, some as excellent daily drivers, some as vollector s items Best regardd

My first car at 23 was a Jaguar S-Type 2.7 D. The car looked great and drove well, but the ongoing stress over the DPF filter was too much and it just had to go. Every drive started with me praying I didn’t have an amber or even worse, red light appear.

OMG those Meteor rims on that 75. Fuck my life. I need to buy them so i own both serpents and meteors, most beautiful rim designs eveeer.

A timely video indeed. I'm looking at either a 2004 s type or a 2005 xj8 LWB both with the 4.2l V8 except the xj8 is about 5k AUD more as opposed to the same price that James stated... decisions decisions. Great review as always

Still miss my S-Type, a 3.0 V6 Manual that I sold for spares as an MOT failure and the guy bought it for the engine to go in a Mazda MX-5

Had 2, the 2.5, and after a mistaken dalliance with a Volvo v70, the 2.7D. Loved them both, miss the 2.5 more. Always a sense of occasion.

Just bought a XJL 3,0 V6. Crazy over 60 mpg. Epic value.

There were one or two of those Thunderbirds knocking around the Stockport/Cheshire area a few years ago but don't really see them much nowadays.

We have a 2005 S type. It's one of the best cars I have owned, in 45 years of diving.

So Im 19 y.o, and i have 1999 4.0 V8 S-Type it has zero rust and im so happy with it.

I have one rusting on my drive. I can't justify spending money on it right now but I can't bring myself to get rid of it either..

There's a black thunderbird in Hereford somewhere. I've seen it a couple of times leaving Sainsburys.

Great video I’m looking at purchasing a 3.0V6

There are a few T-birds in the UK. There's one fs right now on AT. Going for about double what I last saw one going for, but it does have low miles.

I remember going to Castle Bromwich with university around 2000 to the production line for these. Despite the American Ford underpinnings, Jaguar put a lot of extra development into the chassis. That being said, I'm surprised James likes the steering, I thought it had the typical Jag trait of over-assistance?

I was very lucky, about 5 years ago, to purchase a 2005 3.0 S type which had just been re-imported from Japan, where it had led a cosseted salt-free life by one owner and was thus immaculate underneath. I was smitten, and instantly traded in my 2006 SE 3.0 which had higher mileage on the clock. The 05 had just over 18,000 miles on it in 13 years. It now has 37,000 and has been very reliable. I love the retro styling. Indeed it was part of Jaguar's marketing slogan (it's all just a little bit of history repeating). I always feel that, apart from the styling, this would have been Ford's next generation Granada/Scorpio (I had several of these before Jag seduced me). A great car. I'm an 81 y.o. Petrolhead.

Gotta say, after seeing AM DBS Aston's with Hillman Hunter tail lights, Zephyr MkIV Executive light housings, Chrysler indicator stalks, I seriously think the New S type got the best Deal on Wheels with its parts bin. And the chassis base was a real thing of excellence, wasted on the clientele that bought Mustang S197s, Lincoln LS and the last T bird. Ford Australia wanted the S type base for its cars, but each Hairy Arsed Cobber from Aussie that asked Jac Nasser's team when was it gonna be ready.....got defrocked and sent back from Dearborn with no job. Jag made everything good with this frumpy, cute intermediate. It's a great bit of kit. And someone inside the Bowles of Fraud, um, Ford, gave it the best V6's and V8's. Goog Work JayEmm. Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟's

I would prefer an XFR, but I really do like the retro look of the S-Type. If you ever come over to Vancouver Island I dare you to try out my Cadillac XTS VSport. A very underrated car if I do say.

I'm 18 and I'm bouta star working for one this car so filthy 😩

I have the same jag. And love it 👍

Come to Vancouver, and I'll get you into a 2002 Thunderbird in teal - same spec as you showed a photo of - with the hard top! Also a 2017 MKZ which debuted the 3.0L Ecoboost used in the new Bronco Raptor. I have a fleet of weird stuff.....

I had a 2.5 2002 petrol manual, and it was fantastic ,, so comfortable ,, bit heavy on fuel but I would still have it if someone hadn''t run into me

It's been 4 years since I sold my 3.0 Sport S-type after 7 years of ownership.A really good car (no problems at all), but not the way like my favourite e39 530i M-pack, which I think is great in every way.

If you want one snap one up now while they're still cheap. Every other Jag has gone through a period of being unloved and then emerges as a classic and I think the S Type is no different. It's getting a lot more attention in videos like this one recently and prices are starting to creep up. I love the cars. I'm on my 3rd.

I had a 2005 manual 2.7 which was a nice place to be, not great on fuel but again 1.7 tons! Rust and DPF brought my ownership to an end. The six speed manual was excellent never drove the auto. I agree with this cars owner that the 75 is better in most areas but not all.