Jaguar S-Type road tests and consumer car reviews

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 diesel 2006

I have just bought an S-Type diesel from Perrys at Huddersfield. So far no problems and it is awsome to drive. I love the looks of the S-Type compared to the new XF. Tom the executive salesman at Perrys was 1st class.

Jaguar S-Type 4.2 2002

Brilliant car but problems starting at 48000 milage, gearbox fault coming up on dash, main dealer says needs new torque converter £550.00. New discs fitted, but back brakes sticking, Jag garage says handbrake cable snapped £300.00. Have found out common fault automatic handbrake switches itself on.

Jaguar S-Type xs diesel 2007

Fabulous car, can’t understand the critics, on a recent journey to the CV show in Birmingham it returned 48.2mpg and traveling to Leeming up the A1 53mpg, all done in comfort and worry free. Recent remap has made it even better, more mpg, more torque, more bhp, amazing. In the 2 years of ownership it’s been back to dealers once for faulty hanbdbrake motor.

Jaguar S-Type 3L V6 2003

I bought this at 80,000k as a spare vehicle but it has become my preferred vehicle to drive. Every drive is an experience that’s looked forward to. Some rough changes in the auto at times so maybe is for an expensive service in time but still a great car.

Jaguar S-Type 4.2 V8 R Supercharged 2003

A man’s Jag! The underdog to the untrained eye! It’s a shame there is no manual option. Unless you need the economy of a diesel, this is the one for you. A small boot albeit, but forget the Merc or BMW, this is fully loaded with no pressing buttons, just tell your car what you want it to do. Although there’s no freeview, there are two tone leather interiors, big fat wheels and about a combined avg of 18mpg sp thrashing it every now and again and again is a yes yes yes. The traction control can be annoying and a slippy rear wheel drive just means you need to drive it a bit more to learn how to tame it. This is definitely a car to race with the likes of Audi S4 and the BMW 760. You won’t be viewing the rear of the M5 either unless the kick down lags. Best looking wheels for this model and definitely best in black. To end on a neutral point, the engine has a lovely quiet sound but misses the growl that some might want from a supercharged v8.

Jaguar S-Type diesel 2.7 2007

My Jag was running great until the 5.1.11 when going along a country road it started to become a kangaroo and then experienced a sudden power failure, coming to a stop. It was taken to a main dealer for a check, I have not got the car back yet but have already been told it will cost at least £550.00. I have breakdown warranty but guess what? It’s a 5 star warranty but it does not cover any of the faults! I will keep you all informed.

Responses to this review

Please do inform about changes, I am thinking about buying the same model and am really unsure about how reliable it can be. I have a BMW 1 Series at the moment and love it to bits. Just wanting a bigger car with the same comfort - Julia from Bedfordshire

Jaguar S-Type 2005

Bought the car from Jaguar, Exeter, had 3600mls now has 37500 never had one problem have now just bought XF 2.7d, I hope this car is has good has my S-Type; first class car.

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 Diesel 2010

I have encounted the same type of problem, smoke from under the n/s front wing on cold mornings. I was told by Jaguar "Lancaster Sidcup" that this was normal, it was due to the internal heaters exhaust. It has its own seperate outlet otherwise the cars emissions would be to high! I have since had problems with the PDF filter. The sensors failed to display a message and landed me with a £500 bill to clean the entire system. Apparantly, so I have been told, it is due to driving in town traffic and the car is more suited to motorway driving. So I give it a blast every weekend down the A2, that seems to keep the filters clear. I must say though, the car drives great and is very comfortable and looks superb.

Responses to this review

I also have an S type 2.7 diesel. I have had recurring problems with the DPF over the last 18 months and have had many acrimonious trips back to Lancasters Sidcup. They also blamed ’driver style’ and despite many arguments have had to pay several large bills to clean out engine/manifold etc. The ’restricted performance’ light has been the bane of my life, especially as we travel to France a lot... We are now out of the warranty, and I have decided to part-exchange the car this week as I am far from confident that the problem has been permanently resolved. This was my third Jag and I have never had a complaint before (but my first diesel engine). I hope you have better luck! David Smith from Kent

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 Diesel Auto 2007

I have been very happy with my S Type until a problem arose about 1000 miles ago. The car had 49000 miles on the clock, and was serviced by the dealer at 45000. The Message Centre told me that a service was due in 2000 miles. A visit to the dealer cost over £150 as they had to fit a new vacuum pipe. Now less that 1200 miles later, the same message has appeared. Anyone got any ideas of what the problem is, as the dealer obviously has not fixed it. I have yet to contact them to discuss this latest message.

Jaguar S-Type 2.7D Sport 2004

I have a late 2004 model 2.7D manual Sport and I would say its the best car I have owned. It’s a fully loaded ex-demonstrator and I agree it beats most cars for comfort ansd is a fantastic effortless touring car. It looks great and quite mean, all black with no chrome apart fron the mesh grille. the rear window are also fitted with privacy glass. I get around 40mps on my trips to The highlands (1500+ miles in a week.)

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 D. sport auto 2006

Just bought a Jaguar S type 2.7 D. sport auto after owning for three years 3.0 Jaguar manual (2000). The comfort and elegance of Jaguars are just outstanding. I never had a problem with my first Jaguar apart from sometimes a cold start, that was it. I used to drive it to Europe (Belgium and France) never let me down and always felt fresh after long journey, no backache at all. That’s why I become addicted to Jaguar and will never change to another brand unless I personally have a very bad experience with it. So far, so good! Hence I bought the new one to replace the other one as it was getting old. With the new one, no complaint, the ride is smooth, the accelaration awesome and the look outstanding. Remember this is my first automatic experience, never drove one before and just love it, the gears just move effortlesly, love it! And it’s economical compare to my 3.0 litres petrol. I’d recommend it to everyone who wants comfort and performance to give this car a go. You won’t be disappointed.

Jaguar S-Type XS 2007

" A dream destroyed!! " 2007 2.7 D XS 15,000 miles the dreaded restricted performance warning appeared together with amber warning light. It took 3 visits to Stratstone, Derby, main dealer to sort out. Without the car for 4 weeks, yes 4. Air filter changed induction side investigated, after 3 weeks they and Jaguar technical diagnosed turbo failure this was fixed, fortunately still under warranty. On leaving the garage same warning reappeared this time with amber and red warning lights, this time the DPF was found to be blocked, replaced and then thankfully OK. Both dealership and Jaguar appear totally inept at identifying and fixing faults. Are all Jaguar dealers compelled to liase with the Technical department at each stage of fault finding; cynically I suspect that warranty costs are the main consideration cheapest fix the better. A good car spoiled, I would never contemplate another and never recommend to anybody. The restricted driving mode is incidentally a potential death trap, a reliant robin could out accelerate in this limp home mode. XF buyers beware same technology and engine albeit now 3 litre, Tata you have a lot to do!!!

Jaguar S-Type Diesel 2006

I purchased a Jaguar S type Diesel in 2006 from H A Fox Southampton and have had nothing but problems with this car up to April 2009. Restricted Performance Problems, Bonfire type problems, smoking from the bonnet even when it was above 5 Degrees C. H A FOX also said this was "Normal" they were unaware that a Technical Bulletin had been issued by Jaguar to deal with this problem, I had to tell them. The problem was that H A Fox continually denied that Jaguar had problems with this vehicle. We have had flat battery problems, for no apparent reason. We had break fault light problems. Ignition key recognition problems, i.e will not disable immobliser. We certainly would not recommend H A Fox, or set foot in one of their showrooms again. However, in total frustration and despertation we took our Jaguar to Harwoods in Chichester, and spoke to Martin, the Service Manager, it was like a breath of fresh air, we told him the problems that we were experiancing, and he immediately told us that he was aware of all of these problems and so were Jaguar. And if we left the car with him he could solve all of the problems, and he did. We were just about to leave for a months touring holiday in Spain and we had lost all confidence in the car, Martin, the Service Manager of Harwoods, said do not worry, he gave us his Mobile telephone number, and said if you have a problem where ever you are in Europe, to ring him and he would help to sort the problem out, (we experianced no problems), He even telephoned us on our mobile in Spain to check that everything was o.k. That is what you call Service, going that extra mile for your customer. I would certainly recommend Harwoods at Chichester. Harwoods have been looking after the car since April 2009 we would now rate it a 5 star.

Jaguar S-Type 3l v6 sport 2001

HELP!? still unsure. I have only just bought the car for a bargain, but it has the "gearbox fault" warning and on a 3 hour motorway run it has problems changing up a gear and ends up running at 80mph in 4th gear (or even 3rd??); certainly way to many revs (over 4000) but I didn’t notice for a while as the engine is so beautifully quiet!! Can anyone tell me if there is a simple fix or should I take this straight back to the guy I bought it from. Cheers.

Responses to this review

Common problem I’m afraid, initially will not properly engage R, then 3rd and above. It is repairable but expect a bill of £2k from a gearbox specialist (£3k from a Jag dealer). Best bet, return to seller if it’s a dealer and warranted, if not best bet is to source a low mileage box which will cost from about £500 up (get lowerst mileage you can, failure at 50k is not unknown) and get it fitted, in fairly short order it will likely stop engaging any gear at all. It’s a long shot but you could try and have the gearbox serviced, these boxes are sealed for life (therefore cannot be emptied, filled or ATF level checked easily - total fluid change quite a specialist job to do properly and with correct type of ATF which MUST be used) but in fact can benefit from fresh ATF - given the symptoms this is a long shot and probably a waste of £200-£250 for what will only be a temporary improvement. Any Jaguar specialist will be able to tell you within a couple if minutes of driving if the box is FUBAR. Cheers,- Matt from Gloucestershire

Jaguar S-Type 4.2SE auto V8 2004

Bought this car from a dealer 2 weeks ago can not fault the ride or drive plenty of power, but Jaguar says it will do 16.5 urban and well in the twentys on a run, mine does about 12 round town and took the family on a 80 mile round trip today on motorway got average 14.8, not sure what’s wrong?

Jaguar S-Type 2.5 PETROL SE 2002

My son-in-law had an X Type diesel and on journeys to North Wales to weddings etc., my wife found the seats more suitable to her injured back than my previous Omega. I searched the internet and found a 2002 Model with only 2800 miles on it which had been someone’s second car. Previously I had been advised to stay away from the x-type diesel as due to my relatively short journeys I was told the particulate filter would not clear unless i did 60 mph for at least 30 mins every week and it may even catch fire! The reports of smoke tend to confirm this! So far I have found it fulfills all the promises and as as well as wanting the seats and ride I have found the auto box a delight. Looking forward to summer to verify my thoughts it will treat my caravan as though it was not there!

Responses to this review

Ted, although the 2.7d can have problems with their DPF, the problems of smoke are because of the diesels auxiliary fuel burning heater not the DPF - Dave Green from England

Jaguar S-Type 2006

Before this week I would have given this car 5 stars but now it is sitting in a garage needing a new engine and would you believe only 14,000 miles on the clock. I bought this car about 18 months ago privately at only 6,000 miles. The warranty expired last January and because I did not use a franchised Jaguar dealer I have little chance of convincing the manufacturer to help me out.

Responses to this review

I own a 2005 55 reg S type, my engine failed a couple of weeks ago at 27000 miles and out of warranty, I have owned it from 6 months old and bought it from a Jag dealer. However, I pushed Jaguar to pay towards the repairs and they agreed to pay 50%. The reason my engine failed was down to the dpf filter regeneration process sending diesel into the oil therefore thinning the oil down, apparently normal?. They put it down to my wife’s driving style, short journeys, low speeds,if they had explained this to me when buying I wouldn’t have bought it. Not a manufacturing defect apparently, I beg to differ. They are paying 50% out of goodwill - Steve from England

I bought a Jag S-Type 2.7 D Sport 2005 model on 54 plate at 48,000miles mid March 2009 from dealer. Last week diagnosed by Jaguar with needing a new engine, now its at 60,000miles. Notice its ONLY just in warranty ! After I had complained (loudly) about cold starting issues since the snow/frost end of December. Their first attempt to fix was to clean temp. sensors. Didnt work. The Jaguar Assistance chap couldnt connect his diagnostics unit to the car at all. Now its a low compression reading in one cylinder thats made up their mind. Good luck. PS. I hate rear wheel drive. Back to quattro soon - S J from Northamptonshire

Gerry - I have exactly the same problem it is being assessed at this moment in time by Stratstone in Stoke-on-Trent. Jaguar has made no offers at present. Can I ask how much the replacement engine cost? Mine is on a 55 plate and out of warranty. Thanks – Bill Zalepa from Staffordshire

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 Diesel SE 2005

4 years of superb driving experience from new with this beautiful car, which still turns peoples heads to admire its classic lines. I am still a confirmed addict of the marque. For the joy of it I have just completed a 2,000 mile round trip in 5 days from the Exeter in the West Country via Wales and the Lake District, then around the west and north coast of Scotland to John ’O Groats and back down the East coast & via Yorkshire to Exeter - with an average fuel consumption of over 38 mpg. I am amazed at the tireless "Grand Touring " capability of the car.

Responses to this review

I have just bought one and I am so excited - Jill Davey from Herefordshire

Jaguar S-Type 2006

September 2007 - I purchased a Jaguar S-Type, registered 2006 on a 55 plate from H A Fox Guildford. From the beginning I experienced DPF and cold start problems. The first time the temperature went below 4 Celsius the car smoked like a wet bonfire so much so I had to phone Jaguar roadside assistance, each time this happened I was told it was normal, by both Jaguar and H A Fox. I’m not talking a little smoke it was so thick you could not see out of the windscreen. On November 7th 2008, the car had to be returned to H A Fox to have work carried out on the DPF, the car was returned to me on the 12th November. On the 5th December 2008, (outside temp 3 Celsius I went through the smoking bonfire bit again), I set off on a journey. After a matter of some 5 miles I realised other drivers flashing their lights, they were trying to warn me that the car was leaving a smoke trail, I pulled off the road and the car immediately filled with smoke, at which point someone ran over to the car banged on the window telling me to get out immediately as the vehicle was on fire. I got out and just made it to the other side of the road when whoosh there was a bang and it burst into flames. The fire brigade and Police were called but the car was totally destroyed. I was in total shock, and have suffered post traumatic stress since this incident. This car was still under warranty, but neither Jaguar or H A Fox attempted to instigate a detailed forensic inspection. Their behaviour in this matter has, in my opinion been appalling they did not want to know, and have not offered me any form of compensation for a replacement vehicle.

Responses to this review

Look on Google under Particulate filter this is the AA report on these filters - Ted Gray from Cheshire

The cause of the `smoke` in this case is nothing to do with the DPF, it is from the auxiliary fuel burning heater which operatates at -5 and below and is perfectly normal - Dave Green from England

Sorry to hear about the car on fire. Mine has smoked bady since day one, and I am trying to sort a video to show. Im going to take it back to Jag because I want to sell it, but don’t want the new owner to moan that it smokes badly. Also had major problems with dpf, and the engine light coming on til they sorted an update, (6 months it was off the road.) - Anthony Osborne from England

Jaguar S-Type 2004

Hello, I have a Jaguar S-Type 2.7 diesel, its very economic, and I have beside that car an Audi A4 3.0 v6 cab and Porsche 996 c4 and the Jaguar is the most comfortable. But now I have some problems with it, the first problem was with the PDF, I got a few times the engine going in "safe mode" specially when I was driving for a while only in town. I went to Jaguar and after that no problems any more. I have also a problem which I really don’t like, when its cold outside like 5 degrees, the car sometimes smokes a lot from the front side and has a bad oil smell. I was panicked when I saw that, I went to jaguar and it’s normal, actually the engine 2.7 (only that one) have a boiler to warm up the water and that boiler works independently from the car engine and works with the fuel of the car, so sometimes it smokes a bit for a few seconds and after its all perfect. I also had a problem with the electrical handbrake, one day I could not release the hand break, it was blocked and with alarms inside. I call Jaguar and they came directly with a truck to fix it. I must say that Jaguar in Luxembourg where I live have a wonderful and serious service. My next will be of course a Jaguar XF with the 3.0D engine. My car has done 60.000 miles.

Jaguar S-Type 2.7d Sport 2005

Hi, like so many others the only thing I can fault is the smoke on cold days... IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS ON FIRE... And the looks I get from everybody who sees it are astonishing. It also has the habit of filling the cabin with a smoky smell. The dealer says this is normal but it is quite embarrassing!

Responses to this review

Look on Google under Particulate filter this is the AA report on these filters - Ted Gray from Cheshire

The cause is the auxiliary fuel burning heater, nothing at all to do with the DPF - Dave Green from England

Jaguar S-Type 2.5se 2003

Brings a large smile to my face every time I drive it. Looks absolutely brilliant. What more does a guy want (in a car)? Style, comfort, speed etc... etc... etc...

Jaguar S-Type 2007

This will be my third S-Type. My first was a manual 3 litre followed by a 4 litre auto. I am now returning to the fold with an older 3 litre but it is a great looking car and a drivers dream.

Jaguar S-Type 2.5 V6 Petrol Sport 2003

S Type 2.5 V6 Petrol Sport. I have had this car from new and can only praise it - the best car I have ever had; the build quality is superb. I did 60,000 miles and it never let me down. I have just exchanged it for 2.7 XS S type; tried the XF but not the same ride quality.

Jaguar S-Type 2000

Can anyone help me, my car was sitting for a long time and when I started it there was hardly any fuel in the tank so I filled it up but since it seems to be missing or not running on all cylinders - could it be the air filter filled or clogged up with with what was at the bottom off the fuel tank?

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 diesel 2006

An excellent finished car no problems with that, but should such a quality car suffer from engine problems? I like many others have experienced smoke and bad odours from the engine - caused I am told by the PDF, which was replaced. Then car went into ’safe mode’ again due to PDF. Anyone else experiencing these problems ? All reports say this is an A1 engine!

Responses to this review

Look on google for particulate filter, there the AA have an interesting article on particulate filters. Because of short journeys I chose the petrol version - Ted Gray from Cheshire

Jaguar S-Type 2005

I thought the jaguar "S" was really good until I had problems with the gear box. Jaguar said they had heard of such problems when the car was changing down but an additive added would cure it. This I refused as the car was still under warranty and they wanted £150 to do the work. Eventually the car was fitted with a NEW GEAR BOX, which makes me wonder how long the additive would have lasted, the car had only done 27,000 miles. Has any one else had this problem? I still must thank my local Jaguar dealer for contacting Jaguar and having the fault correctly put right at no cost to me.

Responses to this review

My S-Type (2.7 diesel, 2006) has 25,700 miles on clock and has just had a new gearbox fitted by Stratstone Jaguar. As it is out of warranty, it has cost me £2800 to replace it. In all honesty this car has been the worst car I have had since a Morris Marina back in the 70s - John Bird from Durham

Since i wrote to you, i had a phone call from Stratstone Jaguar yesterday saying that Jaguar would now refund me the full amount of the cost of the new gearbox. I would like to say thank you very much for this - John Bird from Durham

Jaguar S-Type 2.7d Sport 2007

Superb cruiser, great looks and really comfortable ride. Not as economical as I expected but 38mpg on a decent run is not bad. My previous BMW 530i was quicker but overall the Jag is the better car. Only downside is the heavy ticking and occasional odour omitting from the exhaust system after a run, which the dealer tells me is ’completely normal’.

Responses to this review

The ticking (exhaust cooling down) and smell are due to the DPF regeneration process and is normal - Dave Green from Durham

Jaguar S-Type 3 litre v6 1999

I have had my v6 for a number of years and it`s still the best think since sliced bread. Comfort and elegance all rolled into one. Would love to own a 4.2 v8 next time I change mine.

Responses to this review

Hi there, what sort of mileage per gallon do you get pls and are there any major faults with the cars as I am considering buying one, thanks, Chris Kolade from Wales

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 Diesel auto 2004

Just the best car I’ve ever owned in terms of drive, response, take off, brakes and of course in looks. My Jaguar ALWAYS brings a smile to my face as I drive it and you can feel the envy off other motorists and pedestrians too! A super car to own in every respect.

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 litre diesel 2004

The 2.7 diesel engine is smooth with plenty of torque. I’ve had the S-Type for over 3 years now and have never had so much fun in a car. It’s at its best when cruising along motorways. I chose a Jaguar over its German rival, the BMW 5-Series, for two reasons. 1 - it’s British. 2 - it’s a far better looking car. The standard equipment is very good with a CD player, alloys and climate control. Do not expect great fuel economy from this Jag, you simply will not get it - if you want budget motoring then look elsewhere.

Jaguar S-Type 4.2SE 2003

Class, Class, Class, Class. My 4.2 is a fantastic, effortless engine with wonderful build quality and distinctive design. BMW and Mercedes-Benz should look on with envy. I walk towards it and smile; I know it’s a beautiful place to be... power beauty and soul.

Jaguar S-Type 2.7d sport 2005

Really lovely car, genuinely feel good when driving, I too prefer its looks to the XF. The 5 series BMW `ordinary` in comparison to drive

Jaguar S-Type 2.7d Auto SE 2007

I had the X type 2.2 D Sport before part exchanging it for a 57 plate S type 2.7d Auto SE. The car is superb, silky smooth and quiet, 35.8 miles to the gallon. I prefer the S type to the new XF but then I’m an old geezer!

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 Diesel 2004

This car is the best I have ever owned. It looks like nothing else on the road and beats the BMW for comfort. This diesel is the most refined I have driven, and the gear changes are silky smooth.

Jaguar S-Type 2.7 V6 SE 4dr 2006

An absolutely classy car. Nothing drives like it or gives you that level of refinement and quality.

Responses to this review

Read the other reviews? Poor car, bad dealers? - Jack Benny from Bedfordshire