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Jaguar S-Type

13468920

Comments

  • cfgrosscfgross Member Posts: 54
    I have a 2002 S-Type 4.0 with the sport package. I would never dream of driving this (or any car) in snow and slush with performance tires such as those that come with the sport package. These tires are designed for maximum grip at high speed in warm/dry conditions ONLY. Even on dry roads, when the temp dips below about 40 degrees these tires lose much of their traction because the rubber compounds they are made from which give such excellent traction in warm weather become stiff when the temperature drops.

    One of the first things I did after buying the car was to buy a set of new/take-off 16" S-Type wheels that I had fitted with a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin snow tires. While I haven't had a great need for them due to the bizarre weather this winter, we did have one snow that resulted in a few inches of accumulation on the roads. With the snow tires fitted, my rear wheel drive S-Type handled better than any other car I have ever owned -- including front wheel drive cars.

    The bottom line is that the only reason anyone would have trouble in the snow with this car is a lack of understanding or appreciation for the limitations of a performance tire. Performance tires cannot be expected to function well in conditions for which they were not designed and never intended. It ain't gonna work! No, it isn't cheap to equip the car for the snow (the wheels plus tires cost me close to $1000), but if you wanted cheap you would buy a Kia, not a Jag.

    I again refer anyone interested in more detailed info on this topic to the many excellent posts on the www.Jagtalk.com message board.
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    "Step 2:

    Write check to Jag dealer for the white one"

    Just be sure it's the white one, because I'm on my way with an eye on the green one!
    (I wish! My kingdom for $35,000!)
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I like BRG better, but its a lousy color for resale...

    The White one will be worth $1,500+ more in 2-3 years. Especially so here inthe Southeast (FL).

    Still, $35K is a DEAL.

    Bill
  • rlowrierlowrie Member Posts: 30
    I am looking for feedback on Jag Dealers in MD. I am embarking on a S Type shoping expedition and would welcome any insights good ro bad about dealers in the MD/DC/VA area. My closest dealer in Manhattan Jaguar in Rockville, MD
  • jag_27jag_27 Member Posts: 1
    I bought my S-type from Rosenthal in Tysons Corner last year. Few weeks later I had a terrible grounding noise coming out of the steering wheel, plus a cracking noise from the sunroof, plus some cracking noise from the back seat. I took it to the dealership, got it back in the evening and, to my surprise, none of these were fixed. Took me two weeks to schedule another appointment and guess what? The same thing, they said it's fixed, but I can hear the same noises. Then I had to call the Jaguar, took it back third time. Then I had to make few more calls and get really pissed with them before they finally, on my fourth visit, took the steering shaft apart and replaced some parts in it. By that time three months had passed. On top of that, couple of times they game we really crappy economy cars as loaners. And people that work there are neither friendly nor helpful (maybe because I'm 26?). I can't say anything good about the service at the Rosenthal dealership, I'd suggest you stay away from them. Despite all of that, I still love my car. It's a fun piece of machinery. Hope this helps.
  • tcalidfwtcalidfw Member Posts: 2
    I unfortunately own a 2001 Jaguar 3.0 S-type. I purchased my shinny lemon October 22nd and it is currently at the dealers service department for the 14th time. Unfortunately, Jaguar does not stand behind their product or, they would have taken this car back from me long time ago.

    I haven't been so disappointed in a cars performance/reliability since I owned a 1981 Ford Escort (humorous that they are both Fords!!).

    I have the ever present "shimmy" (the steering wheel shakes so badly that it is embarrassing to drive with a passenger in the car). After 7 attempts to get this problem resolved, the regional service rep and the GM have responded with "your car meets Jaguar specifications and is operating accordingly." When questioned if it is normal to shimmy at 50-60mph, they reply "well, due to Jaguars outstanding steering, you will feel more road feel than in other luxury cars!!" If Jaguar is aware that this "shimmy" exists and consider it normal, they should have to disclose this to their customers prior to purchasing a Jaguar.....knowing them, they will probably consider it an accessory and charge for it!

    I have had the steering rack replaced, the airbag sensors replaced, the Cd player replaced twice, a metal cover snapped under the carriage of the car, and 4 different sets of tires replaced, the tires balanced 5 x and still no luck.

    Most recently, the car is now making a crunching noise when the wheel is turned as well as, the steering wheel making snapping noises when turned. I was advised by the dealership that they are now replacing the airbag sensors/reels again, replacing the bushings and the steering column. I would have to say that a true luxury car with only 7000 miles should not be having this type of problem. I am in a wonderful rental from Enterprise and there is no telling when my car will be returned. Many of the parts are on back order and they haven't even addressed the shaking of the steering wheel!!!

    The most disappointing thing about this experience is Jaguar's lack of customer service. I know that I can easily pursue and win a case utilizing the lemon law but, why should a customer who spent $49,000.00 have to be put through that exercise when it is plain to see the automobile is defective. After numerous letters to Mike O'Driscoll (president of Jaguar motor cars), I have never received a follow-up call from him. I have spoken with his "assistant" numerous times but, they are not willing to admit to a defective product.

    In summary, DON'T BUY a Jaguar......run away from the dealership as fast as you can. Don't get taken in by the S-types beautiful looks. Unless you want to own "the worlds prettiest PARKED car!"

    I will be regaining my wits and returning to BMW to drive a true performance/luxury car and can't wait to get out of this overpriced, unreliable Ford! Jaguar, you should be ashamed of yourself!
    My only salvation is sharing my story with others. I have successfully talked 5 people out of purchasing a Jaguar and get some satisfaction out of knowing that they are losing future sales. I am a walking billboard for Jaguar and one that they can't afford to keep! (Did I mention I sell Real Estate and have about 15 people in my car every month!!)

    Is there a support group for S-type owners...if not, we need a 10 step program to learn how to deal with our lemons!
  • markhamptonmarkhampton Member Posts: 74
    Here are a few reviews of the new '03 S-Type you might find interesting. Ann's review goes into detail on the changes made for 2003, and includes specifications for all three trim levels. Enjoy!

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globemegawheels/20020321/cat.html
    http://www.suntimes.com/output/auto/car-news-car181.html
    http://www.carlist.com/newcars/2003/jaguarstyper.html

    I sympathize with the previous poster. It's certainly no fun getting a lemon. Just be glad you didn't buy a Benz! The S-Class, M-Class and CLK all got atrocious reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. The remainder of their product line rated merely average, as did the Jaguar S-Type.

    Looking at the reliability ratings for all German makes, it appears reliability is becoming a widespread problem over there. Other models that CU readers rated worse than average included:

    Audi
    A6
    TT

    BMW
    X5

    Porsche
    Boxter

    Volkswagen
    Beetle

    Models which rated above average cars included:

    BMW
    5-Series
    Z3

    Volkswagen
    Passat

    The rest of the models from these makers either rated average, or were too new to rate.

    If it is reliability you seek, go with an Acura, Lexus or Infiniti. All of the models built by these makers, with the exception of the Lexus IS300, rated above average in terms of reliability.
  • jagboyxkrjagboyxkr Member Posts: 53
    Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Jaguar. I would be angry if I went through the same ordeal, but I would not just go around speaking badly of the company and its cars Just because you had a bad experience does not mean that you should go around insulting the cars that everyone else on this board owns. My father's S-TYPE is near perfect, and so is my X-TYPE and his Vanden Plas. Not many people received lemons the way you did. In fact, Jaguar's owner satisfaction has been in the top five car manufacturers only trailing Lexus for the last decade and a half, ie: under Ford's ownership.

    I also have been in many Fords, and I, along with many other people, will tell you that they are nothing like Jaguars. If you had believed the S-TYPE to really be what you called an "overpriced, unreliable Ford", then why did you buy one in the first place?

    As for your car, you should do whatever it takes to get Jaguar to fix it for you. You should not have to suffer there with a broken car. Call in the lemon laws if you have to, but do not just go around complaining about your car and insulting Jaguar. Five people does not make a dent in Jaguar's sales, and I don't think that your short term satisfaction from driving away potential buyers is going to really satisfy you in the long run the way a properly functioning car would.
  • tcalidfwtcalidfw Member Posts: 2
    I understand your passion for Jaguar and am sorry if I offended you but, my room mate also has an S-type and she is experiencing an entire different set of problems with her car.

    Overall, we are both regretting our decision to purchase jaguars!

    I'm certain if you were having 1/2 of the issues we were, you wouldn't be a huge cheerleader for Jaguar Cars!
  • mvargo1mvargo1 Member Posts: 298
    With legitimate problems we have never had a problem getting a car bought back by Jaguar.

    Jaguar happens to have the second highest initial quality (lexus is number one) and the third highest overall dependability( Lexus and Infiniti were one and two). However, cars are still built by people. Nothing is perfect, but they are getting there. I'm not that old and even I remember when the thought of Jaguar as the third most reliable car in the world would have seemed a little strange.
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    Saw the 2003 model at the NY Autoshow, and the Jag S-R.

    The 2003 was very nice, and now has a dashboard similar to the X and larger sedans. Huge improvement.

    The Jag S-R is a pretty car, but I think they made a mistake with the "mesh" grille. More than one observer thought it looked cheap.
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    "With legitimate problems we have never had a problem getting a car bought back by Jaguar. "

    You make it sound as if you've had quite a bit of experience with getting Jaguars to buy back lemons.
    All I've heard from car magazines is how much better the new Jaguars are than the old, but I see more people having reliability problems here than I do on the www.jag-lovers.org mailing lists for the Series III XJ's! Who knows, maybe all the truly horrible XJ6's have died off by now and all we're left with now is the 10% that were actually decent cars.
  • cfgrosscfgross Member Posts: 54
    J.D. Powers Ratings for New Car Initial Quality

    1. Lexus
    2. JAGUAR

    J.D. Powers Ratings for New Car Reliability

    1. Lexus
    2. Infiniti
    3. JAGUAR

    Need I say more?
  • mvargo1mvargo1 Member Posts: 298
    I've seen 2 in 3 years. One was one of the first X's with a bad trans. The other was a customer who did not like the CD based nav. in the S-Type. I still don't know how they pulled that one off.

    If it is an R it gets a mesh grill period. That is how you know it is an "R". Besides with 400HP and 400 ft/lbs of torque how many people get to see the front except in their rearview mirror before it passes them
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    cfgross... Has so many award categories that you can hardly keep 'em straight. They have watered down their "brand". Think Consumer Reports is much better and potentially less biased, esp. when JD Powers won't report on brands below average. (That way they can market/sell the award to those above average?)

    Did into their definitions. How long is new car initial quality" period? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 3,000 miles? 6,000 miles? 12,000 miles?

    And does "new car initial quality" have any correlation to "older car later reliability"? Say after 3-5 years? Over after 50,000-75,000 miles?
  • jagboyxkrjagboyxkr Member Posts: 53
    No one will dispute that Lexus makes some of the most reliable cars on the roads today, and that is why JD Powers is aknowleging them for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Jaguar is right behind Lexus in the number 2 spot, and for being overall the second most reliable maker of quality cars with very satisfied buyers is a huge achievement as well. JD Powers is aknowleging Jaguar for this achievement, as they do Mercedes-Benz and other makes with high customer satisfaction.

    Companies with poor quality and a lack of customer satisfaction do not get put on the top of the rankings and do not get recommendations or awards. Omission can be just as powerful as flat-out stating dislike for someone or something. (Therefore, I will not tell you how I feel about you and your constant attempts to discredit anything in which BMW is not highly ranked. If BMW had scored as high as Jaguar in the JD Powers rankings, then you would not be discrediting them right now.)

    And while we are in the Jaguar S-TYPE message board, the S-TYPE is a vehicle which is "RECOMMENDED" by the highly regarded and "less biased" (as Riez says) CONSUMER REPORTS. The entire Jaguar model line could not be "RECOMMENDED" because CONSUMER REPORTS could not collect enough data on it, and therefore has "N/A" listed in many ranking areas.

    At least JD Powers is thorough, and Jaguar ranks high in both JD Powers and CONSUMER REPORTS.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    jagboyxkr... Do you know how many different categories JD Powers has? The one quoted was just that, one single category. It has a specific title and a specific meaning. JD Powers defines it. But there are also other ones. With different meanings and different ratings. That is why you have to be very careful when looking at JD Powers information. You have to know the specific category and how it is defined. Their "new car initial quality" category has a very specific meaning, one different from other categories. Check out and see how JD Powers define their own category.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Or, I'd say they should be up there in long-term durability...

    In the family:

    1997 XJ6 76K. $200 since warranty expired in repair costs.

    1995 VDP 138K $610 since warranty expired in repair costs.

    Bill
  • jagboyxkrjagboyxkr Member Posts: 53
    Yes Riez, I would hope that a category called "New Car Initial Quality" would mean something different from another category's title since that is how complex languages such as English work.
    V-E-R-Y G-O-O-D!

    Really now, what is your point? I realize that there are different categories in the JD Powers scorings, etc. Jaguar just happens to have done extremely well in many of the important areas such as reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction (I've checked). You just cannot seem to accept that JD Powers rated Jaguar just below Lexus and in the number 2 spot. At least, that is what I am getting from your constant messages on the subject.

    So what are you trying to say?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    jagboyxkr... Only point I'm making is that J.D. Power is a for-profit company that works hard to keep on good side of all manufacturers. J.D. Power is out to maximize their profits. One way they do it is to have a zillion different award categories. You should see all that they have. They are all separate and discreet.

    Is possible for almost every car company to say they do well in one or more of J.D. Power's many, many categories. But there is not necessarily any relationship or correlation between one category and another. So companies A-B-C might do well in initial quality but fall down for intermediate or long-term quality. They even have categories on how people perceive cars before buying. So a company can say their product led in new car desireability, as if that is any meaningful information.

    For example, latest issue of Roundel has an article on BMW's web page. Author writes: "No doubt BMW deserved the top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation." Did you know J.D. Power ranked web sites? Why is J.D. Power ranking web sites? And wouldn't you love to know how J.D. Power comes up with this ranking of car companies' web sites?

    They have so many categories that they are becoming meaningless. Brand devaluation. You'd have to have all their categories and see the data for all companies to get the real picture of their information on the quality, reliability, and durability for various marques. And all the companies seem to use one or more J.D. Power award ranking in their ads. But they all can't be winners, or can they?
  • markhamptonmarkhampton Member Posts: 74
    Let's take a look at some of these JD Power studies, as the results might surprise a few people.


    2001 JD Power study on long-term (5 year) dependability
    http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/01102a.gif:


    Jaguar - 3rd
    Lincoln - 4th
    Cadillac - 8th
    Mercedes - 10th


    2001 JD Power study on customer satisfaction with dealer service
    http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/0127a.gif:


    Cadillac - 3rd
    Lincoln - 8th
    Jaguar - 12th
    Mercedes - 13th


    2001 JD Power study regarding customer satisfaction with the sales experience
    http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/0139a.gif:


    Cadillac - 2nd
    Jaguar - 5th
    Lincoln - 6th
    Mercedes - 8th


    Jaguar, Cadillac and even lowly Lincoln do better than MB. Lexus, on the other hand, is at the top of every list.

  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    "lowly Lincoln"? Oops, sorry, there goes that Underdog Mentality again.:)
  • markhamptonmarkhampton Member Posts: 74
    I't was just a bit of jest. I actually like Lincolns. The LS is already a fine car, and should improve for 2003 if the new S-Type is any indication.
  • scarter7719scarter7719 Member Posts: 89
    My parents just purchased a '00 S-Type here in Naples, FL. The car is absolutely beautiful with only 14K miles. It looks like it has never been driven on the highway. Anyway, I'm curious about the engine/tranny make on this model. I have a Mazda MPV and I've seen references on that board saying we have the same engine as the Jag. I realize the S-Type is using a duratec, but is it really the same? Also, did the '00 use the jatco 5-speed tranny, or was that incorporated more recently? Thanks in advance and I hope you all don't mind if I lurk this board!

    SC
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I assume you have a 3.0L model - the 4.0L model uses a Jaguar AJV8. The 3.0L is indeed a Ford Duratech block and while I don't know the details of the Mazda engine if it's a 3.0L Ford duratech then yes - they have the same basic block. However - Jaguar has their own intake and heads which boost the power to 240 as opposed to 200/210 in the Taurus/Sable and 220 in the Lincoln LS. The blocks are the same but everything else is different. Same for the LS V8 - it's the same Jag AJV8 block but different intake, heads, etc. The X-type also uses 2.5L and 3.0L duratech blocks but again everything else is different. So, same block but definitely NOT the same engine.

    As far as the tranny - it uses the Ford 5R55N same as the LS, Tbird and Explorer/Mountaineer. I think the 2003 switches to a ZF automatic. The S-type and Lincoln LS (and T-bird) all are built on the same DEW98 platform and share the basic chassis, suspension, engine blocks and transmissions and tires. You may find more relevant info on your S-type in the Lincoln LS forum or at llsoc.com (Lincoln LS owners club) which caters to all DEW98 based models.
  • fd1000fd1000 Member Posts: 47
    I'm so excited!

    I just purchased a Pacific Blue 2002 S-Type Sport V8!!! With nav and voice. Got an incredible deal, since 2003's are right around the corner.

    I'm having the Monaco wheels put on the car, should be just like the picture! (hehehe)

    I pick it up Monday!

    Saw it in clean up today, wow, what a color!

    Does anybody else have the Jag Monaco wheels?

    How do you like them?

    And, does anyone know if you can control any of the navigation with the voice recognition option?

    I will post some pics when it's parked safely in my garage!!!
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Congrats! :)

    Pretty color too!
  • sundancer2sundancer2 Member Posts: 2
    My 2002 S Type had a wheel shimmy from day one.The dealer eagerly balanced all wheels three times with some improvement but it was not 100%. The dealer admitted they did not know how to fix it. They drove my car and admitted it was not perfect over 60 MPH. They called "the factory" and the answer was "it's normal. I called and got the same answer and a factory rep would come and drive my car "next month" Not being satisfied, I met with the dealer management and insisted on some resolution. Within days FIVE new michelins were on my car and the problem is solved.
    Now comes the surprise. Shortly after the dealer agreed to put on new tires I hear from a Bridgestone dealer I had consulted. Bridgestone Tech. people admitted that the Turanza EL 42 tires, original equipment on the 2002 S Type 3.0, are "not compatable" with that car and they would replace them under warranty with any other Bridgestone tire.
    I told my dealer this and he called the same Tech. office and got the same answer. I do believe the dealer did not know this, however, I am not convinced that the factory did'nt know it.
    Bridgestone claimed it is not a recall or a safety problem but "if there is a concern" they would relpace them.
    This could be the answer to some of you guys "shimmy" problem. My tires were replaced at 3500 miles and I must say the dealer tried his best to please me.
    I have had two other problems that the dealer took care of immediatly. The control Module for the anti-lock brakes went bad and the drivers window motor squealed and that was replaced.
    I recently turned in a 2000 Lincoln LS with 40000 miles and very few problens. If my S Type was'nt 40% Ford I would not have gone near it.
    I hope you guys with the wheel shimmy look into the tire solution, a $49000 car should drive as smooth as silk.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    When these cars came out we were wondering about the tires.. I mean, they were the first Jags sold in America in like 20 years without Pirellis...

    Bill
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    My dad's new S-type got a brand new set of Michelin Pilot's for the same reasons. Fortunately, he didn't have to go through the hassle you did.
  • jagboyxkrjagboyxkr Member Posts: 53
    My father got the sport package on his S-TYPE, and it came with Pirelli P-Zero tires. They're very good, and he's had no problem with them on the S-TYPE.
  • sundancer2sundancer2 Member Posts: 2
    I understand that the Perelli tires are very good and I do beleive they come with the sport package and 17" wheels. One complaint I have heard from several sources is that they "flat spot", especially in cold weather. I looked up Perelli on the internet and somewhere I saw their components include a nylon like material. Years ago nylon was used in a lot of tires and flat spotting was common.
    The replacement tires the dealer put on my S Type are the Michelin Pilot XGT H4. Nice tire and it does the trick for me. No more "shimmy".
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I heard the 2003 Stypes will come with Michelins instead of the Pirellis. The 2003 LS will also come with Michelins.
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    Anybody do a drive comparison between a 2002 and a 2003 with the 4.2 "almost" 300 HP and six speed trans?

    In my opinion, the new dash makes the car much more classy, but the rear end could still use a few styling tweaks.

    Anybody getting the Ford discount on a Jag S purchase? One dealer said yes, but only on the 3.0. Another one said yes (to the 4.2) but only if I buy from stock. (Northern NJ area.)
  • markhamptonmarkhampton Member Posts: 74
    I test drove one, and was very impressed. I've never driven a 2000-2002 S-Type, however, I can't say how it stacks up.

    The up side:

    It's a fast fun-to-drive car. The engine and transmission are smooth as silk. That ZF tranny provides wonderfully smooth shifts with very little lag. In sports mode it seemed delightfully aggressive, but maybe it was just my imagination running away with me. When I found an open road, I opened up the throttle. Before I knew it, the car was zooming along in the triple digit range of the dial. It handled superbly in the twisties, and at the same time was very comfortable for everyday driving. For me, the car struck a perfect balance between comfort and handling.

    I've never closely examined a Jaguar finish before, but I did when I test-drove that S-Type. Few manufacturers, if any, make as smooth a finish as Jaguar. Almost no detectable orange-peel texture -- it looked like glass. The Sapphire blue made the car even more beautiful. Unfortunately, the salesman told us that color was being discontinued. What a shame.

    I thought the interior looked very elegant. The wood was tasteful, and I much preferred the Jaguar interior's swoopy lines more than the sharp angles used in cars like the CTS.

    The down side:

    It's interior dimensions felt a bit cramped to me (I'm six feet tall). I found my knees touching the dash when the driver's seat was pulled up far enough to ensure rear passenger would have sufficient leg room. When the front seat was adjusted back to where I was comfortable, rear seat leg room disappeared. For my needs, this was unsatisfactory.

    There was also some tire noise on rough roads. On smooth roads, however, the car was as quiet as can be.

    What to do?

    My wife loved the car. It was just what she wanted, and she was willing to overlook the shortcomings I mentioned. For me, the car scored enough positive points for me to overlook its flaws. What the heck. If it makes her happy, then why not?

    When we got around to negotiations, however, things didn't look so good. They were completely unwilling to budge from retail, and tried to lowball my trade, so I walked away. Maybe they will be more reasonable in the fall when there are a few sitting on the lot.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    What do you mean by "almost 300 hp"? Are you thinking about the S-Type R that Jag advertised at 400 when it's really 388 SAE? I don't think that was the case with the NA S-type HP rating. I think it was 300 SAE all along. I think they used the DIN for the R because 400 sounds a lot faster than 388 in the press releases.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Talk to Paul DeBlois at Montclair.

    Bill
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    check specs on www.jaguarvehicles.com
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I'll take your word for it. You know what happens when you assume things!
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    Thanks for the info. Spoke to Paul. He'll apply the discount on an ordered vehicle. Will definitely use him if the other local dealers won't.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Cool. He's a very straight shooter. No BS kinda guy.

    Figured you two would get along :)

    If you do the deal, tell him Bill Weismann says Hi.

    Bill
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    Sure will, but I hope my two local dealers come to their senses first. Montclair is about 16 miles away and it's not a straight, no traffic highway drive. (But then again, in NJ, what is?)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Folks, this is not the place to get into issues with topic management.

    Please email me with your concerns and we'll either work them out or I'll give you other resources to pursue if necessary.

    Thanks!

    Pat
    Sedans Host
  • hyper4hyper4 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 S type Jag. At 4500 miles I had no shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and had the transmission replaced. At 14,000 miles the transmission light went on and the dealer said the trans had to be replaced again. (it took 30 days to do). Being upset I asked for an extension of my warranty or a trade assist. They offered me $1,000.00 for my trouble. (customer service was not very polite and took a long time to return my calls)
    The dealer said he would give me a good deal on a 2003 trade, but I have cold feet. Does this problem should familar?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The 2000 Stype shares it's tranny with the Lincoln LS and we have had very few reports of tranny problems on the LS. I can only remember 2 or 3 replacements/repairs at the most in the last 3 years.

    It's possible that the dealer screwed up the replacement. If it's any consolation, the 2003 Stype uses a totally different tranny than previous models - a ZF 6-speed automatic. If you otherwise like the Stype I would go for the 2003.
  • jagonejagone Member Posts: 39
    The 2003 Mercedes Benz E-Class makes the 2003 S-Type look 20-years behind the times in the luxury segment. From the state of the art suspension to the Distronic Cruise Control to the Electronic Power Trunk. If Jaguar ever seriously expects to make a run at Mercedes or BMW they have a long ways to go!

    P.S. Before you decide to attack! I own a Jaguar S-Type.
  • jagboyxtypejagboyxtype Member Posts: 241
    Those features all seem kind of like gimmicky techno items (like the S-TYPE's new electronic parking brake) that don't really do much. Have people really become so lazy that they cannot set their own parking brakes and must rely on their Jag's computer to do it for them? Can one really not close his or her own trunk without the aid of an electric motor on the Mercedes?

    The 2003 S-TYPE has voice activated controls(with many updates), the latest in the advanced computer controlled CATS suspension system, height/distance adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, a new manual transmission option, or the first-in-class ZF 6-speed adaptive automatic transmission that it shares with the new BMW 7-Series, a supercharged R variant, DOHC engines with continuously variable valve timing (Mercedes still only uses SOHC engines), and many other new features that compete in the technology department. Even its beautiful grille now automatically moves-in a few inches in the event of a collision as to not sustain damage in the crash. Many of those items are standard on the S-TYPE, where as all of the features you mentioned on the E-Class are high-priced options. The S-TYPE doesn't seem to be lacking in equipment at all.

    Doesn't Cadillac have a feature on its cars that close the trunk automatically, and Lincoln (heck, even the GMC Envoy) have air-ride suspensions like the one on that 2003 Mercedes? Mercedes-Benz must have gotten its motors for the electric trunk-lids from parent company DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler/Dodge minivans with electric hatches. Big-rig trucks on the highways have "distronic" cruise control, and have had it longer than any luxury cars have. If you want really new technology in a car, the Cadillac Deville has the option of night-vision (but like most all of these features and gadgets, most drivers will barely use them).

    Technology aside, leather and wood are all standard features on the S-TYPE, where you have to upgrade from pleather/vinyl and plastic in the Mercedes for it, and even then it isn't the same fine Connolly and birds-eye maple and there still isn't nearly as much of it as in the Jaguar, which also has a starting price almost $8,000 less than the stripped Mercedes. Not to mention the terrible reliability problems M-B is having (it makes Jaguar's past reliability problems on the older XJ's seem like normal wear and tear!) Besides, the S-TYPE has a bigger hood ornament than that gunsight on the E-Class :-)
  • cartesiocartesio Member Posts: 36
    I think you are overlooking something in your comparison of the 2003 S-type with the 2003 Mercedes, namely, that the Jag is SUPPOSED to look not 20 years behind the times, but 30 years behind the times.

    We have a 2002 new E-series MB now, and have put only 1000 miles on it so far. It is a magnificent machine. I have driven both the 2003 MB E-series and in fact rented a 2002 S-type 4.0 L for four days. The Jag is magnificent, too, but is vastly quieter than the MB. In fact, it was a bit disconcerting to step on the accelerator and have the Jag move forward briskly with no sound whatever from the engine compartment.

    Oh, yes: I will be ordering a 2003 S-type Jag in September. The dealer tells me to wait until then because there will be favorable promotions.

    Cheers, and happy motoring!
  • jagonejagone Member Posts: 39
    I doubt anyone waiting until September for a new 2003 Mercedes Benz state of the art E-Class luxury sedan will see any favorable promotions going around! That says it all about the new 2003 Jaguar S-Type its On Sale before it even goes on sale. The new Mercedes will be available with an all New Panoramic Sun Roof for both front and rear passengers to enjoy a little sunshine now and then. The Distronic Cruise Control doesn't seem gimmicky to me, it seems essential for long trips out on the open road, guess Jaguar engineers can not do Distronic Cruise Control? You're right the Retro look of the S-Type from the 1960's is really neat, too bad the S-Type's automotive technology is 10-years behind the game. If Jaguar is serious about becoming a player in the luxury car segment of the market, they better get on the ball. Because if I'm going to spend $50-60,000 on a luxo-boat I want the latest technology not just a pretty face! I remember when the S-Type went on sale in the 2000 model year here in the U.S.it was like buying a 1990 Mercedes or BMW as far as the automotive technology went. They got me with the styling and retro look, but not everyone falls for a retro.

    P.S. I own a S-Type and still love my S-Type, but in a few years if Jaguar can not or will not move into this new automotive millenium. I'll be rolling eyeballs and opening my wallet to a New Mercedes Benz E-Class! Whether you like it or not this New 2003 Mercedes Benz E-Class is King of Hill in the mid-size luxury segment by a 1,000,000 miles, that Sweetheart is pure sugar!!!
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,191
    Does anyone know if there are 2003 S-Types in the Hertz 'Prestige' fleet yet? I am renting one for a day on a business trip next week.
    Thanks,
    - Ray
    Who enjoyed driving a 2001 S-Type V8 Sport in Arizona last Summer . . .
    2022 X3 M40i
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