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Are there some minor things about the S that I think could be improved? Absolutely. But overall I feel it is the most spectacular car (total package) I have ever seen. It is possible to find ASPECTS of one car that you like better than another. To me, that doesn't constitute complaining, but more the pursuit of perfection. It is a human characteristic that no matter how good something is, there will always be a way to improve upon it. This is how progress is made. If it wasn't for this aspect of human nature, we'd probably all be still living in caves and driving around in AMC Gremlins and Pacers!
The new transmission is virtually invisible. The shifts are not really noticeable, unless looking for them. The hesitation from stop is gone, and acceleration is virtually instantaneous, without the search for the right gear to drop to. All in all, it is vastly superior.
Craig
If you want "better" plastics there though, I'm not saying that you shouldn't keep wanting them, or if you want secondary climate control displays in your trip computer, then that's fine too. But I don't think people should be saying that the interior is a total let-down and is awful and ugly and unfunctional and uncomfortable and cheap and appalling to look at simply because of a little bit of black plastic on the radio and climate control system panels. You are right when you bring up that no car is perfect and that no car's interior is perfect, but if you all think that a little bit of "better" plastic and redundant secondary displays would make the interior perfect, then I think that it goes to show how really nice the S-TYPE's interior is. And that is why I am just sick of hearing complaints and even rants about it (jagone), when it is that close to being perfect. No one ever seems to bring up any of the good points about one of the nicest interiors in the segment, just complaints about what really are minor things. That was my point, and I hope no one takes offense from it.
My wife leased a 2002 XJ Sport in January, so I can compare the XJ to the new S-type with some degree of confidence. The XJ "feels" heavier and its sport suspension is quite different than the non-sport S-type. From my experiences with the '00 S-type w/ sport suspension, I would say the XJ is a lot smoother. I am sure the XJ tranny is better matched than the '00 S-type as well, but the new '03 tranny on my S is something to behold - XJ doesn't hold a candle to this baby. I like the sport seats of the XJ and they should be similar for an S w/ sport, but I did not want that "hard" of a suspension this time around (guess I'm getting old). All in all, both cars are absolutely superb although they drive and feel different - and they should.
The new S has much better std seats (say great seats) than the older S, it has more room in the left rear due to the adjustable brake/gas pedals, it has more room in the trunk due to the "thinner" rear shelf, it has more storage room and cup holders, its prem sound system is stronger than the older models although they left out some goodies such as some of the DSP features. It has a stiffer platform by 10% and the redesigned console and instruments look very nearly like the XJ, including the "black plastic" around the climate/sound controls. To me, this is quite stunning, and I have had nothing short of "excellent" comments from about a dozen associates who have seen the car. The stiffer platform results in fewer rattles and less overall noise.
Finally, it will GO! It's the quickest car since my '69 Dodge Charger 383 w/ 4bbl. Maybe quicker, but one can't "spin the tires" with traction control and DSC engaged.
For anyone who is on the fence, I do not believe you can go wrong with the new '03 S-type - at least the 4.2. Car, engine, and tranny were made for each other. I test drove the '03 3.0 and liked it very much, but once you try the 4.2, there is no comparison.
Hope this helps someone.
Brant
Thanks for being so understanding.
There is certainly no need to get into an argument about who is a troll or not.
If you think someone is trolling, just IGNORE the person. That's the best way to kill the troll, believe me!!
Let's all say this together:
don't feed the trolls
don't feed the trolls
don't feed the trolls
:-)
We've spoken to over 37,000 motorists, who've given us the full low-down on 120 models and 33 manufacturers. They've provided us - and you - with uniquely unbiased, spin-free information on every aspect of reliability, running costs, driving experience and treatment received from dealers."
The Jaguar S-TYPE was rated the top car in its segment, and out of 120 cars, it rated number 10! Here were the rankings for its segment:
1.) Jaguar S-TYPE
2.) Audi A6 and A6 Avant (wagon)
3.) Saab 9-5
4.) Mercedes-Benz E-Class
5.) BMW 5-Series
6.) Volvo S70 and V70 (wagon)
7.) Jaguar XJ6 and XJ8
8.) Rover 800
9.) Vauxhall Omega
That looks pretty good!
Have you seen the new XJ? Very nice...interior looks just like the 2003 S-Type. Go to:
http://www.4car.co.uk
Later
I am seriously considering buying the 2003 S-Type
of which you have written of very highly....
Is yours a 3.0 or 4.0....The 2002 S-Type I have now
is a 3.0....and does the 8 cylinder warrant the extra
cost? Thank you in advance for any info. you
can supply...
P.S. What color did you purchase? {Another difficult decision}....My 2000 is Sea Frost....
Another Jaguar lover,
Jo Ann
My advice, if you have been happy with your 3.0, you will find the 2003 version a marked improvement and will love it. If you test drive the 4.2, however, you may fall in to the same trap many have and no longer be satisfied with the 3.0.
Happy Hunting,
Craig
I really appreciate it...Now for the test drives..
Both the 6 and the ultimate 8!!! I'll let you
know which I decide on...and what color I chose...
Safe motoring,
Jo Ann
welcomed information...While at my Jaguar
Dealership looking over all the beauties there,
my salesman told me about a new program Jag. has..
My lease is not up until Feb. 1, 2003, but if I
so desired I could get an early out, and lease
a 2003 right now, at no cost...How could I re-
fuse? Soooooooo tomorrow I pick up my 2003 V-6
Quartz in color with a Dove interior...It's a rich
color which brings out the lovely lines and chrome
I like the placement of the Growler on the grill
also...nice touch...I loved the V8 but found the 6
power more than enough (for my style of driving)..
Thanks again for all the help Craig...
Until next time...
Jo Ann
P.S. GOOD LUCK ON THE HUNT!
I'm in the "Buy American" crowd. If it says "Made in the USA" I'll buy it, keep my greenbacks in this country, and support the American worker. I won't not buy something because its foreign, but given the choice, I prefer American. So if the guy wants to be patriotic and not buy German cars, more power to him.
OK, I'll shut up now, before I get into more trouble with the hosts than I already am with this post. Just had to vent.
The auto industry is too globalized to go with the "Buy American" crowd. Technically by buying a British-built Jag, you're still helping the guys out in Detroit.
So there's no confustion, I'm proud to be an American...
;-)
(Note: I am, of course, kidding).
1,is it a good idea to get a 2000 S-type...i dont want more then 20-25K miles on it
2, How is the reliability on the car.??Please be very critical
3, What would be good deal for 2000 V8 with less then 25K miles on it??
Eager to hear from you guys..
Presumably, any issues that any car you are looking at had would have been fixed under warranty. Make sure that you get a printout of the car's service history from Jaguar and take any car you may buy for a long drive WITHOUT the salesman. Try to take it out for an entire day and drive it in different settings (local, highway, bumpy, twisty, etc).
If the car passes your drive test and the price is right, go for it. You will have one of the classiest cars on the road that should give you years of pleasure. There should still be factory warranty left (basic was 4 years/50,000 miles), but keep in mind that, once the warranty runs out Jags can be expensive to repair and maintain (but no more so than other higher end marques).
Good luck.
Craig
Same platform, same company, more dealers, a joy to drive and be seen in.
Great deals for both purchase and leasing represent a rare opportunity for a luxury sport purchase. You could come fairly close to your $30K target. In many areas, zero % for FIVE years.
I leased a 2000 model for 2 years, 32,000 miles. Best car I ever drove.
Driving it is believing.
Yes, the pre-2003 S-Types share some interior parts and switch gear from the Ford bin. And, yes both cars use engines that STARTED from the same block, but the head, valves etc. on the S-Type are pure Jaguar and far superior. The S-Type is hardly "just a fancied up Lincoln LS" as some claim.
Certainly, drive an LS if you are so inclined, and if it suits your needs, buy one. You will never go wrong if you go with your own personal likes, dislikes and needs. There are lots of different cars out there for lots of varied tastes and requirements. You're sure to find the one that matches your requirements.
If you're looking for a Jag, why don't you look into a new X-Type? The pre-2003 S-Type interior is a major disappointment.
By the way, the Lincoln LS is getting a slight redesign for 2003, including an all new interior similar to the Navigator.
DL
You'll probably experience the same things with the 2000 S-Type. There will be teething problems, but they'll probably only be minor.
The S-Type is proving to be extremely reliable so far (remember, the oldest is only 3 years old and likely still under original warranty, unless very high mileage). If you keep it for only a year, you may well be under warranty for the entire time. As I said previously, and whatup reiterated, there were "first model year" problems with the 2000's, as with any first year car (the 1998 Lexus GS300 and GS400 come to mind). Most of these were minor problems, and if any were present on a car you are considering they were likely fixed under warranty long ago.
The major complaint with the pre-2003 S-Types was the shimmy. It seemed that the earliest cars, equipped with Pirelli tires, had the most problems, and the later cars equipped with Michelin Pilots had the fewest. In any case, it is imperative that the cars alignment and wheel balancing be as close to perfect as is attainable. That seemed to be the only way of eliminating the problem. For whatever reason, the design of the suspension was such that it seemed incredibly sensitive to even minor variations in balance or alignment.
My personal preference is the 8-cylinder version - that is what I have. It is a bit quieter on hard acceleration than the 6-cyl, and the added power suits my driving style better. The 6-cyl is certainly no slouch, however, and has more than enough power for most people. You wouldn't go wrong with either one.
Craig