Supercharged R version leads saloon’s charge into the classic world
Modern Jaguar S-Type Values Rise
Auctioneers are tipping the second generation Jaguar S-type, introduced in 1999, as a classic investment despite its current values being overshadowed by the larger XJ models.
Prices for the Geoff Lawson-penned executive saloon are currently stabilising, and specialists believe more desirable variants like the range-topping S-type R are now going up in price.
Rob George, co-director of Anglia Car Auctions, said: ‘The R model had the word classic written all over them even when they were new.
‘The 3.0-litre V6s in manual form fly along too and they’re all real driver’s cars, but for many the diesel model is the best.’
Barons’ Laurence Sayers-Gillan says the V8 models, and especially the S-Type R, are becoming more collectable but other models aren’t being snapped-up.
‘There hasn’t been a lot of interest because of the looks, but it’s not a bad car.
‘The normal V8 is a lovely car and it’s well built. The V8s are becoming more sought after.’
North Wales Jag Centre’s Matthew Norbury says very early (T- and V-plate) models are thin on the ground and suspension maladies have seen many S-Types being scrapped, but values of the performance R model are now on the rise.
‘You can get a mint pre-facelift model for around £1500, but facelift models (2005-on) will be dearer. S-Type Rs are going up in value and you’d be looking at £6000 for a very good example.
‘The R’s perhaps the best car you could buy pound for pound, but it’s important to buy on history and not on mileage.’
Richard Barnett
Looking to buy a Jaguar S-type? Here are our tips:
The bodywork tends to survive well, but on early models the floors can rust through, and that can be terminal. The doors, which are deep, can suffer from car park dings but smart repairs can put that right.
Later diesel models can suffer from diesel particulate filter problems and can blow if they are neglected. Diesels are also very oil level-sensitive and can blow up if they are over-filled.
Petrol engines, as long as they have regular oil changes, tend to be indestructible. Gearboxes are equally strong but on diesel models a failed oil cooler (replacement: £400) can wreck the ‘box, which can cost £3200.
Electrics tend to be pretty trouble free, other than the front wiring harness which can bring trouble. S-type buyers should also change the battery straight away and go for the highest-quality one available, which usually solves lingering electrical maladies.