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Used Jaguar S-Type Overview And How To Buy At The Lowest Price
Elegant and refined, the Jaguar S-Type made its debut for the 2000 model year and was produced through 2008, targeting younger and more mainstream segments of the car market who had mostly been priced out of the Jaguar brand. Retro-styled to capture the classic and distinctive Jaguar look of the 60's, the S-Type also offered a luxurious cabin as well as a capable driving quality.
While remaining lower mileage S-Types are getting harder to find, they are still out there. And with careful and patient shopping can make a viable and economical way of owning a Jag.
Produced as part of the Ford-Jaguar partnership, the S-Type was essentially a twin of the well-regarded Lincoln LS but with Jaguar's highly-recognizable styling. While produced through the 2008 model year, we prefer 2003 and newer models following an upgrade which produced a more upscale cabin, more responsive steering and braking as well as livelier overall driving dynamics. The S-Type was then replaced by the Jaguar XF.
The drive of the S-Type can only be described as smooth and refined. Even with its intended light steering and soft suspension, the S-Type still has no problem handling more challenging twists and turns as well. And while the power derived from the V6 engine is adequate and makes this car quite capable, the V8 versions make it something extra special.
As you would expect in a Jaguar, this is a vehicle loaded with premium features in all trims, including genuine walnut wood trim accents and high-grade leather unholstery.
The S-Type 3.0 comes with a 235-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. The 4.2 model ups the ante with a 4.2-liter 300-horsepower V8. The S-Type R is the V8 supercharged version and cranks out 400 horsepower, making it capable of going from 0 to 60 in an extremely quick 5.3 seconds (6.2 seconds in the 4.2).
Used Jaguar S-Type shoppers should also note that the cabin of the earlier versions were not quite up to "Jaguar" standards and were closer to that of a Ford. This changed with the 2003 upgrade which significantly impoved both the design and materials, making it more similar to its pricier cousin, the Jaguar XJ. There was also an additional minor interior and exterior upgrade for 2005.
In the post-2002 models, the S-Type's cabin captured a distinctly "English" and high-grade overall look and feel, clearly distinguishing it from other midsize luxury sedans like the Audi A6, the BMW 5-Series and the Lexus GS. With the likes of finely upholstered and supple leather, burled walnut veneers and thickly chromed interior door handles, occupants are treated to a truly "Jaguar" ambience that is lavish and tasteful.
And in terms of features, even the base S-Type 3.0 comes well-equipped with standard features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, power controls for everything, authentic burl walnut wood trim, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. The S-Type 4.2 then goes on to add navigation, xenon headlights, a more powerful 320-watt sound system with a 6-disc CD changer, front park control (all of this can also be found as options on the 3.0) and a power rear sun shade. Both models can also be found with optional 18-inch wheels and satellite radio.
The R model comes standard with oversized disc brakes, an adjustable sport-tuned suspension system ("Enhanced computer Active Technology Suspension") and wider performance tires on 18-inch wheels. And optional adaptive radar-based cruise control and 19-inch wheels can also be found on some of the R models.
The Type R also comes with birds eye maple wood trim instead of the burl walnut but apart from that is equipped very much like the 4.2. Some can also be found with the optional Luxury Package which added the burl walnut trim with additional wood trim on the steering wheel and shift knob, the power rear sun shade, bright mirror caps and contrast piping on the seats.
Standard safety features include driver and passenger two-stage airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers, stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist. The S-Type also earned five star ratings from the NHTSA in side-impact crash tests.
Overall, with its distinctive "Jaguar" styling, elegance and refinement, we think with careful shopping the S-Type can still make a solid choice for those looking for something older yet still with more in a midsize sedan.
How To Get The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy an S-Type at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Auto Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Jaguar, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Jaguar. This works just phenomenally well.
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