Used car buying guide: Jaguar S-type R (2002-2008) - Autocar
Back in 2002, we pitched the flagship of Jaguar’s S-type range – the new supercharged R version – against the E39 generation of BMW M5 . After all, they had a lot in common. Predictably, the M5 fought off Jaguar’s upstart and we eventually proclaimed the BMW the “paragon of four-door performance motoring”. It was a close-run thing, though, with the Jaguar proving surprisingly capable. These days, a decent E39 M5 will set you back £6000, and the potential for quite costly repairs or maintenance is quite high. A clean S-type R, meanwhile, will be only £4000. “You’re basically getting a supercar for no money, really,” says Gary Robinson, owner of independent specialist Swallows Jaguar ( swallowsjaguar. New, the Jaguar’s supercharged 4. 2-litre V8 would have produced 395bhp and 399lb ft, allowing the 1800kg saloon to sprint to 60mph in 5. 5sec. “One common flaw, though, is a water pipe underneath the supercharger failing. The pipe itself costs only £20, but it’s a lot of labour — the supercharger needs to be lifted — and costs can spiral because other minor parts might need to be replaced. Browse the PistonHeads classifieds for Jaguar S-types. Source: www.autocar.co.uk
