Used 2004 Jaguar S-Type Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Used but like new
I purchased my 2004 Jaguar "S" 3.0 two years ago in 2014 with eleven (11) years on the vehicle, but only 37K miles. It was a Florida car, subject to the heat, humidity and salt air of the gulf coast... surprisingly, the Jaguar had a perfect interior, despite some minor door dings, the original paint and trim was excellent. Within two months of the purchase, the "S" was driven from FL to California in a 2,900 mile 2.5 day high speed drive on Hwy 10 with no adverse effects and an uncommonly smooth ride over varied terrain, roads and temperatures. Averaging over 30 miles per gallon, the Jaguar performed faultlessly at all speeds with the air conditioner under continuous use. Now housed in CA, I had a recent scare when a warning light indicated that the "S" had a "gearbox fault" and the transmission locked in 5th gear.... imagining the need for a new transmission, the car was taken to a local Jaguar specialist who spent a shop hour updating the software and I was back on the road for a cost of $125. Beside oil changes with synthetic blends, new windshield wiper blades, the replacement of the original Continentals with Pirelli P7s, and a K&N air filter, the Jaguar has cost me absolutely nothing in parts and repairs. The classic exterior style of the "S", the beauty of the leather interior, the solid, yet comfortable ride of the suspension, and the overall performance of this vehicle demonstrates to me that for its $10K cost this is not only one of the best bargains on the road but also one of the best luxury sport sedans.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
not a honda nor toyota
I understand those that complain about the repairs and dealer support but this car is no different than a BMW M class or an AMG unless you have money or are willing to turn a wrench you should stick with the Jap cars, this is not a mediocre car and same as any well-above-average vehicles there is a price to owning it. Yes the Jag is nto a very forgiving car (neither are any performance cars) if you don't pay attention to what it needs it will let you down and the cost of fixing everything will pile up quickly BUT if you do fix everything in time and you use good quality parts you will have a reliable superb vehicle. In reviewing vehicles one should stay away from including poor choice repair shops (yes you get what you pay for and more often than not you'll get less than that), for most smart people dealers are the places where you get a OEM screw or a small gasket but you'd do the major repairs at vetted mechanics not at dealers. On the same note it is your choice to go for ASE certified or just crowd vetted professionals (I consider ASE to stand for Ask Someone Else and they will see my money or touch my car in another life). The car... is superb, the engine electrical harness is a bit on the weird side meaning that the wires temp rating was very poorly selected, other than this the wishbone suspension is a great choice for comfort and not so great for repair but it is repairable; IF you are willing to invest either money or your time and effort. Other than the electrical weirdness I can't say anything negative about it, the car is powerful, smooth as a hoover, elegant, classy, refined, great on gas (I get 24mpg on hwy and 19 in the city with normal driving 80-85mph hwy and non aggressive yet not grandma' either for city driving). Keep in mind although is a 380 brake HP this is not an M5 this is a limo class car with sport ability it is not a sport car with limo ability... as the folks at top gear said "you don't get in and drive this car you get in and proceed..."
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Finally: Distinction!
At last, a car with truly unique style, excellent performance and a comparably reasonable price. After 12 years lounging in the top Lexus and Benz models (looking more generic every day) I couldn't be more pleased with the 4.2. Comments from public daily. The multi-adjust cockpit seating is virtually build-to-suit ... very comfortable. Exceptionally balanced handling.
Cats R us
Contrary to a number of professional reviews,I do not find my s-type noisy at high speed and in Europe we drive considerably faster than the USA.The new 4.2 V8 works like a dream and the handling is superb.My only critisism is that there could have been a little more room in the back.
low milage self destruct.
Bought in 2013 with only 26k and all dealer maintenance records. It just turned 53k and the engine valve covers are leaking oil on the exhaust shields and fills the inside with burnt oil fumes. The dealer said it could also be the intake manifold gasket. In that case about a $2400 repair at least. The transmission recently started to make noise and it just left on a tow truck because it locked up in park and wouldn't start. If Jaguar rebuilds the transmission it estimated $6000 at least. Which puts the repairs above what the cars value is. Add that to the fact I payed a premium price because it was so pristine makes for a bad Jaguar experience. Update: Miles 59k. Transmission problem was a bolt that fell out of shift linkage. Valve cover still leaks on exhaust shield just enough to smell bad. Had to replace the transmission pan assy. due to leaking. Trans still make a slight yelp sound when shifting up from 2nd to 3rd after coming out of a turn. And rear drivers side auto door lock stopped working. Just use as a grocery getter. Still looks like new. Don't want to pawn it off on someone else.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
JAG S TYPE "R"
HOT PERFORMANCE A GREAT LOOKS MAKE THIS CAR A HEART STOPPER. DROVE BMW 5'S AND 7'S BEFORE THIS CAR AND WOULD MAKE COMPARISON AS FAVORABLE TO BMW QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE AND AT LESS DOLLARS. GREAT CAR...TOO BAD DEPERCIATION HAS BEEN AN ISSUE.
In the shop more than on the road
My 2004 s-type spends far too much time in the shop. The car has 57,000 miles on it, but it seems to be falling apart. In the last 6 months my car has been in the shop 4 times. One time for 7 weeks because parts had to be made in Britain. Problems have been with the entire AC unit, radiator system, cooling leaks, catalytic converter, some kind of crack in the engine. Thank God for the extended warranty, however it is about to expire. I will be getting rid of this lemon next week as soon as I pick it up from being repaired yet again. It looks good, but runs terribly!
This mean cat kills all Mercedez and Bmw
with a huge 4.2 litre engine, the jaguar s-type type R and it's new edge styling exceeds the standards of the Infinity G35, Nissan Altima, Most Mercedez and Most BMW's. Undoubtably, this car will change the world of motoring. This mean cat has it all, power, luxury, styling, accesories, and most of all a mean growl off the V8 300+ horsepower engine, pushes 0-60 mph in an impressive 6 seconds flat! This car is a great buy!
my jagur
this vehicle is not only sleek looking but performs as well as it looks. the price is not to far out of line considering that you are purchasing a work of art. nothing else compares
Jag S type
Excellent vehicle for long trips.
Tons of Funs
We tested BMW, Mercedes and Infinity. Both liked the Jag better for looks and performance. Nice V-8 for the price of a six cylinder Beemer or Mercedes. Beautiful and very comfortable interior. Get the V-8 !!
In and out of the shop constantly
This is a beautiful car. If it only ran as good as it looks. I had a 2001 S Type which was an excellent car. However, the reliability went south on this one. It has been in the shop many times - sometimes for weeks. Jaguar was not particularly responsive or compassionate about selling me a lemon. I won't buy another jaguar.
Stunning -- Performer,,,and Beautiful
What a wonderful automobile. I bought this for my wife after I had a great experience with my 2004 XJ8VDP. This car has the same engine and transmission and is a wonderful performer. Fit and finish is superb. The car park people put it in the front of the restaurant all the time. Jaguar dealer service is also extraordinary.
Traditional Jaguar
All I expected in a Jaguar. Performance and handling - WOW!!. (I have the 4.0 Engine.) I relly enjoy the stiff suspension but this is not to my wifes liking. I have had this car for 2years and have had no problems. Only requires service every 10,000 miles, included in purchase price. I voluntarilly have had a service at 5& 15 at my own expense.
My Dream Car
I have really enjoyed owning this car. The v8 engine has plenty of pep and power and a great sound. It has never let me down and I have had no major problems with it. I drive this car around just for the pleasure of it and expect to always have one of these.
Bad purchase
The S type will make a person financially poor there is always a problem fuel system, a/c system. Every time I go in for an oil change there is a new repair problem.You can never get an assistance from the service department there a charge to tell you what is wrong with the car. The car is pretty and that is the only good things I can say. I will not purchase another Jaguar.
Incredible Value
I couldn't believe the price for this beautiful, like new Jaguar (under 12,450) purchased just this year. Never owned a Jaguar before, but am impressed by the 6-speed ZF automatic (same as used in BMW's 7 series), excellent fuel economy, and though a V6, it really accelerates. Gorgeous interior and exterior - can't take my eyes off of it. Quiet, smooth drive.
S-type, V-8 GREAT CAR
I would never consider driving another car. The car rides like a dream, the service is exceptional. Whatever bad evaluations have been made are simply not true. I think if the people writing the evauations actually "OWNED" a jaguar their opinions would change radically. Mostly I think it is ignorance. Jaguars are as elegant as they are high performance. Nothing can top that.
The Perfect "Kitty"
I am smiling because I just took delivery of my new cat! I hope I am not disapointed down the road but for now I am HAPPY.
The Cat Came Back
I have loved the Jaguar since the mid-1960's when the XKE convertible was first introduced into my auto-awareness. Anyway, tales of over heating and over dependence on mechanics kept me from owning one of these beautiful cars. Then, FORD "purchased" Jaguar, and the folk lore contended that now Jag was just a ford with a hood ornament. Finally, I drove one. OMG What an incredible car this S Type, V8 dream car has become. This is the best car I've ever ownded. Thank the maker ... Jag got it right. Thanks FORD for investing in this 100% British manufactured dream car. THE CAT CAME BACK ;0)
S-type perfect again
Took advantage of marketing support of $7500 and traded perfect 03 S-type 3.0 for the s-type R. No disappointments at all. What power and wonderful seats! Nav/DVD is superb. Would make no changes in the new S-type R except to have synthetic motor oil standard to extend engine life.
Keeps on ticking
Nice car but get the extended warranty. At 84000 miles I can not bring myself to sell it!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love/hate relationship
I and everyone else who rides in the car love the styling, inside and out. It is very comfortable and cruises great on any highway - smooth, fast, quiet, and 30+ mpg. My spouse really loves it in every way. But I pay the maintenance and repairs!! And at 30000 miles it has had a lot of repairs - radio (several times), transmission, heater valve, upper radiator hose, trunk, front wheel well, etc. We have 5 vehicles and drive a lot of miles a year 85,000+. I love to drive this car - it is my favorite, but the repairs are very disappointing.
My 6th Jag
Vehicle very responsive and comfortable.We are short and it fits us perfectly. Head room s better than previous models for our taller friends.The best most responsive of all the Jags we have owned. Has a real sports feel. Mileage on the road exceeded the stiker mileage.
Even Better Than I Thought
I've had my 04 S-Type for a week now and couldn't be happier. The V8 engine is quiet, yet very powerful. The car rides smooth, I don't feel every bump in the road, even with 18 inch rims on the car. A testiment to the suspension. The interior is very well thought out, a monster upgrade from the 02 model. People notice this car, so be prepared to get lots of attention in it. As for negatives, the upgraded Alpine system is good, but nowhere near the Bose systems found in many luxury cars. Also, ALL of the front speakers are in the doors, the system needs some tweeters on the dash for a more complete sound in the front of the car.
Love My JAG
This is my second S-Type. Had a 2001 and opted to end that lease early and get a new 2004. The styling of the car is the nicest on the road and the improvement of the 04 over the 01 are amazing. I loved the 01 but my wife didnt want to end the lease early to get into the 04....and then she drove it..and wow...we have trouble keeping it under 70 on the open road..handling wonderfully.....love the new dash/console over the 01 model
Sportscar luxury
I enjoy driving this car because it has sports car handling. I am having trouble with acceleration hesitation. Dealer shops are few and expensive. This car has a long hood and low ground clearance that my wife dislikes. The car is kind of difficult to get in, but comfortable once inside except for long trips. This car shines out good, but is a magnet for vandals.
Saloon that means business
I found it with only 16k miles for ~$25k < than the BMW or MB. With a billion of those cars in L.A. this one stands out. The styling is beautiful, understated, and more masculine than the base S-Type, with performance to back up the R badge. No issues at 21k miles. BRILLIANT ENGINE! The flat torque band means very linear response, yet the car remains composed. 0-60 in 5.3s, 1/4mi in 13.5s, faster than you'll ever need. Very smooth in the city, but the CATS system really shines when you toss it into an off-camber turn. It's hard to upset this car. Push the SPORT button, punch it, downshift, come in very hot w/traction off, turn in, break it loose, and grin. Then roll up to the valet.
2004 Jaguar S-type 3.0L
Superb car. Bought it in Nov 08 with 83K miles. It still had 1 yr/17K miles left on original factory extended warranty and I only paid $8,500 for the car at the dealer. Fantastic ride and quality. I've had $4,000+ of warranty work already to fix all problems (trans/motor/radiator leaks, and rear door lock, and transmission computer software reload). Highly recommend getting at least 6 months of warranty coverage to initially fix problems. Antifreeze is $17 per liter (Jag fluid only). New front brake pads and rotors will cost $700, so this car is not for the timid budget. Overall reliability has been very good though and a GREAT car overall. No regrets!
I will not drive any thing else
Jaguar's product is outstanding. I previously owned a 2003 x type which was perfect but a little under powered with the 2.5 motor (which Jaguar stopped making). But this time my wife encouraged me to move up. Now understand I own a lot of cars such as a 68 chevell, 2000 camaro z28, 2003 ford expedition, 96 mercedes sl 500 and this 2004 S type I bought this week. By far this my favorite vehicle of all.
S-type 4,2
The S-type is a luxury car with adequate performance. It offers similar features and capabilities as the E-class and 5-series at thousands of dollars less.
Jaquar Joy!
The style, comfort, creature comforts, and durability are excellent!
My Jag
i purchased this vehicle in oct. of 02. i have so many complaints lets get started. this car is $47,500 to own, i am leasing it for 39 months for $639. When i first got the car i was very impressed.the GPS system is now a mental case who spits out my CD's, changes the radio stations and turns the radio/CD playeron. I often have trouble getting the car into drive, the shaftwont move, i push it beeps. after about 4-6 trys itgives and im off. the exceleration is great so is the handleing, but the gas in NYC is crazy and 18Mpg isnt to hott. i cant ever get the trunk open on the first try manualy nevermind with my trunk button on the key.
Lemon
This car is the worst luxury car that I have ever had. It has been in repair 8 times in two years. four for transmission problems and four for electronic/computer issues. Air conditioner continues to go on the blink as well as the entire dashboard. The only thing good is the car has a big engine and handles well.
jaj s series
bought mine in1999 used about 6000 miles on car when bought. have had no problems of any kind. probably the most relieble car i have ever owned now has 40000miles
AWESOME WOMANS CAR
It drives like a sports car. Handles excellent and turns heads everywhere it goes. It is fun, never boring and going anywhere in it is a pleasure. Can also carry grandkids in it as it is plenty roomy. Love my car....
A great car
I have had this car for four months and love it. Performance is wonderful, and, having had a 2000 4.0 S-Type, I have never seen a car so improved. In addition, I love the fact that the car looks fantastic; it does not look fast, yet you can smoke nearly any other car on the road.
S-Type V8
True luxury car. Fun to drive, Beats Lexus and M-B in prestige. Gets looks and comments all the time. Black with charcoal interior is beautiful. Wood and chrome interior is very plush. No complaints to date. I even love the J- gate. V-8 with 6 speed automatic is smooth and powerful.
Jag SR
If your thinking of a Jag, it's an excellent car. We have driven Mercedes for the past 3-4 years, and the performance surpasses the E430 and Clk420
HATE MY JAG!!!
Bought my Jag last month. Immediately it started to have problems. First, it won't shift out of gear when parked at any incline. That took two trips to the dealer, 10 days, and a new transmission. Got it back. First day, it didn't start! Dealer unresponsive. Their answer is "You got warranty. Bring it in and we'll fix it." Well, I don't want to keep bringing it in. I get to drive my car only three times since purchase and each time, I had a new problem. Don't buy this car!
jag-owner
This is my second next to the x-type and jag have excellent styling and great reliability.I dont have a problem with either Jags.
Jaguar S Type
I purchased a 2000 S Type (my last car was a Lexus GS300) It has alot of similar features and compares in comfort to the Lexus. I was completely disappointed in the Jag sport package on the X type which I considered first. (not designed for those looking for the feel of luxury). The S type drives and feels like a luxury car.
A great drivers car
What a beauty. I owned 3 other S- types, because I love the classic Jaguar lines. Upgrading each year is due to the engineering refinement and design enhancements. The R has the performance, power, handling, and flexibility in unique balance. Nothing feels harsh which is rare in a 400hp rocket. The Jaguar racing legacy is alive here. With the odd looking new BMW 500 series, Jag investing in R-engineering will have a promising future. I sense the E-Type racing heritage in this car, which makes it all worthwhile. And with 5 seats my family can enjoy.
'03 S-Type R Dream Car
This car must be the best combination of performance and luxury in a mid-size 4 door car. Despite the price tag and poor fuel economy, Jaguar helps out by covering major maintenance for the first 50k miles. By the way, city driving is a pleasure. Just don't plan on using this car for long distance family trips. My recommedation, is use your other car presuming it is an SUV. While you're at it, buy your favorite oil stocks since you'll be keeping a floor under the price of gasoline...
Great Car
Beautiful styling with quality comfort features
R type is the M-5 and AMG killer
Recently replaced a BMW 740i with a 2004 Jaguar S-type R. More value in the Jag S-R than BMW or M-B. Felt that I had all the benefits of the M-5 or AMG for $25K less (and also beat the prices of the 545 and E- 500). The 390 HP pulls strongly at all rev levels, but is also smooth in city driving. The chassis/tires and computer controlled suspenswion can handle all of this with aplomb. The new Jag NAV system is excellent with an easily self replaceable DVD. The advanced sound system, part of the R package, is quite good and easy to use, with voice, steering wheel, or dash controls. Gas mileage has been 16-17 mpg in town, not bad for a 400 HP rocket.
A Wonderful Car!
I've not had one problem with the car.....only LOTS of compliments!
Great Design/functional/fun
An excellent car to drive, great handling, fast exceleration, a real head turner
I love the Sssssssss
I love the luxury, comfort, and exitement of my Jag. I recently sold a 5 series BMW because it was always in the shop! The Jag's performance is outstanding even with the V6! Happy, happy, happy....and no costly repairs..yet. :)
Great acceleration,great looks,great fin
Acceleration great when passing-also safe because pass is quick. People seem to know the car-lots of good comments.