Models · Jaguar
Jaguar S-Type X200 buying guide
Jaguar's retro-styled executive saloon, built from 1999 to 2007 with V6 and V8 petrol engines, a supercharged S-Type R from 2002 and a 2.7 V6 diesel from 2004.
The versions
- 3.0 Duratec V6 (1999 on) and 2.5 V6 (from 2002)
- 4.0 AJ-V8, 280bhp (1999 to 2002), replaced by the 4.2 V8 in 2002
- S-Type R (2002 on): supercharged 4.2 V8, 390bhp, six-speed ZF automatic
- 2.7 V6 diesel from 2004
- Five-speed manual or automatic at launch
What to check on a S-Type
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Sills under the plastic trim
What to look for: Look behind and under the colour-coded plastic sill trims along each side, especially on early cars, and feel for soft or flaking metal.
Why it matters: Early cars can suffer from rusty sills, and the full-length plastic panels hide any rot. Solid, clean sills are a good sign.
Early V8 engines
What to look for: On V8 cars, start the engine from cold and listen at the top of the engine for a loud rattle. Look in the history for timing chain tensioner work.
Why it matters: A loud rattle from the top of the engine points to a noisy timing chain, and the tensioner problem is quite common on V8s built from 1999 to 2001. A quiet engine with tensioner work in the history is what you want.
Electronic handbrake
What to look for: Apply and release the handbrake several times and check it works cleanly each time, with no warning on the dashboard.
Why it matters: Every S-Type from 2002 has an electronic handbrake, and the sensitive servos on the rear calipers can seize.
Also in the full guide
- Coolant pipe on the S-Type R
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the S-Type
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Jaguar.