Guys I'm thinking about changing my order for the new S-Type Jag. A friend of mine convince me to take one for a test drive and I thought it was awesome. Looking at $ for $ I can get 4.2 V8 6-speed auto for less than E320 but it looks more expensive. There will also be less of them on the road than E's.
I guess what I'm trying to find out is if anybody has both to compare them with? Or does anybody know of any on-line road tests that have compared the two?

 

I took a long hard look at the S-type before ordering a E-500.

No question that it is an excellent car and even better value. Itl looks fantastic and turns heads whereever it goes. Especially in the Sports option in Black.

Test drove it several times and it is as solid. That engine makes it a true rocket.

There was very little downside in my mind except.....the past rep for problems. I could not find out anything negative on the S-type in terms of problems, in fact the opposite. Still it bothered me. Reminds me of the Jeep....lots of ballyhoo about the quality problems behind it, but still to this day there seem to be much more big problems with Jeep than any other I know of.

In the end I just wanted a Mercedes regardless of the other cars.

If there was some reason why I could not get an E-500, I would be very happy with a S-type.

Ed

 

As I've said in some previous posts, I too took a hard look at the S-Type before buying my E500. It is a lot cheaper (I was offered Invoice for the V8) and it is one of the best looking cars on the road today. I just don't think it lives up to MB quality. Pay a little more now and get a great car, the E class

 

And dont forget the Jag is begining to have some ford parts in it. Since its part of ford.

 

I don't disagree with rayscar. My point was that if an E-series is not available or difficult to get, a S-type would be my second choice.

 

I would agree with that too if you can't get an E

 

Ray.... I hate to say it but it is starting to look like you "can't get an E"
:p

Ed

 

Good one, Ed. Maybe Ray should look at that Jag again

 

rays, i would have zero respect for you if you bought a jag....we were going to buy one over a year ago, a s-type 30, i think itwas the v6, not v8, and i pushed my dad sooo much we went to the dealer so many times, ans we hated it every time....the build quality is ok....and by the tires, paint was scratched off, and the engine was super noisy.....so now i am glad we bought the mbz, every time we see a s-type we laugh......but i do think it is beautiful on the outside

 

I still agree that the E is the only way to go.....however I looked at many S-type Jags and they were all super quality...no paint issues, the engine was quiet, road noise was minimal if any.

All around a well built car. My second choice to a MBz

 

The problem with using that argument is that someone always throws back that "MB is part of Chrysler" They might claim that the E was using Plymouth parts.

 

We had a deposit on an S-Type R before switching to the E500......very nice car, although the quality is definitely not up to MB standards (I don't care what JD Powers sais). Go to the dealer and just look at the door handles on the S-Type and you'll be able to tell.

Agreed though, its a striking car to look at.

 

They dont. ITs the opisite Chrysler will start using MB Parts. As for Jaguar they use Ford Parts Big Big Diffrence.

Meaning a mercedes will stay a mercedes, a jaguar Wont

 

Poropat:

You have an interesting choice. From my perspective, it is to take the "classic" older fashioned looking jag versus the contemporary sleek looking E.

I think you need to rethink the money issue. If you really want the extra power for less money, rework the options you are taking with the E and take an E500. You could easily end up with the E500 for the same money with fewer toys. That way, the basic car would be more substantial (V-8, larger wheels, better A/C, leather standard, metallic standard, Airmatic dual control suspension, etc.) and you would have the ultimate in engineering, speed, ride, and quality and a style that is contemporary and will stay that way until the next changeover (2006, I think).

To me, that is a no brainer.

 

Hey,

My dad just bought my mom a 2003 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 in July. Within that same week, we attended the Mercedes E-Motion event in Tarrytown, NY. Here's my take...

Jaguar: The car definately has a presence to it...both inside and out, the car is plush. It's just a beautiful car. But for the size, it's not very roomy inside. I'm 6'3" and I have to ask the front passangers to move up their seats so I have legroom in the back. The 3-liter V6 is extremely smooth and makes a nice growl (it only shares its block with the Ford Duratec engines, all other parts are unique), and the 6-speed automatic is completely transparent (the only way you know the car is shifting is by looking at the tach). Like the rest of the car, the suspension is extremely plush, yet the car is great to drive fast through turns. And the car is a great highway cruiser. We have some minor quality issues with the car though. The easy-entry feature has never worked, the chrome trim detached from the rear window, and the dash rattles and squeaks more than our 1998 ML320 ever did (that tells you something). Other than that, you would never be able to tell this is a FoMoCo car, except for the fact that the window switches are straight from a Ford Contour, but only car freaks like myself would notice. All in all, a great car.

Mercedes: The E is luxurious, but in the German Teutonic way. The car is functional, not plush. It's obviously a technically superior car in virtually every respect. But I would think the decision would come down to style. Honestly, the only reason my mom wanted the Jag was for the looks...I doubt she cares about the 6-speed auto and most other features of the car. The E is a great car, but very different from the Jag. I'm sure its what will replace our S-Type in several years.

 

Here is a picture of the front end of both our E500 and the picture whatup? posted side by side for comparison:

 

No contest - the E500 wins hands down, IMHO.

 

I like the E500 better also, especially externally. Certainly there have been some classic Jags over the years, but ask any flatbed wrecker service around here which luxury car they are called most frequently to pick up...

 

I like them both, and I surprised at the positive feed back from most of you. At the end of the day if they both appeal to me I should look for one that offers me better value for my $.
E500 was out of the question for me because I simply can't afford it. I have been comparing specs and prices the last few days and I can get an S-Type 4.2 V8 with sat/nav for less than an E320.
It does 0-100kmh 6.5sec. And the six speed auto is way better than the e-class auto. The same gearbox is used in the new 7 series.
I've checked out few S-Type forums and the problems reported are no more that what you have posted about the E's. Generally good feedback. Most complain about it being cramp for the rear passengers. But hey, I am the driver. Difficult decision ahead.

P.S. If I had to choose between the two photos above it will have to be the Merc. That particular model is the classic S-type. But here's the sport version.... you can't tell me that you don't like this car.

 

Poropat:

To each his own. I can sure understand someone preferring the S-type. I prefer the E-500 but think the S-type would be a great ride.

If a large part of the consideration is cost...then by all means the Jag starts to creep ahead.

Tough decision for you but don't think you will do badly with either one.

You sure are welcome here even if you become a S-type owner.
You do have to be as honest about the Jag as most are here with thier E-series.

Good luck.

Ed

ps: Remember that any one car was the best for everyone, there would only be one Mfg.

 

poropat: What S-Type forums have you found? They all suck (for the lack of a better work) compared to MBworld. I post on Edmunds, but I'm lucky to see a single new post every three days.

I don't know if this was already brought up, but have you considered the difference in resale values between and E and the S-Type? The Mercedes are usually substantially higher.

 

Acutally, I can say that I don't like the S-Type. But that is what makes the world go around. There are probably folks who don't like the E500. You should get what makes you happy. Unless you trade every year or two, you will be using and seeing and experiencing this car every day of your life practically for several or even many years. It is important that you be happy with it, not us.

I would be really bored if we all drove the same car, no matter how beautiful I may think the design is. Isn't that what used to be the case in Russia when it was the USSR-one car fits all?

Enjoy whatever you decide to get!!!

Jeff

 

In case of Russia, everyone drives Mercedes, and no any others cars people can think about. I agree it's quite boring.
Regarding Jaguar, it's beautiful car I seriously considered until I realized that I can afford Mercedes.

 

Dema, how long have there been MB in Russia? Wasn't there only one car you could own, the predecessor to the Lada, or something, when it was still the USSR?

 

There are indeed some folks who do not like the E500 or the E320 or the letters "M" or "B".

Check out the Lexus LS430 Edmunds board sometime. I posted the link to article from Forbes Magazine on the E-series for them the other day. They truly love to read the great articles on MBz.

It is kind of good that for the most part on this board we can accept that there are other good cars out there. We, of course, are sure that our choice of Mercedes is the mature, intelligent, cool, and adult one.

Ed :p :p