Despite its retro styling drawing sharp criticism from James May on Top Gear, the supercharged powertrain in today's Nice Price or No Dice Jaguar S-Type more than compensates for any perceived design shortcomings. We will examine whether its asking price holds similar appeal.

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A storied badge with classic lines

Jaguar, the famed British automaker behind icons like the XKE and successive XJ sedans that gradually lost ground over time, currently offers no new vehicles. The brand has previewed an upcoming electric flagship called Type 01 that promises high performance but whose disguised test mules suggest a design that may not resonate with traditional fans.

Enthusiasts without six-figure budgets or those wary of radical new styling can still find appealing used examples. The 2005 S-Type R highlighted here makes a strong case even for buyers outside the Jaguar fold.

Jaguar launched the modern S-Type in 1999 under Ford ownership as an all-new midsize sedan sharing its platform with the revived Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS. James May famously criticized its appearance on Top Gear, calling it the embodiment of everything wrong with the brand and arguing that its look reflected American expectations of British cars rather than authentic heritage. Yet that heritage remains impressive, as the revived name echoes 1960s Jaguar sports sedans prized by both enthusiasts and those seeking quick getaways.

A midsize feline ready for premium rivals

This S-Type R honors its performance roots with a hand-assembled supercharged 4.2-liter AJ-V8 producing 390 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. Power routes through a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Jaguar's distinctive J-gate selector and then to a limited-slip differential. Enhanced suspension and brakes complete the upgrades, signaled externally by a distinctive mesh grille, understated rear spoiler, and unique five-spoke wheels. These features enabled the model to compete with benchmark sedans such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG E55.

The seller reports that the car has received proper Jaguar dealer service with documented receipts. Recent maintenance includes an oil pan gasket replacement and fresh battery installation. The odometer shows 108,900 miles, and the vehicle is described as rust-free with fully functional air conditioning and no mechanical issues.

An authentic British cabin

Visually, the sedan continues to project strong presence. The seller notes very few prior owners without specifying an exact number and describes the car as beautifully maintained throughout its life. Paint correction and wheel refinishing in the original shade have been completed, with Michelin Pilot Sport tires fitted though their production dates are unspecified.

Many expect a genuine Jaguar interior to feature generous leather and polished wood trim. This example satisfies those expectations while providing modern conveniences such as power windows, automatic climate control, and a surprisingly large navigation display for its era.

The cabin appears clean overall, with no visible wear on the tan leather or misaligned panels. The only notable shortcoming is age-related crazing in the lacquer finish on the burlwood dashboard trim. A clean title and collection of service records accompany the vehicle.

Time to decide on this cat

Sellers often have clear reasons for parting with a car. Here the owner cites completion of a BMW E46 M3 Touring project that now occupies available garage space. That explanation seems reasonable, and interest in viewing the finished wagon is understandable.

First, however, the $7,990 asking price merits discussion. It undercuts comparable BMW and Mercedes offerings substantially, yet the question remains whether this figure justifies the car's condition and history as presented. Does the price make this well-kept S-Type an attractive deal, or does it still fail to persuade those hesitant to release the cat from its enclosure?

Share your thoughts below.