Jaguar S-Type review: a retro classic Jaguar for buyers who accept the risk
2.7/5motorssouq Editorial Team
The S-Type only makes sense in Bahrain today as a low-cost entry into owning a proper old Jaguar, bought from an enthusiast, inspected by a specialist who knows the AJ-V6 engine and the era's electrical gremlins, and budgeted for as a hobby rather than daily transport. As a primary car for someone who needs reliability, it is the wrong choice at any price.
Pros
- Distinctive retro styling that still turns heads in Bahrain traffic
- Smooth naturally aspirated V6 with genuine classic-Jaguar character
- Among the cheapest ways into owning an old Jaguar saloon
- Comfort-biased ride suits long, straight Gulf highways
Cons
- Nearing two decades old, with rust and accident history a real concern
- Electrical faults in climate and infotainment systems are a known era-specific issue
- Specialist knowledge in Bahrain is limited to a small number of classic-car workshops
- No factory warranty remains at this age
Jaguar drew the S-Type as a deliberate throwback to the 1960s original, and the retro styling divided opinion even in period. What has not divided opinion is the driving experience underneath it: the 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 is smooth rather than fast, the five-speed automatic is unremarkable, and the ride favours comfort over the sharper feel of the XF that eventually replaced it.
The reality of ownership today
An S-Type in Bahrain in 2026 is nearing two decades old at best, and the parts and specialist landscape reflects that: Jaguar's official network has moved on entirely, and independent knowledge of this specific era is concentrated among a small number of classic-car specialists rather than every general workshop. Electrical faults in the climate and infotainment systems were a known issue even when the car was new, and they have not improved with age.
Rust and accident history matter more on an S-Type than on almost anything else in this corpus, simply because of how long these cars have been circulating through cheaper and cheaper ownership tiers. A full inspection focused on the subframe, suspension bushes and the AJ-V6 timing chain is essential before any purchase.
None of this makes the S-Type a bad car to own. It makes it a car that needs to be bought like a classic — with patience, a specialist inspection, and a budget for problems — rather than like a used family sedan picked up on price alone.