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Jaguar XJ-Series

2801 messages,  Last post on Oct 25, 2012 at 10:12 AM

You are in the Jaguar XJ-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jaguar XJ-Series, Sedan

Messages Page 19 of 281

#173 of 2801 brentwoodvolvo by christchurch

Apr 26, 2001 (9:54 pm)

I must say that a $1,500 Jag might be pushing it a bit. I was thinking more along the line of 1996 to date models. They represent the newer engineering and considerable reliability. Of course, this is not to say that I wouldn't want a MK series if I could find a good one.
 
I guess the advice is still the same:
buy as new as you can and secure the certified warranty or another extended warranty if you can find one (I think the jury is still out on this one).
 
Mileage could be a consideration, too. Yet, I have heard some terrific stories about "high mileage" Jags still speeding along with little or no major problems.
 
But, I will look for the $1,500 deal you elude to.
along with any land "buys" you have in Florida. ha !
 
Seriously, there are great buys on Jags out there.
Don't pass them by.
Jaguar ownership and driving is worth every effort.
 
You know what ? All this discussion has talked me into a quick drive this evening out to the Jag dealer to "look around". This could be dangerous because, as usual, my sales resistance to Jags is very low. I am always in the buying mood.
 
So, hold your breath, I might just be bringing home another beauty !
 
christchurch

#174 of 2801 christchurch by im_brentwood

Apr 26, 2001 (10:09 pm)

Actually..
 
The new AJ6 (88-94), AJ16 (95-97) and AJV8 engines are very very durable.
 
Mine own 95 Vanden Plas has nearly 125,000 miles on it as we speak! And it's been the most reliable car i have ever owned.. and I've owned a TON of cars.
 
Bill

#175 of 2801 One Durable Automobile by christchurch

Apr 27, 2001 (11:14 pm)

I concur that Jags are excellent motorcars.
 
Of course, there are always the exceptional one that has more than its share of quirks. Lucas electrical systems were strangly quirky, indeed. But, newer Jags have benefited from sound engineering and top flight quality control.
 
In fact, today, you seldom ever see a drop of oil on the garage floor. This observance led to a comment from an astonished friend who asked sarcastically, "How can it be a Jaguar if there is no oil on the pavement ?"
[ I might say, he is the same friend who often kids me by telling me that "Jaguars are a mechanics best friend !" ]
So much for friends and so much for the reputations of yesteryear.
Today, a Jag is one fine automobile and, I dare say, even getting better.
 
My philosophy in keeping a great car great is to faithfully and rigorously maintain good maintance.
There is no substitute for frequent oil changes with the best lubricants, top grade fuels, and scrupulous mechanical oversight. That is, when anything needs attention it gets it before something gets out of hand. In fact, I have great mechanics who love the cars as I do and take the extra personal touch.
 
These Jags are really fine automobiles in so many ways.
 
So lets spred the word and let's keep the Jaguar tradition of excellence alive !
 
christchurch

#176 of 2801 Used vs new by pablo_l

Apr 28, 2001 (8:31 pm)

I bought my '01 XJR new, and it's a beautiful car and all, but to this day I can't shake off the feeling that I did waste money somewhat too frivolously. There really is not much added benefit to a new car, since luxury cars tend to hold up quite well. I made a mental note for the future: no matter how much money I *could* spend, I'll still buy used again in the future.

#177 of 2801 by arcoates

Apr 28, 2001 (8:42 pm)

That is so true pablo- cars lose their value too fast these days to be spending the extra money. Buy a one year old jaguar, and you are getting practically a new car, for a fraction of the price. My Jag was used and we have had no problems.
 
But, I must say this. There is a difference in buying something quality used and buying something that was cheap to begin with used. If I was in the market for a Kia or something, i might buy new, because I doubt it's going to last me long anyway. It's a bad stereotype, but I doubt a company like Kia or Daewoo is going to put a lot of engineering into their cars, when they sell for $12,000 USD. But a Jaguar, that was $70,000 new, is going to be great 3,4, or even 10 years down the road with proper maintenance~ A.R.

#178 of 2801 pablo by im_brentwood

Apr 28, 2001 (11:19 pm)

Don't feel bad.
 
XJRs hold their value very very well, better than anything else (With the possible exception of an XKR... ) with the leaper badge on it.
 
The worst depreciator is the Vanden Plas, but even it isnt that bad.
 
Put it this way, I bought my Meteorite/Charcoal 99 XJR a few months ago at a dealer auction. 18K Miles when I bought it, totally flawless, no paintwork..etc...
 
Really nice car. If I recall It was a reposessed car. Not as bad as it sounds tho... many Jags (Most actually) are leased and often in the name of a business. Business goes under.. car goes to auction as a repo.
 
I Paid $44,000 for it across the block, which was top dollar but it was niiiice. Throw in $600 shipping from St Louis, $400 auction fee, $700 or so for a pair of back tires and we're into the car for $45,700. Figure if a Jag dealer bought it to select edition it they'd have another $1,500 on top of that in expenses for inspection and cost of warranty.
 
Retail would be $53-54K or so.
 
Means you can put your car in the paper in 2 years and get $50K for it or better.
 
$20K in depreciation on a $70K car after 2 years... Not that bad really. Comparable or less to what a Mercedes or BMW in that price range would cost ya.
 
Heck, S-Types are doing very well resale-wise so far... so it's not that bad really
 
Bill

#179 of 2801 Resale Value Presents Exceptional Opportunity by christchurch

May 01, 2001 (11:06 pm)

I thought your discussion of resale values is right to the point.
 
Let the depreciated value of a Jag be to your advantage. Those who wish to drive a first class automobile at the cost of, say, a high end Buick, can wait a few years till the price is in the same bracket.... low thirties.
 
But what a difference between a Buick and a Jag.
Sure, the Jag is a few years old, but so what. Buy it will low mileage and it is just "broken in". These cars are there for the duration. Jags with 30-40K miles on them is really nothing
 
So, the advice remains... buy back a couple of years... buy "off lease"... buy "certified" but by all means buy a Jag.
The pleasure will be all yours and you have saved yourself a bundle in the process.
Moreover, look what you have....a first class automobile and a first class automotive driving expierence!
You can't beat it!
 
christchurch

#180 of 2801 christchurch by im_brentwood

May 02, 2001 (3:47 pm)

Another point I'd like to make:
 
Nothing slaughters, (and when I mean slaughter I mean riup the throat out of) the value of a Jaguar like high miles.
 
Since most were leased for 36 month periods when new, there's now a good supply of 98 XJ8s on the market.
 
Currently it's quite possible to find 98 XJ8s for $25-35K. However, $35K is going to be a good color with low miles, say, a 30K car in Silver, Topaz, Spindrift White, Sapphire or Carnival.
 
That same car in Anthracite or Racing Green can be up to $2K less. And that same car with 50K miles is going to sell for the upper $20Ks. 20K miles saves you $7,000. Weird as at lease-end it's a $4,000 penalty!
 
Want an XJ8 for $22-23K? Find one with 70K miles on it or so. And, you know what? That's a car that I wouldnt hesitate to drive for another 100K miles with proper care.
 
Want a Jag for $12K? Find a 90K mile 95 XJ6... yup, they're out there and they are wonderful cars. However that car in Topaz or Glacier white with 40K on the odometer is a $18K car easily.
 
A thought...
 
Bill

#182 of 2801 love my jag by hollie38

May 02, 2001 (7:10 pm)

I can relate to the person who said you really get attached to your jaguar, I know because I am one of those people. I have a 95" Van Den Plas in rosewood bronze and I even have a name for her. There is nothing quite like a jaguar, in performance, safety and beauty.

Messages Page 19 of 281

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