Jaguar XJ-Series

derel2

I think I might have a similar problem with the leather on my 95 Jag. The back of the driver seat has lost some color on the edge of the left side where your hip rubs when you enter. Let me know if you find a good way to spot recolor the leather. It won't help with coloring the leather but you might want to check out www.jagbits.com for some great tips on cleaning and detailing the interior, exterior and engines on Jags including a section on cleaning and treating the leather.

Mike

wesdr

I guess I've decided I definitely prefer the XJR look over the VDP/Super V8. I'm still looking for advice. I would really like a XJR100. Any thought on what I would pay for one, and if I could still find one early next year (CA luxury tax expires this year). Also, am I dumb not to just get a used one for almost half the price? Also, how often are the auctions? I assume the selection improves right after one. Can I get a deal by letting a dealer know I will immediately by a car they buy at auction?

im_brentwood

Well...

If you really gotta have an XJR100, be prepared to pay up. XKR Silverstones (I have bought 2 for clients) are still uncheap. And XJRs do not depreciate like XJ8s.

Last week: 1998 XJR, Racing Green, 26K miles. Cheezy, nasty paintwork on right doors. $500+ to re-do it right and then you still have a car with paintwork on it.

Sucker still did damn near $31K.

And, that being said, there just aint a lot of the cars out there. A Used XJR100? A Year fromnow? It will take a lot of work to even find the car.

Bill

im_brentwood

Hmmm..

Sounds like a seat ECU or memory ECU acting up.

Try unhooking the battery for an hour.. see if that clears it up first.

Bill

mvargo1

Good luck, You might find a used one somewhere, but it is not going to be easy. You could always get a Black XJR and add the Brembo breaks and the special wheels. They are available at any Jag dealer as an add on.

jarmstrong2

Hello Bill,
I have a chance to buy a 98 XK8 con.with 27K miles for 36.5. But the factory warranty is already passed. It was purchased in 1997.
Should I wait for one with a factory warranty and let Jag fix all the little stuff wrong with car or do you think there should not be that much wrong with a XK8 with 27K miles. Of course assuming there were no wrecks or damage. Do you think this is a good price?

jarmstrong

im_brentwood

Depends on the car.

First, what color was it? Racing Green? Amaranth? Nyet.

I assume it was mint, right?

They are doing that or better at the auction depending on where you live.

Buy it!

Bill

pablo_l

...will be hard to find for a decent price.

That said, as a Californian XJR owner, I am not sure I'd want even sportier tires on the car. The XJR's magic is that fact that it combines superb British-style comfort with understated aggression, but the 18-inch wheels do add a more frantic element on California roads. I am not sure I'd want to try 19-inchers in CA, or, for that matter, a harsher suspension. Beautiful car, but might be better suited to European roads - I sometimes already feel the XJR is a fish out of water in CA - still love it, though.

jarmstrong2

Hello Bill:
Well I went to the Jag dealer that I bought my Vanden Plas from today. I told him about the car.He called the dealer that had the car that I told you about.(they trade cars all the time) Here is what I was told.
My dealer will buy the Jag (immaculate ,as far as I can tell. One owner. Black, Black top, cashmere interior. Pirrelles) for 35K and charge me 500 to buy it for me. My dealer told me that the other Jag dealer had 34.5K in the car. It does not sound right to me that one dealer will sell to another dealer just for 500. They must make more than that. I will drive it tomorrow and take it to a Jag mechanic to be checked out. If all goes well, I will be a XK8 owner tomorrow. My Jag dealer offered me an extended warranty. 3 years unlimited miles bumper to bumper for 1500. Is this a buy? Thanks for all you input. I owe you.

Jarmstrong

cediadude

I decided to pass on leatherique for the front seats. I believe it will work well after checking the reviews, but by the time I end up buying the cleaner and dye, plus put all the time into the job that it will need - I'll have a bunch of time into the job and no guarantees I won't screw it up. So, I opted for the next best thing - I called a few car detailing shops in the area and asked them who does the BEST job on leather seats in the area. I got the same name from the first three people I called, then gave the guy a call. He came out and looked at the car and quoted me $450 to do both front seats (he said it didn't make sense to the rear seats since they were still in great shape). For $450 and basically a money-back guarantee, I don't see how I can go wrong. Stay tuned .. I'll issue a report once it is completed.

[Deleted User]

What area of the country are you at?

willimjo

Took our recently acquired 1998 XJ8 (35k miles) to a local Jag Dealer for an inspection. Primarily wanted to know where we stood with life expectancy on brake pads and other wearables.

They suggested (among a few other things) that the brake fluid appeared dirty and should be flushed at a cost of $200. And claimed this should be done every two years. Perhaps I've been negligent on our previous cars, but I haven't performed this service before and a few of those vehicles were run to 160k+ miles without problems.

Does this service go more into the preventative maintenance category (not a bad idea, but not always necessary) or am I taking too great a risk in what is obviously a critical safety item by not following a two year cycle?

im_brentwood

that the brake fluid appeared dirty and should be flushed at a cost of $200

$200? HAHAHA! That's excessive.

Use Catstrol GT/LMA ONLY, and find someone to do it for a lot less. There's gotta be a great Jag specialist near ya.. there is her in Orlando.

But, yes, I do it every year in my car.

Bill

derel2

Can anyone recommend a good Jag mechanic in the Central New Jersey area?

Mike

muskateer3

I saw a 98 VDP Black/Tan 47K certified ($33K TMV) on a dealer lot this weekend for $41K.

Are all of the west coast prices this high? Should I be concentrating on east coast dealers and planning a plane trip?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

im_brentwood

$41,000?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah, RIGHT! I'd LOVE to make $9-11K on a Jag!

BTW, TMV on them is getting a touch low of late.. but still realistic. Lemme look.. Yeah, its still a $27K car at the sale.

$33K certified had ought to buy it easily. I'm buying nice 98 VDPs for $26-28K and selling them for $29-31K depending on miles and color.

Prices are highest on the west coast tho.

Bill

muskateer3

Is there a way to contact you off line?

rbrenton88

Just shine the Batlight up in the sky. Bill will find you.


Still one of my favorite experiences: 99 or '00 xj8 in red for sale at the local dealer. miles not too bad, but not great, maybe upper 20s lower 30s. Salesman calls me up when they get it in. "we'll let you have it for $48k". No thanks, I say. "Happy holidays"

3 weeks later, another call..."The manager is willing to reduce the price to $39k"

Holy Handgrenade! Talk about price reductions!

muskateer3

It just seems to me that every used XJ in my price range is either in Texas or Florida. The pickins are slim in So Cal and thus I am in a poor bargaining position.

I am still a few months off from making a purchase (end of lease on current car), but it looks like I may end up buying from out of state and shipping.

Bill..

Thanks and I will contact soon.. work has been hectic and with the time diff, I don't want to contact too late for you.

im_brentwood

A 99 XJ8? $39K? DOnt overpay!

I can do it for like $37,500! =D

Err.. I mean you should be able to get it for $30-32K.

And.. Muskateer... I am out here. Like RB said, just shine a leaping cat (Or a quart of Castrol/Vauxhall Badge) into the sky... I come runnin!

Bill

rfore

Recently bought a 97 xj6l. The tranny shifts rather hard and abruptly into and out of first, especially when rapidly de-celerating, such as coming up to a red light. It produces a "thunk" which can be heard and felt. Doesn't matter if it is in S or N mode. Jag dealer says nothing is wrong with it. Still under select edition warranty. Has anyone experienced this? Is it normal? Thanks.

[Deleted User]

I've experienced a dealer saying nothing's wrong, if that's what you mean.
They learn to say that in Warranty Repair Avoidance class.

As for your transmission, have you checked your fluid for level and color lately? It may be low or need changing. A previous owner or bad mechanic may have used the wrong type fluid, as well.
I don't know if 97's have a Ford transmission, which use type F fluid. (Early models did not.), or not.
One of the effects of putting Type F into trannies that normally use Dexron, is that shifting becomes noticably firmer. Some people actually do it on purpose.

rfore

Gary, thanks for the advice. I don't know what type fluid is in it. I'll find out. Just after I bought it, I had the 60k service done by a non-dealer jag shop but no improvement. I actually like the firmer shifting. I usually leave it in the S mode, but this doesn't feel right to me. It's just too abrupt.

im_brentwood

It does NOT sound normal.

Hey... you know where I is, right? (Lake Ave @ 17-92)

Swing it by and I'll take it for a spin if ya want..; I do have over 150K miles of seat time in them

765-4110.. call me, U know the area code. I will not be around Sat-Mon tho.. I'll be in NY City assuming all goes well.

Bill

[Deleted User]

Why didn't you say you lived near Bill?
He'll know what to do. He's got a good mechanic for you too. Right Bill?

im_brentwood

Yeah. All Jaguar in Longwood. Much better than the dealer. At least they FIX stuff and dont invent problems.

Call em... 407-830-5245 and ask em about the alleged $1,500 bad gas tank that was really a $55 fuel filter job.

One of my favorites

Bill

leah13

I have a 93 XJ6 bought it 1 1/2 yr ago used. After only having it 9 mo's the clear coat has started to peel off the roof. It started from just normal condensation after a night fall that it started to bubble. After next rain the coating just started to blow off. Any help? Any Suggestions. When did Ford buy Jaguar 92 - 93? Please help Capcrn113@aol.com Thanks.

im_brentwood

Not totally unusual. Depends on the color of the car. Lemme guess... Its' White, Black or BRG, right?

It can also be caused by Sun Damage, or poor previous paintwork on the car. As it stands, the car is now 9 years old so it is doubtful that the factory would be willing to do a goodwill on this.

Where in the country do you live out of curiosity? This seems to happen frequently in FL.

Worst case scenario, figure $250-350 to have the roof re-shot. I have to have this done all the time on older Jaguars... sort of a matter of course.

Bill

leah13

Thanks Bill, figured it was too late for Jag to do something. But, I live in Michigan and the car has not been repainted. The color is Green.
Leah

im_brentwood

British Racing Green, right? (Non-Metallic... if its Metallic its probably Kingfisher Blue)

Its not a big deal to re-do and theycan do it as they age...

Bill

mvera

Hello, can you hear me, can you hear me now....

Did someone pull the plug or are we all on vacation for a week? I am looking for my daily fix of Jag chat and nothing is there to read. Someone needs to post a message or two even if they are exagerating a tad bit. We are in the midst of the Spring fix/start up and no one has anything to say ????

Please fill the void in the message board here... Bill, you must have something to say !!

sho3

I notice a couple of spots where the paint has started to bubble up in my trunk right at the
seams. My moonroof will ocassionaly not close all
the way unless I hold the button down. The steering wheel has develop a shudder while retracting. I want to take my car to the new
Jaguar Dealer in Novi Michigan but the service
department has only been open for one week.

im_brentwood

Hmmm..

Well...

I retailed 5 Jags in the past week if that helps

Plus wholesale.. tomorrow is the Jaguar credit auction so's I'll be busy.

I'll report on what the market is up to, but right now, its really strong. X300s are quite strong at the moment. Low-Milers are back up around clean book, but thats no surprise really.

Bill

im_brentwood

Novi.. thats the people from Troy. No worries.

You need sunroof tracks (Common) and a tilt motor.

Bill

mvera

Sho3
I had the same problem with my sunroof. Not that Bill is incorrect, however, first I tried greasing the tracks, and it worked. Saved me a few bucks.

Bill
At least I know you are alive. I got worried there a while when I seen no postings for a week. I understand you are busy but always great to see your still kicking. Bid away...

jonty12

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_index.php?cp=1&page=news%2Fae_news_story.php%3Fid%3D26390

im_brentwood

Well, if the sunroof headliner panel doesnt go all the way up with the sunroof panel when you put it on tilt.. thats a bad sign.

Greasing, yes.. do try that first! But if it is under warranty...

The sale today was BERZERK! Prices are still very high. Which, I suppose is good for the sellers... I only got 6 instead of 25 cars

Bill

im_brentwood

Hey Pluskin... if those are accurate.

Nice work guys.. I cant wait to see it!

Bill

pluskin

Well, keep in mind that those pictures are a computer enhancement of a disguised car (they've done a good job so its not obvious, although they imply that it was an undisguised car). But its pretty close anyway.

[Deleted User]

If so, they did a great job. It looks pretty real to me, unlike previously released enhanced photos. The only thing that looks faked is the plate number.

rea98d

I see the outboard headlights are bigger than the inboard, a nice touch from the original XJ's. Also, the rear end is heavily influenced by the Series III. I almost expect to see twin chrome gas caps atop the fenders. One thing I don't like, and I'm probably in the minority, is the lack of chrome. The current X300 has chrome grille, chrome on the bumpers, around the windows, ect, ect. That car looks all blacked out. A lack of chrome makes me think the automakers cheaped out, and a Jag should never, never look cheap. A Kia, sure, but no Jag. But other than that detail, I really like what I see (well, that and the 70 grand price tag ;-)

Cool car, very much a Jag. They captured the essence of the S3 and modernized it very well, IMO

pluskin

I wouldn't sweat the details on these computer enhanced pictures. They don't know stuff like chrome vs. non chrome any more than you do.

Besides, X300 chrome depends on what model you get. An XJR or XJ Sport model is blacked out or body color trim.

pluskin

http://pc99.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.hbs?myrec=29

peachtree103

Bill, How was the auction? Prices still "strong like bull"? Anything interesting?

im_brentwood

XK8s? $2K past "clean book".

Nice VDPs? Similar. THings are stupid high right now...

Bill

peachtree103

Great news if you're selling,

but for those of us without a Jaguar, it just means patience, I guess.

rea98d

Pluskin-

I guess you're right about the chrome. I just never got why a blacked out car was supposed ot look "sporty." I think it looks like a Maaco paint job. Anyway, as much heritage as they're drawing on, they'll probably have at least one trim level with enough chrome trim. Anyway, it looks like Jag's got a hit with the X350. As much as everyone rags about Ford "diluting" Jaguar, look at what they were cranking out before, what they are now, and consider if Jaguar would even still be with us today if it weren't for Ford.

Now, is there any chance of Jaguar reviving the XJC with this new X350? ;-)

jarmstrong2

Sorry, to all you XJ8 lovers but I am now a two JAG owner. XJ8 and XK8 both 98's. Now where do I log on for the XK8 townhall? Bill, do you know of any websites or used parts place for XKs? Would also like to know if the behind the seat wind deflector works in the XK's
Thanks to all for any help

JMAn

[Deleted User]

This is me, turning green with envy. It ain't pretty.

Kirstie_H

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