Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Tony
Tony
Messages
From outside it looks bigger but from inside, I can swear that is no different(in size) that my old XJ6. It fills that I sit taller. The trunk is definitely bigger(deeper) since they relocated the gas tank.
It fills fast, but I didn't fill that way faster filling that I was expected after my XJ6.
Was this at a dealership? I'm guessing not, only because there was no one present that was educated enough to point out the many differences between the cars.
The interior room on the new generation is much improved, and it makes no sense that you did not notice it. The pesky handbrake is no longer an issue, and the headroom is volumes more. While the new generation car retained much of the "look" of the old generation (a subject of much debate), there is hardly anything that is the same between the two.
The new generation advanced aluminum car is truly a much better automobile. If you had been at a dealership, the salesman should have been able to tell you a very long list of differences, and even been able to point them out to you so you could see them. Since you have the old model, you could easily have done a side by side comparison.
It sounds like you have an "impression" of the '04, as opposed to solid information about it.
I suggest a visit to your local Jaguar dealer, and see if they have an '04, and an educated salesman who can properly demonstrate and explain the car for you. At that point, your decision (whatever it might be) will be based upon solid information.
TagMan
I am looking into a 2002 or 2003 XJ8 either Sport or VDP but I am little bit worried about reliability and cost of repair/service. Can anybody give me some advice? I currently have two MB's (C280, ML350) and did not really have any problems. How does the Jag compare? How are the Jaguar dealers in terms of their service? So far my experience with MB had been great but I heard from other people who got srewed.
I saw a few XJ from 2002/3 with 30-50000 miles in price range of $20-24000. Does that seem reasonable? Also, do you guys recommend to get one with the Jaguar certified warranty?
Can anybody recommend a good Jag dealer in New England (I live in the Danbury area)?
I would appreciate any comments, help or advice!
Thank, Matt
You can also email me: matthes_us@yahoo.com
If you can, go for an '04. Very significant changes for 04 in build (all aluminum frame saving +/- 500 lbs) inertior headroom, nav system etc. I had liiked at 03's, but saw a huge difference in '04's. I managed to get a '04 XJR with 64000 for 28K last fall. It is an amazing car. 10,000 miles later, no problems, great service (Ray Cantena in NJ) and from everything I hear and have experienced, this is a bullet proof model. I'd look for 30-40K miles in an XJR and expect to pay 33-35, 28 if you look hard. You will still have a year and some miles on the warranty to make you comfortable.
Good Luck,
Ken
thanks for the info.
Is the '04 really that much better of a car? I knew that they completely redesigned the XJ on '04, but is it really worth spending $10K more (which I don't have)? I actually found a couple of '03 VDP's that are very nicely equipped even with GPS nav.
My greatest worry really was reliability and service.
Thanks,
Matt
I bought a 98 VDP about a year and half ago with 86,000 miles on it for 12,000 and have had nothing but pure enjoyment from the beauty. These cars are taken care of by thier owners and from 1998 on, the reliability issue has pretty much gone away. The electrical issues that existed before have been eliminated because of Fords involvement. You'll love a 98-03 well taken care of Vanden Plas. They are the ultimate driving experience.
Did you get any additional warranty for your '98 VDP? I heard that a lot of people have issues with not enough headroom in the '98-'03 XJs. Do you have any problems?
Thanks,
Matt
Just to be sure, I will say the same thing here. I want to make it clear as possible that if you can swing it, GET THE '04 OR NEWER!
Take the time to learn the differences... as similar as they look, the new generation cars are completely different from the older generation. They are absolutely better, without a doubt. Yes, you might find a nice older model, it's true, but the difference in the reliability statistic is huge, and the car is much better designed and engineered.
Prove it to yourself by looking closely, driving them, and studying up a bit. You'll see for yourself.
TagMan
I saw a few '04 with reasonable mileage in the price range of $25-30K (used car dealers). Do you recommend to get one from the Jaguar certified pre-owned program (those tend to be a lot more expensive)? Do you know if you can get an '04 and then buy an extended warrant from Jaguar?
I have been reading stuff about aftermarket warranties. Are those any good?
I'll take your advice and spend some time driving the '03 and '04 to see the difference.
Thanks,
Matt
Once you start looking carefully and studying these cars, you will absolutely learn for yourself about the difference in the '04 and beyond XJ. You will love the looks of all the years, but the '04 and beyond will give you engineering and reliability improvements that you will not want to miss out on.
You may possibly get conflicting information here (I hope you do not, but it's possible), so that is why you owe it to yourself to learn for yourself as much as possible before you purchase one. I have no doubt that you will discover the significant difference in the '04 and beyond newer generation XJ Jags.
I noticed that Lexusguy also gave you that recommendation in the High-end forum. He knows a LOT about Jags and cars in general. His posts carry lots of credibility.
Good luck.
TagMan
I had really mixed ones with Mercedes, one was really great and the other one really sucked.
Thanks, Matt
I purchased a 2002 XJ8 in 2004 & have enjoyed it ever since, however the following issues may need attention:-
1. If the thermal fan stays on for 5 mins after you stop & the car is not over heating then it will most likely be the Thermostat, this is easy & cheap to fix by your mech.
2.For 1997 - 1999 Jag V8 Engines ( these engines could be in cars built up to 2002/03) & have last 6 digits of VIN numbers between 812256 - F41862 or 001001 -A24195 , the timing tensioner chain may be plastic & will have to be replaced before the engine gets to 30,000 miles . If this chain breaks whilst driving teh car it can destroy the engine. See a Jag specialist , most are aware of the problem. Good luck ..............Tony
was wondering if anybody out there has any experience with buying a Jag (or any car for that matter) on ebay. It seems like there might be some great deals out there but I am a little bit concerned about it.
It would be great it if you could share your experience(s).
Thanks, Matt
I bought mine on e-bay last year. I was lucky that the guy was literally 8 miles from my house, and a professional wholesaler. He would buy high end, high mile off lease cars and knew what to look for (he didn't want a lemon. He had good feedback, and I was able to test drive the car. (I had already driven on at a dealership). In September of '04 I drove an XJR with 24,000 miles at the dealer, who wanted $54,500. Five days later I drove the one I got , 64,500 miles won on e-bay for $28,000. I got all service recods from day one from the NJ dealer, no real issues with the car and I am very happy.
My reco- find a no reserve car with medium to high miles (I saw one with 54,000 miles go for $26,000 on E-bay about 3 weeks ago.) Get as much info as you can, service records if they can provide them, as soon as auction starts. Check sellers feedback. Expect to pay about $28,000 for an '04 (lots of them have come off lease and ther are 15 or so on e-bay now (there is an '04 with 62,000 miles for a buy it now of $28,900). Good luck,
Ken
Besides the picnic trays in the back (believe me, they will never, ever be used), piping on the seats, maybe different wheels, and some lambswool rugs what else do you get with a VDP? There is about a 7K difference in MSRP that I just don't understand.
Negotiating strategy. I think that a smart used XJ shopper would ask in chronological order for a detailed carfax, service records, existence of original manuals in glove box, warranty info, if CPO'ed, could they throw in those great looking XJR wheels for summer use for a modest upcharge, if no, then ask if there are any extra winter wheels available for n/c back in the Parts Department,and is there free loaner on service work. What did I leave out?
(Speaking of piping, it looks like all '07s regardless of model of XJ come with piping.)
Comparison of the various XJ types for 2005.
XJ8 VDP VS XJ8L VS XJ8
Thanks very much. I am familiar with Cars.com but not how to do this. Thanks for showing me.
Incidentally, after scrolling through the comparison the ONLY difference I could find that they think exists between an XJL and a VDP is that the VDP has 2 more adjustments (totaling 10) for the front passenger seats and 2 more sterio speakers (again totaling 10). I guess the picnic tables and lambs wool rugs didn't seem significant to them either.
Really though you shouldn't pay too much more for a VDP over a XJL. Without even looking at the leasing programs for the two cars I know the XJL had a better residual then the VDP. Those kind of packages never add value on the wholesale/used car side.
Thanks, Matt :confuse:
There is only one Jag dealer in OR and he wants you to call to get the mileage and the price. :P
I just stopped by and saw your post. Thanks for the nice words of appreciation.
BTW, I think it is fairly obvious that if you are truly looking to attach a dollar "value" on the VDP, that it is not "worth" it from a purely fiscal perspective. But in the "prestige" sense, it is worth it to some buyers. Afterall, it is the highest version, and beyond the few upgrades that the VDP badge signifies, those picnic tables particularly represent a certain historical significance, IMO. But I am not making a recommendation in either direction, just giving my opinion. Each buyer should feel comfortable to make his own choice. Only from a personal perspective, I believe that especially in the used market, the VDP could more easily be worth it, but in the new market, the dollar stretch might be more difficult to rationalize.
For what it's worth, mine (actually the wife's primarily) is a loaded '05 VDP. Notable options... it has the improved '06 front wire mesh grill (it easily replaces the '05 grill and it's MUCH better looking), factory 5-star chrome wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment package (headrest color monitors), and of course, Bluetooth.
TagMan
Having driven large cars for forty years, it seems the longer wheelbase would be worth the added cost. Personally, the XJ8L would be a First choice as the toys are not desired.
1) The initial tip in on the throttle was very sensitive
2) The steering was very light and overly boosted
3) The long wheelbase did seem quite long in backing up.
I did like though, surprisingly, the optional power rear window shade. The sales person said that she used hers at night to diminsh the glare of headlights behind her.
Net/Net: it made me miss my Cayenne!
TagMan
On the flip side, another friend bought her S-type at TCD and has had no problems.
The ASC not available and TRAC not available lights came on when I was driving last week, triggering "Failsafe Engine Mode" as an immediate response. The dealership service center tells me the car needs a new throttle body assembly at a cost of $1550. They looked at the exact same problem 8 months ago and replaced a module (for $1700). If you're still having the problems you described, you might want to ask about the throttle body or the module.
Can't find any reference books or anything to help.
They have three great on-line books, you can download for free. Not Chilton or anything like that. These were written by
Jaq owners for Jaq owners.
the car is show room condition and has all records
and runs good.I have read that the early 98 and some
99 has had problems with the timing tensioners holding
the timing chains. I ask should I change these tensioners?
The car runs fine but now I am concerned, and yet I have a shop and can do this myself but it takes time!
Dennis60@bellsouth.net
Can the XJ handle snow equally as well as my LS 430? Both are rear wheel drive with traction control and stability control and all season tires. I never had an issue with the LS.
Are the front seats comfortable for long distance cruising?
I found the lexus seats a bit flat and not as good as the Germans in this area.
Is reliability still very strong? In the most recent JD Powers ratings it seemed that they slipped a bit.
It's one of the rare cars out today that is truly "special" in my book so I'm going to give it a long look. But I need to live with it daily and want to be happy once the honeymoon is over.
Thank you for any and all input/ownership experience on the updated body style for the XJ.
Take a look at the XJ8L for it is longer with more back seat room and is "special" in my book as well.
Any comments from owners of recent XJ cars is appreciated.
I may take it out for another spin.
Any repair costs between MA & IL would be deducted from the escrow account.
switch and then set speed, and the code Fail Safe Eng.Mode was
on with amber color. I saw that the light was on the Sport Mode switch, and I pushed it and it went out, but could not get the cruise control switch light to come on.
Drove home and restarted and all seems fine with no code
showing. Could this code have came on because of the Sport Mode switch had been pushed? (Anyone know or have had this problem)
dennis60@bellsouth.net
Nice idea but even if the seller went for this deal, and no one should, on what is hopefully no more than a $3000 transaction, the $1000 hold back would hardly cover the highly probable towing of the damn thing off the Mass Pike up in the Berkshires, flatbedding it to the nearest Jag dealer (Albany?), and installing a new waterpump or alternator. Then you still have the rest of the trip to do!
Geez, there have got to be better things to do with your time and money than to buy a 18 year old, 200K mile Jag from someone in Boston and then plan on driving it to Chicago.
why not buy? The age of most anything is condition, my house
boat is a 1972 and looks like a 2002 as I have had it over 20
years and take care of it, and the same is for a car. If it
is what you want go for it, but check it out first.
Dennis60@bellsouth.net