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Comments
(He did see '96 (maroon)with 64K miles going for 25K =/- Advice ? ?)
Advice? Yes. Pass. That car with 64K on it is retail buyable for $19-20K, perhaps less.
The color your friend is thinking of is called Titanium. More of a Steel Blue/Grey.
IMHO, a beautiful color, up there with Sapphire as my favorite.
Warranties... I personally do not like them, but some people do. I generally feel they are a waste of $$. If you must, I guess... I dunno, shop around on the web maybe?
Bill
95 Vanden Plas 128K
97 XJ6 66K <--got smashed on Friday >:(
00 XJ8L Topaz/Oatmeal 11K <--this week
(Incidently, he found a 97 XJ6 in Maroon? with 43K miles..... asking price 25K...a little less than perfect... what do your say ?)
Bill, what happened to your 97 Jag?
How did it hold up? Safety issues?
Are you OK?
I don't like to hear of any of our cats being hurt!
Take Care!
Christchurch
Pass.
Besides, $22-23Kish is, at the moment, closer to a fair price.
Yeah, the car isnt that bad... but there's some undercarriage damage...
I WILL be suing for diminshed value. >:(
Pics to come!
Bill
Thanks Dave proud owner of a 95xj6.
Today I pull into the EXACT SAME SPOT, and my brain is going "Now, you remember what happened last time, so be careful...". So I ease in, thinking I'm leaving enough room. The next thing I hear is that awful thumping sound under the car.
So now I'm impaled on this damn spike again! Only choice is to back up... rrriiiipppp!
Sigh... I hate Mondays!
I hope no one recorded what you said when you "did it again"!
If you are like me, I am madder when I do the same "stupid" thing again.
Anyway you have my and our collective sympathy!
Advice: Find another parking place.
Christchurch
What happened, anyway?
Bill, what I meant, on that post, on the condition of the '97 was that the paint looks oxidized ( I know that is not a big problem, but may suggest less than loving care), has numerous stone chips and I understand that it has not been serviced "lately"... brakes, etc.
It is an "as is vehicle", as I understand it.
The person interest is going to run a "Car Fax" report.
He is half way interested because the price is in the bracket he wants to spend. Moreover, he is willing to spend a "few bucks" bringing the car up to par (detailing, routine service, etc.).
So the question is: Are you still of the mind he should pass even if he gets the owner into the 22-23K range?
Any reliability issues with the '97's. At this point, this seems to be His biggest concern.
Let me know and I will pass the info along.
Thanks,
Let the "cats" run.
Christchurch
Shoot, find one on eBay for $40 or so
And Jag parts are marked up roughly 70% or so over cost, pretty standard, but it varies from partlines... Rebuilt trannies arent that high, but other stuff is over 100%. Thats retail for ya.
Once ya get a nice used one (Make sure its for a 1995 or 1996... '97s use different frequencies.) Programming is easy..
97vdpguy:
Do what I do. Leave it off haha. I havent had one on one of the cars for years...
Christchurch:
I dont like buying rough cars myself. To me, an edgy car is an abused car and I am not thrilled with that. That being said, there's enough of them out there that he can be choosy. Only thing I can think of is the power steering column motors that go out...
Bill
Late last night, I'm feeling these little "needles" as I move my hand around. So I think to myself, "Gee, it feels like I handled fiberglass or something". Then it hits me.. "Oh Yeah,..."
Christchurch: Thanks for the sympathy. My '97 is just fine. No problems to speak of. I've only got 35K miles on it though and have only had it myself for 4 months. I'm going to give Bill a run for his money on mileage. Don't know if I'll be doing power-slides around corners though... The seats would need to be a little more form-fitting for me to do that without flying all over the cockpit!
If anyone is looking for a warranty and your vehicle is under 60K miles you're in luck. But if it is over that plan on half-[non-permissible content removed] contracts or paying thru the nose. I do have a great web site though for those of you interested in looking at a few companies. It is www.autowarrantyreviews.org
There are about 5 companies that corner 90% of the market. So my advice is use "1source Auto Warranty" or "Warranty Direct". Best coverage for our cats. It is hard to get sympathy from them when you tell them what you are trying to cover.
97VDP Guy: Ouch ! Hope you can mend that baby once again without alot of $ Good Luck.
I have learned to drive/park VERY defensively. People are just goofy and really don't give a rip.
I close the deal on my 95 Jag this week. I am so excited I can't sleep much!!
Congratulations on your upcoming purchase!
When I couldn't sleep after test driving Jaguars and getting hooked, I knew it was only a matter of time... I'm sleeping much better now!
Has anyone owned or had any experience with the Jaguar S type?
I hear a lot of pro and cons but I don't how reliable the sources of such information are.
So, I am wondering what you know.
Good automobile?
Reliable?
Worth the money?
How do they compare to the XJ in your opinion?
What kind of prices are they bringing new and "pre owned" ?
Just wondering and thought that all of you Jag experts might shed some light on the subject.
"Curiosity doesn't kill our cats" !
Christchurch
I'm sure Bill can give you better info, though. He's seen quite a few more of them than me
All advice and suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
The ones that look like pony hair might just be new lambswool. If you brush it out, it gets pretty long. The pile on mine is about 3/4 inch deep.
Since I don't drive passengers around too much, I put a carpet on the driver's side and lambswool in the other three spots.
I think $170 is a fair price if you want "Jaguar" mats. You can probably get other mats that fit, but the driver's mat won't have the Jaguar logo on it.
All advice and suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Today the salesman who sold me the Mercedes Benz I bought for my wife (a 2001 ML 320) brought a brand new, $96,000 (US) blk. on blk CL500 by my office to show me because he "was in the neighborhood." I drove it around town and when I told him my XJ8 was quicker, faster, smoother, and certainly more nimble than the '01 CL500, he didn't seem to believe me. However, that particular car is a very formidable vehicle with loads of gadgetry.
Anyway, Best regards to all
You have just made yourself part of a really great group of afectionados - Jag devotees who share a real regard for this classic motorcar.
My suggestion, is that you go back, at your leisure and read from these posts from the beginning. You will find here are some really great comments and sage advice offered here. This forum is an invaluable source for Jaguar owners and enthusiasts.
Regarding your Benz experience, let me say that I have driven Benz for years. They are truly great automobiles. But, they are so different than Jags from conception.
Once you "fall in love" with the Jaguar motorcar
nothing again will feel same again. The Jag handling and driving expierence is without parralel., something sensuous, to say the least.
Glad to have you share with us. Welcome, in the "name of the cat".
Now Jaguar will be part of your life forever !
Christchurch
Good price! Car would do $13,000 at auction easily if not $14K if its real nice.
lookit this first:
http://www.vauxhallpa.50megs.com/paintwork.html
Make sure it hasnt been smashed!
Red Flags? Other than the obvious, look to make sure that the electric motor for the tilt works on the steering column...And contact the dealer to see if the timing chain tensioner update (The old ones were noisy) has been done.
Otherwise, bulletproof cars. My 95 VDP has 128K beat-it-to-death miles on it... No real problems!
Bill
I'm more than a little uneasy about the whole thing. I'm worried that at some point, either when I just see it sitting there calling my name or when I get behind the wheel the first time or stretch its legs on the highway that I'm going to fall hopelessly helplessly in love and lose all manner of good judgment. At the price its offered, even before any negotiation, alarm bells are ringing that there simply must be something wrong with it. As much as I'd love to have one, I don't want to buy a "money pit."
But thanks for the advice, no matter what happens.
Now how can you ignore such a beautiful machine?
You've been smitten by the "damsel" and that is what happens, they can't be resisted.
Brentwoodvolvo Bill, is right, these are great cars, if bought right and if they have been well treated.
The 95 VDP certainly has more life in it, but, here is what I strongly recommend to you and others when considering a pre - owned vehicle:
(A) Check the cars history (Carfax.com) which will give you some insight into its past.
(B) See if there are existing service records of repairs, oil changes, etc. This can be a great resource in determining if the vehicle has had "kid glove" treatment. If it has, great!
(C) Ask to take car to a really good "foreign car specialist" preferably one who knows Jags inside and out. Ask around to others who drive Jags or Benz, BMW, Volvo, etc. and see where they get their cars serviced and take it there.
If you are looking to buying from an independent dealer, then consider taking it to your area Jaguar dealer. (By the way, friends have even taken a car from one Jag. dealer to another when considering purchase and even had the first Jag. dealers blessing in doing so ! Talk about good "sportsmanship" !)
Anyway, when you find the best place / mechanic to do the evaluation ask for a a complete written assessment of the cars condition and evaluation of problem areas. In addition, ask what they would do in the future.
This evaluation process will cost you some bucks but, if you are a serious buyer, one who likes to "hedge your bets", this is the only sensible way to go. It will be well worth it.
(D) Finally, remember that you are buying a six year old automobile. Any car, this one included, will need some "investment" to keep it going in first class shape. Expect, therefore, to spend some money now if it needs something (as per the expert evaluation) and down the road.
Finally, if all these items meet the muster, then by all means buy the "cat".
You will never forgive yourself if you pass it by.
Nor will you ever wonder how you could even have considered not buying a Jag once you drive and own one.
Jaguar driving is one of the few really great classic diving experiences left.... one never to be missed.
Hope this sage advice, if taken, will move you toward a wise purchase.
A "cat" lover !
Christchurch
If you get a clean bill of health buy the "cat"
Check out the following link for advice on what to look for in a used car. The page this link is subordinate to has other good articles as well.
Good Luck!
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/46039/page004.html
If it passes muster do the following:
1) Grab Checkbook, buy car. Of course try and negotiate, but if price is firm you still did quite well.
2) Laugh your butt off at people in New Saturns and Corollas who drool at your car at stoplights! )))
Bill
Ted
If so, what on line dealers have you dealt with and which do rate as reputable and first class?
What is your experience, pros and cons ?
Is there a real price advantage to this way of buying rather than going to an auction yourself with a broker ?
I am leery of buying "sight unseen"... should I be ?
Just curious, thanks !
Christchurch
If that ever happens again, I think I will try that. I'll certainly complain to our bldg mgmt at any rate. Since a few days have gone by and I don't have a digital pic (great idea!), I think my chances are pretty slim this time.
I've thought about bringing in a sledge hammer and just knocking the darn spike down a little more, but with my luck, they'll bust me for damaging THEIR property!
But I've also decided to heed my own as well as another poster's suggestion and just park in a different spot!
Cheers,
Ron
My wife as driving our 98 VDP to work when the amber warning light flashed on. This is the light under the speedo. There are two lights ( one on the left is amber and on the right is red) She said she went through some water. Maybe a skid sensor? Any help, Bill or anyone.
I'm getting to the point where I could afford about $25,000 on a car, with about 25% down and then a 75% loan.
What sort of XJR do you think I could buy with $25000? I'd want an XJR, British Racing Green with light leather interior. I'd want to treat the car as well as anyone's ever treated a car, too...but I couldn't afford tons of repairs or a lot of fix-up work.
Also - any estimation on what the prices are going to be like in a year? I go to school in a wintry area (Ithaca, NY), so I'm thinking about waiting until I graduate in May to buy it.
Thanks so much.
Make sure you add an extended warranty (third party) that covers the turbocharger. You wouldn't want to pay for any of that out of your pocket.
If you wait until May, you might be in the range of a 1998 model.
I would recommend waiting if you can. For a couple reasons: 1) a '98 has an updated wiring harness, 2) it's "newer", 3) the snow will have melted.
But once you start test-driving, you're going to want it NOW!!
Good Luck!
I now own a westminster blue 2001 XJ8 with premium sound, front/back seat warmers and the VDP wood steering wheel and shifter knob. It turns far fewer heads but is a far superior car to the S. The S had a shimmy in the wheel between 65-75 mph that my dealer could not seem to fix (they rotated and balanced the tires every time I brought it up) Also, the "third brake light" developed a vibration the dealer could not seem to get rid of. While I had no problems with this particular issue, the heat fan would come on after the car was turned off about any time the temp. rose above 90 degrees. My dealer said that was normal but my XJ does not do that.
Would I own another S? Yes, but only if I could not get an XJ. The XJ is an entirely different car. Its smoother, quicker, more precise and not plagued with the first 1 or 2 year "ironing the bugs out" process the S apparantly is in at this time.
I certainly do not regret owning my S and it will always hold a very special place in my heart as it truly is a beautiful and classic looking car. But the XJ is the car to own if you're hooked on the Jag experience (IMHO).
Hope this helps, Best Regards.
The S comes with a glass "moon roof" with a sliding blind, the XJ only has the standard metal sunroof.
The S has more cabin space in the front seats. More headroom for sure. I don't know how spacious the rear seating is. Probably on par with the standard XJ frame.
Because the rear seats fold down, the S has more trunk capacity. It looked a little deeper than the XJ to me also.
I test drove both. I was torn over all the space-age gizmos in the S, but I opted for the classic XJ body and bought a VDP.
The XJ has 37.2" of headroom in the front and 36.3 in the rear; the S has nearly an inch & a half more in the front, but only a tenth more in the rear.
The XJ has 57.3" of shoulder room in both the front and rear; the S has an inch less in the front and about a half inch less in the rear.
The XJ loses big time in leg room -- it has 41.2 in the front and only 33.7 in the rear, cramped as we know. The S has 43.1" front and a generous 37.7" rear!
The XJ supposedly holds 12.7 cu ft of luggage while the S has a cu ft less.
The XJ is 6.5" longer than the S, nearly 1.5" wider, three inches lower, and has a wheelbase and inch and a half shorter.
All that said, I've sat in cars supposedly small and felt comfortable, and in others supposed to be much larger and felt tight, so....I guess the facts sometimes don't work out, at least not unless you take them as a whole. By these the S sounds more comfortable, and may be.
On the other hand, the XJ looks like a Jaguar. Some people think the S does, too.
Take care.
Joe W.
You can afford a 96 XJR. Do not buy an Edgy XJR.
Frankly
You can also afford a 98 XJ8, which is, frankly, nearly as good performancewise and overall much better. Insurance will not slaughter you as much either. And no $1,500 set of 15K mile P-Zeros. Also, snow tires are available in two options: $1,500 a set for 17" Snow tires or new wheels and tires.
A thought...
Bill
Just as an aside, do you know what sort of insurance costs I'd be looking at for a 1998 XJ8 as a male with less than 5 years on his license?
Do you think the difference in cost between a 1997 XJ6/VDP and a 1998 XJ8/VDP justifies going up to a 1998 (when I could save some money looking for a 1997)? I wondered about the 8-cylinder.
Thank you for your help,
Seneca
Thanks!
Actually, it sometimes pays to check the price at the dealer. Now, I had to buy a headlight for the 97 XJ6. Collier (Who I intensely dislike): $180 I got it for $130 mail order. Typically I would not have bothered for $50 when its a smashed headlight, ut I could live without the car for a few days and I have my own reasons for disliking the local dealer.
Still, you never know!
Bill
Yes.
Insurance? www.esurance.com
I pay $950 or so per year for the 95 VDP..... I'm 26 and have a clean license. Its; also the only modern car I have insured (I love my dealer plates but having a car insured and registered in my name keeps the DMV Happy).
Bill
Hmm... Color? If its Blue (I assume Sapphire Blue.. the deep Royal Blue) and clean, $21K is a good retail price.
Oh, the rear cupholders and rear reclining seats (Been reading the owner's manual I assume? are available if you live East of the Atlantic Ocean.
NA on the US-Market cars.
Only options were the harman/kardon premium sound system (Does it say "harman/kardon" on the door speakers?) and the "weather pkg" which is traction control and heated seats. Later 96 Production VDPs also had heated rear seats in addition to heated front seats. (It ought to have a CD Changer in the trunk, those were standard on 95-96 VDPs)
Enjoy it!
Bill
My car says my trim code is "SDZ" and I have the oatmeal interior.
Is "AGE" grey?
Thanks
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Yours is BRG/Oatmeal, right?
Bill
We are talking about the interior since the leather would have to match. My interior code on the driver's door says "SDZ".
I was wondering what the AGE color is and if it would match.
Thanks.
I'd ask the dealer on this one to be sure I'm afraid...
Bill
"antelope." Never heard of that one.
Don't think it will match oatmeal either. Oh well. He has it on ebay for $149.95.