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I have a 2002 XJ8 Sovereign LWB with the 3.2 V8 with 155,xxx ks - looking to sell.
Now, this car was an import from Hong Kong, it came to Aus back in 2009. I had a few interested parties, but when I spoke to one guy, he said "if it's imported, I'm not even interested" - can someone please explain why people are so anti-imported jags to Aus?
I clarified that it was looked over by a highly respected Jag mechanic here in Vic, and he said it was in very good condition, engine, trans and all. But he still wanted nothing to do with it.
It also has a full service history, both from here, and overseas. It was serviced by a specialist Jaguar mechanic in Hong Kong.
I couldn't find any information on this issue that people have, so can someone please shed some light on this? Thought I'd also upload some photos for you all, if you were interested.
Its really just a mindset thing , just my opinion. Its a bit ridiculous when you are talking about a 19 year old car.
The usual meme phrase is "grey import" something the dealers will not support as it doesn't come through their channel. Some also fear availability of spare parts for country/region specific options. In reality after 19 years none of these are very relevant, its probably just that you have been exposed only to purist and non mechanical capable buyers so far.
A small example, I bought a BMW E30 some years ago that started as a Japanese car. The owner was then assigned to Singapore, a couple of years later daughter is being educated in Oz and needs a car so he send it here. I buy it from the daughter as she finishes her course, enjoy it, give it love , probably one on the best small cars I have owned. Never had a service /parts issue with it. Wish I had kept it.
The Jag Club ******* are not your market, dont worry about it, just keep offering it at a realistic price and the buyer will come.
"if it's imported, I'm not even interested" is quite a sweeping statement for anyone to make. All Jags in this country are imported!
Some people have a curious insecurity about grey imports, as if somehow they represent sub-standard build quality for other markets. Of course, all Jags emanate from the same stable, although Yarpos is right in citing that possible minor spec variations between markets do exist and I agree this is barely (if at all) relevant in respect of spares and servicing on your 2002. One thing you might consider exploring is if your car has any factory options or features built in for the HK market that were not included in the same AU delivered model. Might be none, but if they exist they could be selling points for those who want to own something unique.
Its a lovely Sovereign and a fine looking car. As jagent mentioned check and see if there're any appealing options, in fact any options. It surprises me how many ads I see that make no mention of factory options the original owner ticked at purchase. To me as a buyer factory options are a selling point.
Also this car may have been very well cared for. Get hold of a meter and check the paint thickness, if nice and thick, rave about it. Its unlikely it was garaged in HK but that was only the first 7 years of its life. It may have been garaged here since and had lots of love.
Jaguar like many others went to water based paints many moons ago. I'm convinced the old solvent based paints lasted years longer here in Australia. UV damage kills everything, especially here. But on water based paints, enough sun burn here and eventually the paint will 'split', causing small cracks. Can't paint over this, has to go back to bare metal. If a car of this vintage has been out in the street all its life it will likely have evidence of this, if always garaged here, probably still good.
Good luck.
I'd say a LWB Jag probably was garaged in HK. It's history could also be a good selling point e.g. was it a diplomatic vehicle? A limo for a 5 star hotel? Maybe a bank CEO's chauffeured chariot? In a region where driving opportunities are very limited, a luxury LWB isn't a typical grocery getter.
Another point of attraction is its year. 2002 was nearing the end of the XJ8's run, pretty rare and more desirable than the earlier '98-'99 models as the gremlins had been sorted out.
Could the OP tell us where is this car currently advertised? Not on Carsales, as far as I can see.
I'd say a LWB Jag probably was garaged in HK. It's history could also be a good selling point e.g. was it a diplomatic vehicle? A limo for a 5 star hotel? Maybe a bank CEO's chauffeured chariot? In a region where driving opportunities are very limited, a luxury LWB isn't a typical grocery getter.
Another point of attraction is its year. 2002 was nearing the end of the XJ8's run, pretty rare and more desirable than the earlier '98-'99 models as the gremlins had been sorted out.
Could the OP tell us where is this car currently advertised? Not on Carsales, as far as I can see.
Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for your responses.
This car is advertised on Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree.
One of the problems with "imported jaguars" was the source of the import. Many second hand Jags got imported from the United Kingdom (UK) and they were a problem as the salted roads really gave the rust worm and cancer a chance to get established. In around 1990 I acquired a 1980 series 3 Daimler that turned out to have been imported. I still have the car having waged a war on rust and poor paint. The other day I went to replace the brake hoses and had real problems with corroded metal fittings.
On the other hand I have a 1998 X308 which was a Hong Kong car that was exported to New Zealand and subsequently brought to Australia. It has none of the corrosion problems and is in quite good order. I did replace the timing chains and guides and put on a new air conditioning compressor. This car does not have cruise control or remote central locking. I have now listed it on Gumtree at $9500 as I just have to reduce the size of my fleet. Having 6 Jaguars is a bit obsessive.
Bill Mac
1957 MK1
1960 MK2
1980 S3 Daimler
1994 X300
1996 X300
1998 X308
"if it's imported, I'm not even interested" is quite a sweeping statement for anyone to make. All Jags in this country are imported!
Some people have a curious insecurity about grey imports, as if somehow they represent sub-standard build quality for other markets. .
I don't think people are concerned about build quality, it is obvious they all come from the same origin (at least for Jaguar, not always true of other makes).
However, not only are there differences in some cases between actual parts but also in things like emissions and related electronic systems which can make things difficult. Plus, cars from places such as the UK, Hongkong and osome other locations suffer much differently as a result of their climate, use of salt on roads etc. I have spent some time in the UK and looked at Jaguars over there, while interiors are not subect to the high levels of UV we get here the body, electricals and cosmetics suffer severely from the effects of climate and salt. The rustiest cars I have ever seen are from Hongkong though. I inspected a very low mileage Rolls Silver Spur and while it looked beautiful and had great service records, it was just a collection of rust sections held together by bits of intervening metal.
I am not suggesting your car is a rustbucket, but the overall risks tends to put people off, me included.
However, I do own an ex UK 1978 XJS. It was rebuilt here in Australia after being a Customs siezed car. But the emissions systems are not the same as on Australia cars and that V12 fuel and ignition system is complex enough as it is. It has a vacuum advance distributor unlike the vacuum retard of the Aus models which I only discovered once my vacuum module died - mind you, it performs a bit better than the Aus ones. After some help from the internet I was able to source one though my then father in law in the UK who had contacts and get it sent out to me. I know you can buy parts in the US and UK but you have to know the different requirements.
More modern cars with sophisticated electronics can pose greater problems. I have two modern VW/Audi group products which I maintain myself (including use of brand specific software) which are thankfully really reliable only having a couple of issues in many kms. But it takes some work to be certain a part as simple as a sensor (which may be very expensive or even unavailable here from the dealer or aftermarket) is the correct one and can be programmed to work with your systems. It isn't quick to check these things or import parts when required. Luckily I have a choice of vehicles.
So I understand the reluctance as the bits that are not common are something you may only need very occasionally, but when you do they really matter.
Powerd, when time permits please place an intro in the Mew Members Section where you will receive a warm welcome.
I will also add you to the NSW Roll….just follow the link below.
Jaguars bought in from overseas
