I have been reading the various tech and opinion articles for awhile, and finally decided to join as I have narrowed my choice between an 03 and 04 XJ8. This is where I would like to get some guidance from those who know. Both XJ8s have similar maintenance history, the 03 has 89k miles and is $6k, the 04 has 115k miles and is $6.6k. I will handle all of the mechanical issues myself, (short of engine and trans tear-downs), so my labor is cheap. Aesthetics aside, which of the 2 would be the better bang for the buck, long and short term? Thanks in advance for any help I can get above and beyond what I have already read previously posted.

 

Welcome! All things equal, lower mileage wins in my book. You may get better feedback if you check on the models forum...

XJ ( X350 & X358 ) XJ6 / XJ8 / XJR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Thanks on all 3 counts! I figured I would intro myself and explain the TBD for model ID while asking a question. To be honest I am leaning towards the 03 because of the mileage as well, but figured if anyone knew why that wasn't the way to go they would be somewhere on this forum.

 

Welcome to the forum jloktalGst,

Good to have you here with us at Jaguar forums.

I can see you've asked the question in X350 tech section and should get a bunch of replies over the weekend from members who own that model. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top of the tech section is also a good place to start looking for info on regular issues.

It's a balance between the obvious attraction of the lower mileage and the benefits of a later Model Year. You will no doubt get opinions both ways but the most important thing when assessing any Jaguar is the Service History.

1. ideally serviced by a Jaguar dealer and always at the scheduled interval. This is on a time or mileage basis, whichever comes first and any gaps should be questioned very closely.
2. Warranty - check for major repairs and recalls.
3. Accident damage - any signs or record of major repairs

You can also visit the US Southwest Region section by following this link Southwest US - AZ TX NM OK - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the search for your Jaguar and enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

The 04 has an all aluminum body and gets better gas mileage.

BTW Those are great prices, no matter which one you get!

 

Thanks for confirming what I thought about the prices.

 

welcome to the forum

 

Maybe you already did this, jloktalGst (are you from Iceland??) but have you considered whether you want long or short wheelbase? Are the picnic tables in the back something you want? Do the V8s have enough power for you or should you drive an XJR just to be sure?

Just saying. It would be a shame to buy a good car, even at a good price, then later discover you would have preferred a different version.

Personally I prefer the styling of the 2003. "Better bang for the buck" is a really hard question to answer. GGG is right about service history. If you are satisfied with the condition of both cars, buy the one that excites you more.

 

Welcome to the forum JloktalGst,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.

 

Hey there and welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

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