Hi Jag Enthusiasts,

I'm both new to the forums and new to Jag ownership. I just acquired a 2003 XJ8 Vanden Plas with 134,000 miles. I bought it as a "beater" for cash as a stop gap measure until I was ready for a car payment again, but honestly, I've had it two days and like it so much, I find myself wanting to keep it forever. Hence my interest in the knowledge here - I want to take good care of and preserve the car as long as I can.

The thing that I'm impressed with the most is just how flat the car corners and how precisely it handles given the softness of the ride. It floats when you want it to, and its controlled when you want it to be. I don't know how Jag managed to make it melt bumps like a Caddy but handle like a Bimmer. Truly. I am impressed and shocked at just how much I don't miss my 5 series.

And, of course, it is a knock-out aesthetically. My car is navy blue with a light cream interior--probably my favorite combination. Since it is a Vanden Plas, it has the wood steering wheel, tray tables, and sheep skin floor mats. It is ridiculously beautiful. And it is in impeccable shape. Here's to hoping 'she' has tons of life left in her. I look forward to the miles ahead; I already have a few questions/problems I'm hoping to get some advice on.

~Chris

 

Welcome to the forum Chris,

Good to have you with us.
For help and advice head for the tech section XJ ( X308 ) XJ8 / XJR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum and don't forget to look in your regional section Southwest US - AZ TX NM OK - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Enjoy the forum.

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

 

Welcome to this friendly forum Chris and thanks for the interesting intro.
Hopefully you're now completely cured of your BM addiction!
Follow Norri's links for advice and help and enjoy your membership here

 

Welcome to the forum Chris,

Great colour combination - I rarely stray from the various shades of blue with ivory trim!

Follow Norri's link to the tech section for help, advice and information.

Enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Thanks for the warm welcome. I have already gotten some great advice on the issues I posted about in the forum specific to my model. How invaluable!

Steveinfrance, ha, indeed. I think I am "cured". I did enjoy my 5 series, but I sold it due to the repair/maintenance costs. I averaged $5,000 per year in just repairs (that's not maintenance) for each of the 3 years I owned it (and it was only 4 years old with 40K miles when I purchased it). What's interesting to me is that Jag seems to have this reputation for being more problematic (which the resale value substantiates), and yet the research I have done doesn't seem to back that claim. Plus, I seriously doubt much will be more costly than the BMW I had. Could I have just stumbled into a well-kept secret? I have high hopes for my Jag.

Plus my wife likes it better too. She always thought the Bimmer was a little too hard - firm seats, firm ride, etc. I think the Jag will be a better fit for us. It's a little softer without compromising handling, and the looks can't be beat. It has a little less "whizbang" in the electronics department compared to my old Bimmer, but the funny thing is, I don't miss that stuff at all. This is just a really likeable car all around.

Chris

 

Chris,

Jaguars have a bit of a reputation for "whizbang in the electronics department" but probably not in the way you mean.

Graham

 

Hi Chris, welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

Why not share a pic or two of your ride?

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