Unfortunately, my XF was involved in a minor accident which requires a new hood. There was an ornament on the old hood when I purchased it which I liked.

Typically, I sell my cars privately and, thinking further down the line, I'd like your opinion on whether I should replace the ornament on the new hood. Is it a positive, negative, or neutral re-sell point to have the Jaguar leaper on the hood of this vehicle (given that it was not there initially)?

Appreciate your comments.

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2011 Silver Jaguar XF Premium (22K miles)

 

For resale, much better without it. Buyers can very easily decide to drill holes in their hood to add a leaper, but they can't easily take one off and fill the holes.

Never good to scare away a large chunk of buyers by pimping your ride with non-reversible items.

 

Hood ornament was a negative when I was shopping. However if you like you could get it and enjoy it and when it comes time to sell put it in the ad that you will pay to fill it if they want. Personally I love the leaper but it doesn't work with modern Jag hoods.

 

I would still buy your car but with a credit for removing the leaper later on.

 

It's not a minor body shop job to fill and paint the hood. You'd have to paint the whole hood to get it to look right, and then you have to hope the body shop does a good job so the paint matches.

Why would any seller bother with that when there are many of these cars for sale at any time??

 

Eh, ok I withdraw my offer.

 

Plus, the new XF has an aluminum hood. Not easy to fill unless someone uses bondo or epoxy. The aluminum does not take kindly to heat so using the metallic filler or welding like the old days won't work.