Been shopping for an '05/'06 XJ8L for the past few months, not really finding anything (of course that seems to be the way it goes... last spring when I stopped by the dealer on a whim they had 3 or 4 on the lot...)

Anyway, I keep finding 2004 models for sale around me, called to ask the dealer about one I saw recently, he told me "there were no LWB models in 2004." I'm nearly 100% sure I have seen the 2004 brochure and there were LWB XJs, were they just not sold in the US that year? That would narrow down my search criteria.

Thanks,
-Michael

 

Do you really need the long wheelbase version ? All it gives is more room in the rear compartment, rest of car is identical.

 

Yes, the LWB is what sold me on the Jag. I love a car with enough rear seat legroom that I can sit comfortably.

 

I was kind of surprised when I purchased my 2004 Vanden Plas and didn't see any polished-wooden trays on the back of the front seats, but that is indeed because they did not offer a LWB model in 2004.

 

The X350 XJ's didn't offer the LWB versions until 2005, at least in the USA that is. Not sure about the Euro versions.

 

Michael,

In reading your initial thread, it appears you may be limiting your search criteria to what's around at your local dealerships or local area.

Spread your search to be nation-wide and you'll find pretty much what your looking for.

I live in Michigan and 2 weeks ago, purchased a 2009 Jag XJ Portfolio with only 12k on the clock from a reputable dealer in Ohio. They put the car in an enclosed trailer and shipped to me yesterday. Car dealers are able to do this if you simply make it part of the deal. You just have to ask.

Again, if your search criteria is what's around locally, you're limiting yourself to not realizing what is out there.

Nice, low mileage pre-owned LWB models are a dime a dozen if you spread your search criteria and use any one of the following search tools:

The Jaguar site under the pre-owned category, OR
ebay motors, OR
cars.com

 

Mike,

the attached link reflects a list of about 55 XJ models for sale.

If you scroll down or do a sort, you will find several LWB models in 2005// 2006 years.

I believe the Vanden Plas editions are also LWB, so you may want to check those out as well.

Jaguar XJ8 | eBay

 

Wait a minute, you don't drive it?

 

All VDPs are not LWB, I have a short WB with no rear fold-down trays. Does have the Rear Entertainment to keep the kids quiet.
My view on the trays--no trays no mess! The kids are on a permanent "No Food Items" restriction when in the back seat. If they want to eat while riding, they can ride in the other vehicles.

 

Just a warning: this listing/XJ has been for sale for over a year! Looks great but he is asking too much!

Jaguar : XJ Base Sedan 4-Door in Jaguar | eBay Motors


I have been watching this every month to see if he will lower the asking price. He started at $25,000 last year.

 

I highly recommend the picnic trays.

They look great and are a cool feature. They give me a place to put my Grey Poupon when I am eating cheese and crackers and watching TV on the monitors.

 

Thank you all for the replies After some more searching, looks like the LWB model was a late 2004 addition, probably sold as an '05 in the US. Jag-lovers brochures - the 2004 XJ8 [X350] and LWB option choices brochure Strange, I wonder why there was no LWB for the first model year... maybe just a delay in production?

Oh yes, I know I'm limited by only looking locally. I've only been truly ready to buy for about a month or so now, and I'm sure with the holidays that less people are selling right now. Last spring I remember searching cars on Craigslist and falling over XJ8-Ls of every description. As it is, I have 2 cars that are perfectly fine, just tired of the Cadillac and want to find the Jag I've always wanted.

I'm not opposed to buying on eBay or such, but I definitely have to go look at the car in person before buying. I don't want any salt-corroded northern car, or to end up with an eBay special. I went to see a car locally that I found via a Craigslist ad, looked perfect in the photos, but in real life stains all over the upholstery, trunk, headliner, car had terrible vibrations during the test drive. I figure I will give the local searching a little while longer, then expand to further areas.

I recall there's that big dealer in Texas that sells all kinds of Jags, I'm sure they have what I want right now.... ('05-06 XJ8-L in dark blue, silver, or black metallic). No VDP, and I'd prefer not to have the factory navigation system (but that's getting very picky).\

Oh, and no, I don't have a chauffeur But all my friends are 6'+ and often need a car to comfortably take the family on a 500 mile trek between NC and NJ.

 

FWIW, X350 std WB was about the same as X308 LWB. Don't know if that helps or not, you've probably already assessed rear legroom and determined you want the longer one.

 

You have a very good point there--I have test driven a couple LWB models, and seen SWB in the dealer lots, but I have not really sat in the back of a SWB. I should go do that before I rule them out completely.