Hello Sages, Gentlemen and Gear Heads,

I am shopping hard for a x350 and found several that I like. I have to start out by thanking the forum collective, the information on possible issues, what to look out for when purchasing and repair info is outstanding. It is priceless to have this volume and quality of data at our disposal.

Here is my question. Is it better to purchase a higher mileage 2004 with 81k with extensive service records or a lower mileage 63k 2004 with partial records.

Cars for Sale: 2004 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas in Littleton, CO 80121: Sedan Details - 419854509 - Autotrader

or

Cars for Sale: 2004 Jaguar XJ8 in Mesa, AZ 85215: Sedan Details - 416059703 - Autotrader

Yes the easy answer is records, records records. However is a 20k to 30k mileage difference in the speedometer that big a deal with regards to wear and tear?

Both cars look to be in excellent shape, a PPI will give us more information but what are your thoughts on the mileage vs. records debate?

Thanks,
Griff

ps. I know the first car is a VP and the second one is not

 

Given that there's no real maintenance due before 100K miles other than oil and filter changes, I'd go for the lower mileage car, all other things being equal.

 

When these cars were younger the Sat Nav was a desirable option but I don't

know how much difference it makes these days.

Normally I would go for the lower mileage every time but since the other one

has the sat nav it's a personal descision.

All my life I have bought low mileage cars from private sellers and it has worked out well.

 

personally I go for records. Both are low miles considering their age.

The available carfax on the high mileage car shows no replacement or repair of the air struts or suspension bushings. Good news or impending doom? Those two repairs are a bit of a money pit even at today's prices.

They're obviously different models.

The base model XJ8 has lower miles and a private retail worth of $3290 kbb.

The VDP has the higher miles and a private value of $5200 kbb.

I would assume I'll have to replace all bushes @ 12 years old (it's not just the mileage, it's the age.)

I'd set aside a 50% expense for replacing 2 of the 4 air shocks, or plan on it.

Both require a transmission flush. $700 +/- if you use a dealer, half that if you DIY.

With or without records, both cars are over priced @ their respective miles.

If I was a complete DIY (and I am), I'd still chase the one with the records and nowhere near the asking price. My two cents.

 

My own experience is that I bought an X350 at 7 years old with 30k miles on it and thought I had got an absolute bargain, (it cost £10k).

However, after having to whack out quite a bit of money on several things I do have the contrary thought that a higher mileage car of the same year might have served me better. This is because the first owner would have driven the car more miles, and any problems and issues that came up would have been fixed under warranty. Instead I fixed them at my own expense !

A bit contrarian, eh ? However in your choice the miles are enough on either car to show up issues during the warrany period. The Vanden Plas has more goodies, such as the large-screen satnav. It all depends on what the service and maintenance shows. At either mileage I would expect some replacements on the suspension bushes and the air suspension compressor would likely have been replaced by now.

 

I really don't think it matters. Luxury cars are hit or miss. Just pick one, pray, and set aside some money for repairs.

 

I am currently going through this myself, as I am considering a move from New Zealand back "home" to the US.

The conundrum: The first two are 2007s, the third is a 2006, all beautiful
-$14,000, red and 66k miles.

-Green, 79,125 miles, historically serviced at dealer, $12,000.

-101k miles, a bonnie blue, $11k

All three are coming out of retiree territory (AZ and coastal Florida) and look like the babied darlings of moneyed retirees.

Decisions. Decisions.

 

Thank you for your opinions. I value experienced individuals. I think either way they are priced a bit high and I will have to budget for repairs.

The VP is nicely optioned and is a local car so i can go over and take a look at it when I get back from a small golfing vacation I have planned in FL this weekend.

The lower mileage car is in AZ not far from my home in CO. This car has some appeal due to the lower mileage and dryness of the AZ weather.

I will continue to read and learn about these beautiful machines. Thanks much for your input.

Regards,
Griff