Hiya all, newbie here with Jag fever. If you could do it all over again, which XJ would you opt for? An R really appeals but I can't help but think they were all ridden hard like my old M3 was. Better years? Any input will be appreciated.

cheers,

Jeff

 

My recommendation: 2004 or newer. R? Why? The XJR is a wonderful car, but unless you really need that much power, I would go for the standard XJ8. The XJ8 has 300 hp and is more power than you can really use in modern traffic. Also it gets great gas mileage. Try them both for your self then decide. Good luck and welcome to Jaguar fever.

 

I think the opposite is true vs the M3. I agree lots of M3s are pushed hard. However, most people with the R buy them for a wide range of reasons : status, exclusivity, performance if needed, the more aggressive look stock. etc. I dont think ive ever seen one R hot rodded ( except for when i test drove them ) Most are the same people that you see driving XJs just cruising around. If anything id be prepared to burn all that excess carbon out of the motor from the lack of prodding its had.

 

How different is the suspension/steering with the R v. 8?

 

And any real differences in the 03,04,05 models?

 

The greatest change occurred with the 04 model. It was completely new. All aluminium frame and body, with the new 4.2 liter 300hp engine and 6 speed ZF transmission. Many more upgrades to go into. From 04 to date mostly cosmetic changes.

 

Excellent reply, thanks.

Any idea if the steering on the R is markedly better? The last XJ I drove was an 03 so I need to get out there and drive a late model.

And Jag dealers sure reach for a premium over 2ndary or private seller-40-70% more. I guess they can't reveal the depreciation rates to new car buyers on their lots.

 

Jeff, ask yourself what do you want to do with the car? So far I have been very pleased with the available power and handling of the normally aspirated engine. Don't get me wrong, I would enjoy driving an R but I'm not willing to pay the premium for that privilege. Along with the others, I would recommend an '04 or newer.

 

I guess I'm remembering the video game steering of the 03, no feel and way overboosted-like my old 67 Galaxie ragtop. I imagine the 04-08s are more weighted.

And there's a local woman with an green o5 L 33k asking 22k. Sound a tad high? Claims to owe 32k on it.

 

The Super is the best bet. R performance with VDP looks. Not positive, but I think the steering is the same on whole model range XJ's of the same year.

If you're worried about the steering (which is not much lighter than the light M3 steering), perhaps an alignment change or grippier tires will mitigate that? Certainly changing the alignment can make the steering snap back quicker, but finding someone who knows how and what to change may be difficult.

Jag should drive like a Jag...

 

I need to deive an >04 as the last one I drove was an 03. And my M3 was an e36, 2 itereations ago which was deemed the best handling car in the US-the best steering feel/response of any road car I've driven at the time. The later ones were lighten up for God only knows why.

 

And how does an 06 ingreen with everything but video, 41k, for $18-19K sound. Haven't seen it in person but immaculate ave for 2 door dings he claims. I'd like a little less miles, a year or older is fine, and closer to $14-15...

And shock and awe-I just phoned Jag for a quote on extending the warranty 3/75k..$4050! Cheaper than a new trans thogh I imagine.

 

Hi Jeff, by all means go to your local Jag dealer and drive a couple of these cars. Bear in mind they are four door sedans and weigh 3800 to 4000 lbs depending on the model. They handle very well when compared to others in their class but theydon't compare XKE's or even XK8's. The price on the '06 sounds good but like you, I would rather find something with fewer miles. Good luck and good hunting.

 

Agreed on the miles-only8500 left under warranty and the $4000. extension took my breath away. I sat in an 08 today-a client's of mine. Lovely car and yes, a boat sized car but still svelte. Feels smaller inside than it really is like a corvette.

 

yeah that price sounds high jeff, check with other dealers, most set their own price...some see it as a way to make profit, some see it as a way to get a new customer and make money off the warranty servicing itself not the sale of...let them know you will service it there if they give u a fair price...i believe $2500 is more realistic for when i was quoted for them

 

The last M3 I drove was probably an '04 with SMG transmission. The steering was seriously light and did not feel very sporty (compared to my S2000). My friend who owned the M3 actually prefered my S2000 as well (we traded for a weekend). My neighbor did own the model M3 you had and remember it being quite nice; very tight when new. Traded it in for a 911 and that was for sure a step above in steering response and handling. M3 has been tough car to beat in that segment 20 years. It's either you step up to a Porsche, Lotus,or Vette, or step down to S2000or 350z. Each car has it plus or minuses, be it price, quality or looks.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/houseofcharm/M3besthandlingBIG.jpg

 

I can't think of one similarity betwen the 03 and the 04. They are a completely different car, as if they were from different planets. There are no shared parts or systems unless that I know of. I have both types and they drive differently, sound different and look different. To me, the 03 body is prettier, but the 04 is a better driving car, faster and more nimble due to its substantially lighter weight.

 

Lorraine and I went to the car show here in Houston in 2004 and when I saw the new XJ I remarked that it looked like they had simply tweaked last years model. The sales guy working the show overheard that and I thought he would have a heart attack. He carried on for twenty minutes about all the differences.

 

Iown a 2005 SUPER V8 and rest assured this cat is a real pleasure to drive.you will enjoy its awesome supercharged 400 hp power and at the same time feel your inside a luxury learjet , for myself it has it allespecially thenotion that your driving something exclusive.
good luck in your purchase.