Well, after much personal deliberation I've finally decided trade in my XJ. I feel like I'm having my dog put down...

The list of things needing to be repaired was building and I'm not willing to spend the money for a six year old car. The air compressor needs to be replaced ($2,000?), the fuel gauge needs Viagra ($1,800 to replace both sensors), the gear shift lever needs to be replaced ($600), my transmission hunts more than I care to deal with (torque converter - $2,500), and my power window switch isn't working correctly ($$?). Add it up and it's a little less than the car is probably worth. Doubtful that I'll be jumping into another XJ; I'm not a big fan of the new ones, and I'm not getting another used one.

Decisions, decisions!

Thanks to all for your help and info. It's saved me some money and hassle.

 

Mike
I can relate. The repair cost are really high on these cars. I hope you find something you like. Just remember that the best car you can get is the one you like.

 

Sorry to hear you are moving on. I also don't know if I would consider the current crop of Jags as they've lost their distinctive styling (IMHO). Good luck.

Just curious, but what are you considering?

 

Believe it or not I'm considering a Japanese car (Lexus, Infiniti, etc.). As boring as they may be I've gotten a little tired of being at the dealership every couple of months for stupid stuff. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are not likely to be much different than Jaguar. I had a loaner from the Jag dealer (XF standard model) for a couple of days when they were replacing my AC unit last summer; it was such a fun car to drive however one of the windows wasn't operating properly - and the car was brand new. So it's the year 2010 and they still can't deliver a car that works 100% as it should on day one. It's a bit disappointing.

My thinking was to lease a Japanese car for daily driving and perhaps in a year or so - after I've forgotten about the potential repair bills - pick up a used XK as a second car. I'd probably be much happier if I didn't have to drive it every day; less mileage, less wear and tear.

Out of all of the luxury cars out there I think the XF and XK are two of the nicer looking ones. I'll probably come back at some point. I really like my car and I'm not happy about letting it go.

 

Yikes - those are some scary numbers - assuming from a Jag dealer, do you have any good private shops around that would no doubt charge less? Curious also how many miles on your car, and how many on it when you bought it? I have 50k on mine and while I don't drive it every day, or even most days, I refuse to sink that kind of money into a car. Especially after my '05 TL that didn't cost a penny in 150k miles (other than tires and oil changes)

 

Despite living in a rather densely populated suburban region on the skirts of Philadelphia I've been unable to find a local shop that actually has the proper diagnostic equipment to work on these cars. They claim to do it however they lack the experience and expensive computer equipment. There are four dealerships withing about an hour drive, so there are plenty of Jags around; I've been surprised that I can't find a local shop with the right tools.

I bought the car with 27,000 on the clock and it now has 68,000. Most of the problems have crept up since about 55,000. Try not to let that scare you however, a good friend of mine has 185k on an 04 XJ8 and has only replaced his radiator - nothing else. Though his air suspension light has been coming on recently. His good experience with the car is what prompted me to get one.

That Acura you mention sounds like exactly what I need to be driving for a few years. Something that is relatively hassle free.

 

My friend Jaguars are like Vegas girls ... beatiful and glamourous ... but of little vertues. Also in your part of the world labour and spareparts are expensive. I don't blame you .... I am sure you will find a new love.

 

Yes it remains to be seen if I was an idiot or not for trading in the Acura. Literally like new in & out at 150k miles.....I just happened to fall in love with my Jag as I was driving past the Jag dealer. My TL is so nice the Jag dealer has it on their front row! And judging by the Accord SE i had years ago that was also like new at 199k, Honda is a pretty safe bet.
4 Jag dealers is amazing - I only know of one around here, same one that's been here all my life, and happens to be just a couple blocks from work.

 

I was warned by my service tech at the jaguar dealer to avoid 04 XJs when I asked about them in consideration of a second jag in the garage. He said for some reason (most likely the first year for the model) the 04 XJ has a noticeably higher frequency of attendance in the service department than any others. So when I am looking, the 06 and up is my preference. Just consider that when trading it in.

On a side note, the 07-08 acura RLs are catching my eye more and more. The only thing I WISH it had was some wood on the steering wheel. It sure is a pretty car.

anyway, good luck whichever direction you take!

 

The AWD RLs began with the 2005 model year - the "Super Handling" AWD is quite advanced, and I agree the styling is aging well. I almost forgot I used to have an RL as well - a 2000 model - and it was a really nicely put together car. Much more in the Mercedes/Lexus luxury style and not at all sporty like the 05-up, but I still really liked it. If it had been RWD it would have been just about perfect.

 

Here you go - wood wheel:

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ctd/2084236417.html

 

Thats a real head turner.

 

Japanese cars are supremely bland. If you want a more upscale Honda, then Acura fits the bill. Of the Japanese, I think Lexuses are the classiest. Probably the only one worth buying is the LS430/460.

This Jag is the first daily driver I've had that hasn't been Japanese.