Re posted from the X 308 XJ section.


Thanks to you all I am convinced. I drove an XJR. It definitely rings the bell!
So here's my dilemma.
Looking at an'06 XJR with 32000 mi. For around 23K, an '06 Super V8 with 28000 mi. For just under 30K or an '04 XJR with 63000 mi. In the 14K range. All three are like new condition.
Trying to decide if its worth the extra money for just two years newer and 30,000 less mileage.
All three are close to book value but as much as we love them they are very soft now and from what I can tell aren't bringing full boat now days.
I tend to think the two that are higher priced have more potential for depreciation and the one for 14K will depreciate less and hit a bottom just because it's an "R"
Any insight would be appreciated.
2X

 

It depends on what you want, and how you drive.

It has been my understanding that a Super V8 is a LWB XJR with one notch better interior, and "sportier" suspension.

Which is more important to you?

 

Like you, I was searching for something similar. I didn't want to spend over $20K for a 8-9 year old car, but that's because I could do most of the labor myself on what ever breaks. So I found an 04 XJR for $11k with 70K on it, but I knew it needed a little work. So far I've put about $2K in parts in it including upgraded brakes and new tires, but it has taken over a month to get all the parts together and work on it on the weekends. I would say to be cautious about buying an 04 XJR. They can very quickly need expensive repairs related to the supercharger. Since I can do all the work myself I can save a lot on labor. But If you don't plan on doing any labor yourself then I would pay more to get one that is after 04 and with fewer miles.

If you're the type that doesn't like to get your hands dirty, I would recommend getting a Vanden Plas after 06. Feels like a Super V8 inside and the N/A motor is great around town and maintenance is a lot cheaper cause it's a lot less complicated. That 04 XJR with 63K could easily need $5K worth of repairs in the next year or two. But the 06 with 32K might not need anything for the next 3 years.

So you have to ask yourself, do you want to spend like $8-9K more to buy something newer, nicer, cleaner, and in better condition. Or save that move and use it on repairs for the future on an older model. Good think about repairs is that you get to upgrade things at the same time!

 

2006 Super V8 with 28000 mi. is the one I would go with. The supercharger is nice but may not be worth the extra upkeep unless it's really important to you.

My second choice would be the 2006 XJR with 32000 mi. Mainly because the 2004 was the first production year for the X350 and like all other makes had the most issues.

 

XJR vs Super V8 is mostly the extra wheelbase. Personally, the extra length muddies the styling and makes it uncomfortably long in my garage. OTOH, if you plan taller passengers, then the extra length may be worth it, since it's all back seat space.

My '04 'R has had most of the common issues. I bought it with less than 40,000 miles, and expected some expenses. At about 50,000, the idiot coolant runs through the supercharger galley leaked. Seems to be about average, and a LOT of labor. A set of Aeroquip hoses would surely be a nice replacement. It's had two transmission pan (non-replacable filter?) leaks, which I have heard is how you know the filter needs replacing. At about 75,000, it needed front suspension bushings.

I drive mine pretty hard, and in out-of-the-way places. Last trip included the Navajo reservation in Arizona, US 50 across Colorado, Sturgis, SD and environs, then through Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks, plus enough rain in Provo, UT to swamp a BYU football game, and that is REALLY rare. It's got 80,000 now, and I'm happy enough with it to put in a Caldoofy intake tube, and may buy a couple more 'R to put away for later.

 

Thanks for all of the responses.

Just put a deposit on an '07 XJR. One owner, 32,000 miles. Might be getting old (57), but not old enough to pass up the 400 hp. Catching a flight Friday morning to pick it up assuming it was accurately represented. Described as perfect and the pictures support it. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Does anyone know if "premium stereo" implies XM ready?

Thanks,
2X

 

"(and as you might expect from the sig') some motorcycles."

I Bike,
What kind of motorcycling are you in to. I'm a motorcycle fanatic myself!
2X

 

the Super is LWB, so more roomy in the back, and does not have a sports suspension setting.

Because the X350 is roomier than previous jags, the extra space in the back is not really necessary, though quite amusing. Have a look at the pic in my "garage" (it is posed with the front seat rolled forward for maximum effect). It is a bit more difficult to park, if you are in a country where most cars are smaller.

IMO the power of all the V8s is ample, SC or not. The Super is (even) less economical on fuel, if that matters. It is even more of a luxury car, if that appeals.

 

I kind of doubt that anyone buys a Jaguar sedan for economy.

 

"if that matters"

 

Thanks for the responses.
Im happy to report that the XJR I had the deposit on checked out perfectly. It far exceeded my expectations so i pulled the trigger and brought her home.
I'm loving this car.
One thing for sure, it will help to keep the miles down on my XK8!

 

...smooth!!!...

 

It will slowly worm its way into the very depths of your soul.

Congratulations.

 

Looks awesome, especially when looking at the first picture showing the front in full.

Are your park lights working or did the car come fitted with LED globes (Refer to the full frontal picture with lights on)?

 

Magnificent!

 

Seth,
I'll have to check. I'm still trying to find my way around it. Exciting but frustrating yesterday bringing it home a little over 200 miles and not knowing how to work much on it. ( Nav system, stereo, pedal and seat adjustment etc.)

I will take some time today to figure out Bluetooth, Nav system and program the garage door opener and figure out the lights as well.

At 57 I feel like I did when I was a kid and first got my license, just waiting for my Mom to run out of milk so I could drive to the store!
2X

 

Magnificent looking car. Mine looks the same at the front, but is Jaguar Racing Green. I junked the horrible rad grill and bought mesh grilles like yours from Adamesh. Mesh grills really suit these cars.

 

Beautiful acquisition! Drive it in good health fine sir!

 

Wow! You have owned some mighty fine cars for comparison. Nice to hear you like the Jag well enough to be converted. Don't know what year XKR you are planning but I've had two XK8s, a 99 and currently an 06 that I plan to keep forever. Highly recommend.

I was seduced by Jaguars when I was a kid and my Dad had a couple of XKEs.
I can remember at age 15 his friend who was like my second father let me drive his brand new XJ (probably a 70 or 71model) back home from a weekend at the lake about 80 miles away (guess he was ahead of his time by passing the keys after a snoot full of beer). Anyway as we followed my parents home I will never forget how special that car felt to me. The smell, all that wood and the feel of the car stuck with me. I can even remember exactly what the gauges looked like compared to today's.

Recently when I test drove an XJR it was like a flashback to that day. That same feeling returned. This time I'm hoping to savor it for a long time!
2X

 

Nice bro!!!!