Having trouble deciding between 04-06 Jaguar XJ8 (leaning towards the R) or an '01 740iL. Has anybody here owned both that could provide an accurate perspective on the pros and cons of both?

 

Buy a Honda then you will sleep easy.

 

Thanks, but I already sleep pretty damn easy. My wife hates it that I can fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

I found what I am looking for, I just hope it's stays available until I return home. Think the salesman will put it in the back for me? LOL

It's a 76,000 mile, Ebony 2004 XJR with Sand interior. I just hope that I can get the dealer to haggle with me via email till I return to the states.

 

If I had to choose, it would be the XJR. Actually, I have already chosen, since I am running an "R". Over here in Singapore, the BMW is "just another BMW" and since it's reliability here results in the name "Buy More Worries", I don't really see that the BMW as having any advantage. I can't directly compare the "R" to the 740 since I don't have one, but I can tell you that I much prefer the "R" to my wife's Benz 350CLS, which I thought was very nice, until I got my used "R". The CLS is much better for reliability though compared to the "R" as the latter is too rare over here and is not well supported in terms of spares availability.

 

Hmmm... I have to say, seeing a CLEAN 7 series of that vintage is a nice sight. I don't see very many of them here that are actually polished up nice. It seems like most Jags I see driving around (at least the XJs) are kept in much better shape than BMWs of the same vintage.

 

Jag all the way. 7 series is gonna cost a lot to keep in good condition and does not have the looks of the Jag.

 

I still have about 14 days before I get back to the states. I have found a XJR that is just calling to me. I have also found a couple 740i Sports that I really like too. It's going to come down to which one I enjoy being behind the wheel of the most and what is available once I return.

 

The 740i is one of the models I really like. I'm afraid I'll have to go along with the "just another BMW" remark, though.

If that aspect doesn't bother you I'll wager the 740i is a helluva nice car, whatever faults it may or may not have.

Cheers
DD

 

Well, I'm afraid the XJR is out of the question. I called my insurance company for a quote and they told me $1200 for 6 months. No way in hell....

 

What is it for a 740iL?

 

For an 01 740i Sport it is $930, which is still a bit more than I expected but within budget. For my 05 Magnum RT and 01 Z28 I pay just a bit over $800. I'll have to check and see what a XJ8 is, although I was really wanting to feel and hear that supercharged 4.2.

 

I have owned both cars I have a 2004 xjr and I had a 740il and a 740il sport...My first was a 1999 and the 2nd was a 2001...I can tell that the Bimmer has a strong engine but has mild electrical issues like window actuators,and front passenger seat sensor issues..The upper and lower part of the engine is strong also...I never had a issue with the driver train,and I put 88k miles on mine with 3 years...I never had a crankshaft seal leak,but I have seen that happen on several with about 125k miles..As for the XJR...OK ITS WELL BUILT...but at the same time it has some issues to beware of..The u joints will go out in the rear i would say depending on how youi drive it50-60k miles...Also the hub bearing also goes out at times...The air suspension is pretty sturdy depending on how many pot holes you hit..lol the biggest issue for me is the sc design and egr valve removal....THATS A HEADACHE!Not saying it goes out,I am saying if you wish to repl,ace a simple knock sensor,or intake gasket or absolute manifold pressure plate,This is a VERY difficult job.I have seen master Jag techs struggle to do this job...Case and point the Jag will be more expensive to repair,but is leeps ahead of the bmw as far as performance is concerned..I have two Jaguars now...both 2004 vanden plas and my xjr which I have pictures posted of each...the Vanden plas has been a great car...both have 125k plus miles...I did have to replace the TCM in the vanden plas...but I just cant find anything to match the Jags' ride with the comfort shock package.I hope this helps...

 

I'd get the XJR in a heartbeat,there's too many BMW on the road and it takes away there exclusivity