I ended up trading in my 2006 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas about a month ago. Got a 2012 Ford Mustang V6, which I really do enjoy. However, I did this switch primarily as a cost saving (cash flow) measure, as I also traded in a 2011 Honda Insight which I was using to reduce the costs of driving an enormous number of miles on the Jag (I was driving maybe 1500-2000 miles a month).

I had interviewed with a company a couple months ago and was told that I was overqualified, and assumed that the prospect of finding a job there was over. But I was wrong--last week they offered me a job, which I gladly accepted. On top of the pay being almost 20% more than my current salary, the position is only a couple miles away from my home versus over 25. So I expect the price of gasoline and repairs to be very small.

Well anyhow, I wouldn't say I'm necessarily having seller's remorse--I think that my old Jag was a little too much for me to handle (was going to need new tires, I was also afraid of air suspension problems, had a shimmy in the power steering that I just couldn't get rid of). But I do believe I want another one. I was thinking about a used 2007+ S-class, but they are far too expensive for what you get. Now I am thinking of a X358 (2008-2009) XJ, perhaps another Vanden Plas or perhaps one with a rear climate control and/or entertainment system. Someone tell me I'm not crazy!

The only thing that is really going to be troublesome for me is that right now I am pretty upside down on my current vehicle (I bought it brand new) and I had some negative equity on the Jag I traded in (I underestimated the effect that accident history would have on a trade-in value!). So I will probably have to wait a little while. But I promise you, I will be back!!!

 

Jag or no Jag Alan, drop in anytime.

 

MMMMmmmm..... maybe it's just me, but the facelifted X358 just looks so good to me in black. It kind of lessens the bubble look in the rear window and makes it have a more aggressive stance. Also think the wheel options are much better for the X358.

Of course, I'd have to have a leaper installed!




versus....

 

Hey Alan, CONGRATULATIONS on the job. I hope it works out for you.

Please stick around, or we will miss your valuable contributions.

I know I risk being shot to pieces, but NO LEAPER on a modern Jag, they look wrong. IMHO.

Now then, chat up your new boss and get them to sort you a company car (Jag of your choice of course), we'll give you a reference as to your enthusiasm and dedication, ability to help others, knowledge of how to save the company money on maintenance.

Heck they will wonder how they could ever have managed without you by the time we have finished.

All the best, friend.
Richard

 

Haha, thanks Richard. I sold the car a month ago, but I have still been sticking around. The big cat keeps clawing back at me.

About the leaper on a modern Jag, I think I would draw the line at the X358. The 2010+ absolutely CANNOT have a leaper, but I think the X358 could benefit from one. I'm guessing they just removed it due to pedestrian safety laws.

 

I love the 351's lower front bumper piece styling, but the upper grille has soured on me. I have also grown to dislike the side gills: they look gaudy. And the lack of a leaper seals it for me. The 350 is the best looker.

I used to sneer at the rear window, and the rear quarter treatment. Somehow, the word "Buick" would creep into my awareness when contemplating the rear quarter profile. Lately, however, I've grown to strongly prefer my '05's styling over all other XJ's, except for maybe the mid '70's XJ12's.

Alan, I hear you about the fear of high costs. I have a similar situation as your new one. I live around 5 miles from my employer, and drive less than 20 miles per day. With a 65K mile car, I'm thinking my maintenance costs will be pretty low.

I hope you find the car that's best for you. I will tell you this: patience in the world of car buying is a huge virtue.

 

If I were doing it over again, the only thing I would change...I would find a Super8 in the 2005-2007 model years...of course it would be green...

 

Hey Al, congrats on the new job, but it's a shame you're Jag LESS these days my friend.

I do hope you get whatever model you want and soon should you decide to come back into the light.....lol

either way, you're always welcome here

 

Congrats on your new job, you can buy a jag anytime , picking up a right one should be more important for you .
Well, there is nothing wrong W221 S Class Mercedes Benz but parts are expensive as you already hinted . Hey, what's wrong with W212 E Class ? This is the best E Class in both styling and quality wise .

 

Too bad I don't have any of this "patience". I've been through 3 cars in the last year alone!

 

It's true that I can buy a Jag anytime, but the clock is ticking because the days of classic and timeless Jaguar styling are over. And later X350s with low miles are getting harder and harder to find, especially with the goodies I want. (I must have a Bluetooth stereo and an AUX input--something my old Jag was lacking!

The W212 just doesn't really do it for me. For some reason when it comes to luxury, I only like flagships. Go big or go home!

 

BTW the cheap fender vent is not so bad if it's body colored and not chromed.

 

Does anyone have any idea what kind of credit score will qualify someone for the 0.9% financing they are offering on Select Edition Jaguars? I'm pretty sure I'd qualify but I don't want to go in there and look like a damn fool...

 

Alan. I went from a 2001 XJR to a 2008 XJR. It took a little getting used to but the car has turned out to be one of the best one I have had. They changed the front end design on the 08 and that sold me. The entertainment system in the back is nice but does not get used much. The 08 has a little more pep than the 01's I had. Does anyone know why this forum skips 2008 models?

 

including the big price tag!

Jaguar : XJ | eBay

"There are many additional upgrades in the vehicle like NAV TV which enables the navigation screen to double as a television screen with inputs from a dvd player, as well as connectivity for an iPod, iPhone or iPad. There is also a Jaguar iPod audio interface in addition. The factory rear entertainment system can run independently from the front video system via the 6 disc dvd player in the trunk or can run in sync with the front video system with the flip of a switch. There is also a Sirius Satellite system installed in the vehicle. I have recently replaced the tires with Pirelli P-Zero low profile racing tires and it has the upgraded 20" Cepang wheels. This is the ultimate find for the real Jaguar enthusiast."

 

Haha, that's way out of my price range, unfortunately. It does look awesome, though!.

 

Cool Alan, 3 days in from the start of this thread and you are already asking about finance for a new model.

It must be love.

 

Hahaha, yeah. It's pretty reckless, I know!

 

Just go for it

 

Is that leaper really that goofy?