Originally Posted by derrunner

I looked at an '05 XJ8 for $14k and it was a POS - not cared for at all. I then looked at an '05 VP at a Porsche dealer for $18.9k and 69k miles - the ladyowner had paid cash for it new and it was her car - she traded it in on a new Panera - must be rough. Anyway, I found it, well, I can't quite put a word to it - maybe too over the top for me with the wooden trays in back, etc. I felt like the Queen of England should be in back. LOL. Beautiful car and very well taken care of - but maybe not sporty enough for me. I am sure I could get a good deal from the dealer. But, alas, back to the '05 XJR with 63k and warranty for 10 more months. It's a one owner and he is asking $18.9k. I don't know where all these people find the good deals on these cars - prices seem to be pretty firm for the better examples down here in Texas.

Originally Posted by V7Goose

Just my opinion here, but fair prices and which model years may or may not be a good choice are often greatly colored by the buying decisions that someone has ALREADY made - for example, if they paid $10,000 for an 04, then it wouldn't be too surprising to have them tell you that not only is the 04 a great choice, but $10,000 is a great price.

I had to replace my 2000 XJ8 two years ago after it was totaled. I spent about 6 months looking for what I wanted. Back at the BEGINNING of 2010, I felt that $10,000 for a 2004 XJ8 VDP with close to 100,000 miles was a fair price, but only if the car was in excellent shape. I actually passed on two of those at that price because they were just in "good" shape. There is an extraordinary independent Jag specialist here in the DFW area that I use and trust, and much of my opinion on these cars comes as much from my own experience owning them as from their inspections and discussions with me about the cars I was considering.

Back then, I was just learning about the X350 platform, so I was considering them all. I eventually bought a pristine 2007 XJ8 in the spring of 2010 for about $25K. Personally, from what I know now, I would not consider an 04 XJ8 at all, and only an 05 if the price was fantastic. But hey, that is just my opinion, and all the owners of those years are free to say how wrong I am!

Now here is my suggestion - go to this web site: Used Mercedes Benz | Jaguar | Land Rover | Texas Cars Direct, Dallas, TX and look at their inventory. They specialize in Jags, and they have an excellent reputation. They do not haggle on prices, so they have not jacked them up first - their prices are very fair, so if you want to see what you SHOULD be willing to pay for a specific model or year, that will give you the best information. They buy and sell cars nation wide, even though the buyers are responsible for arranging any shipping. The good news for you is that you are actually close enough to just drive up there if you happen to see something you like (assuming your Austin is Austin, TX). But the main reason I suggest them to you is just to answer your original question about what is a fair price.

If you do see something you are interested, the independent shop I like so much is very close, so it is easy to get an expert opinion. In fact, I would be happy to go over there and take a car to the shop for a detailed inspection for someone who can't be here to do it themselves. Their cars do tend to move fast, so if you see something that looks good, do not think about it too long.

Good luck in finding what you want!