42 here and we own 2 Jags, wifey drives the 04 XJ8 and I drive the 06 VandenPlas. Tell ya what, for a 4 yrs old car, the VDP still turns heads. Gotta watch the speed though...it's easy to get ticketed, never feel the speed. Oh so smooth ride....

 

because with age comes wisdom ps im a young 34 !

 

Us oldies like the XJ Jaguar style established by the founder of the company, Sir William Lyons in 1968, not this avant garde stuff ! Anyway, I didn't have a cent until recently so could not afford one.

 

When I see an X350 XJ in black, I really don't see the "old grandpa car" that other people seem to see. Definitely I can see it if it were light blue or gold, maybe even silver (have I offended enough Jag owners on here yet? ), but not black!

In black, it looks like the classiest thing on four wheels. See the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKysEIVJfBs

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEqvKUtb4-Q

Evidence that they're not just for old people! Makes me feel a little bit better.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9_UE7AouhE

They aren't for old people. I feel like im 12 when I drive one

 

Agh... I just saw a black one on 66 today in stop and go traffic. It really stands out from everything else. It just looks so dang graceful!

 

Because we spent our youth introducing the world to the XKs, E-Type, XJS and XJ cars. If you are lucky you will get to pioneer something 1/2 as magical and satisfying.

Of course, in your later years you will have to deal with a new generation of youth who discount all your achievment and experience. You will handle it just as gracefully as we have, because age and money gives you that edge.

 

Well, I test drove a 2008 Jaguar XJ8-L. It was what I expected. I was left feeling a little bit underwhelmed. Normally when I drive a car that I am really interested in, I get really giddy! Nevertheless, I want one!

Compared to my 1997 Lexus LS400, the car rides just as smoothly (I don't know why you guys complain about the air suspension), and is just as quiet, if not quieter. It is quite a bit faster, too, although not overwhelmingly fast. It does squeal the tires on takeoff, though, which is nice!!! The steering, in my opinion, is on the somewhat light side, but I find this to be appropriate in a luxury cruiser (I know a lot of editorial reviews criticized the steering feel). Also, the button layout is pretty nonsensical (I'm a young guy, so give me a day or two and I'll be used to it), and maybe it was just the car I was driving, but the radio reception SUCKS! The car feels absolutely enormous, which is great inside. But when trying to pull into a parking spot, I got the feeling that this isn't really a personal-sized luxury car.

However, this car absolutely drips with character. The interior, although somewhat outdated, feels very sumptuous and made me feel like royalty. And the exterior! On my test drive, I drove over to the Mercedes dealership and watched my own reflection in the glass windows. This car is absolutely gorgeous, and the proportions are just classic British luxury. Very very classy!

The car was not a Vanden Plas model, and it did not have a headrest DVD entertainment system, nor did it have a 4 zone climate control system. But to be honest, I was surprised that I really wasn't missing these options at all. The only thing I wish there was is a MPG computer (maybe there was and I just couldn't find it).

My fears of it being an old man's car have been put to rest. Actually, it may still be an old man's car, but I think it turns heads, especially in black. A 2006-2007-ish Jaguar XJ is definitely on my radar. I will be looking to buy in December or January. I can't wait!!!!!!!

 

im 24 and have been ready for an XJ since I bought my S-Type R when i was 21. I will buy one (or probably a bunch) when the time is right lol

Due to my age and I actually prefer a SWB over the L or VDP...I dont think id touch one without Nav and the heated seats...no Nav is about a $5k hit on the value and the chrome factory wheels for the looks

lately ive been driving an 05 LS430 (Japanese Cadillac :P) (with nav so i have my $5k thanks lol) a lot...wow do i hate driving a black car on a day to day basis, so much maintenance. unless you like to wash clay polish wax (6 hour) job on a regular basis u have no business with black lol

the XJ (esp with 19" or 20" factory style chrome wheels) screams class n sophistication...i still would have a Z06 Corvette with straight pipes sitting next to it though

 

I have had black cars in the past, and YES they are a pain in the ***, especially in the winter and summer. However, I won't take my XJ in any other color. It just don't look right in anything else!

I'll probably just pay extra every couple months to have it polished/waxed for me. (I have a Porter Cable polisher but I doubt I'll have the time now that I am working full time!)

As for the LS430 being the Japanese Cadillac, you are absolutely right. I've never driven anything so boring in my life. However, after the test drive, getting back into my LS400, I was surprised at how reasonably refined my LS400 still felt by comparison to the XJ8.

 

BTW, I forgot to comment on the transmission. It is buttery smooth, even better than my LS400, especially at crawling speeds.

 

lol I happen to think its fun driving the LS, although suspension is very soft its also very predictable...yes i turn all the VSC etc off and have fun with it...its a very "tossable" car with a little throttle persuasion

the porter cable random orbitals are the best pretty much, thats what we use. I understand if you dont have time to do it just be very picky with who does it to make sure there are no holograms etc in the paint

 

Shucks folks. Let's just say I'm past 60 but absolutely REFUSE to grow up. Sold a 1993 VDP this year and got my wife a 2005 XJ8L just because the XJ6 was such a solid, comfy and gorgeous car. A pain in the butt to maintain sometimes, but we loved it. When I first drove the XJ8, the performance startled me - ya gotta love aluminum!! In the interest of full disclosure, I've been a Corvette guy for nearly 40 years, but the more I drove her XJ, the more I convinced myself that my next open-air car would be an XK8. Got a 2006 and love it.

Everyone I know says I seem a lot younger than I am, and I attribute that in part to a lifetime of driving fun cars. Another reason I like the Jags is that there aren't so many of them around. Everyone and their brother has a Mercedes, Bimmer, Corvette, Mustang, etc. etc. Seeing a nice XJ or XK is an event!

Cheers,

 

Funny, I am the same, past 60, but most people I know call me "Young Mitchell", so it must be the cars I drive, as my hair is whiter than white.

Anyway for my 2nd Youth I have bought a little fun car, an MG Midget of 1977 on 21500 miles and Chartreuse Yellow.

Wife is similar in age to me but no white hair, (and a bit younger), and has a New Beetle in bright yellow, and I mean bright. It glows in the dark !

As for my XJ, its a 2003 but an X350 and is a Sport with harder suspension in Jaguar Racing Green. Obviously, my driving style is a bit gentler now, but I still keep up a good pace on the open roads. More than some seem to manage around her, I can tell you.

 

Do they have some sort of gas mileage meter? I figure I just couldn't find it in the maze of buttons/displays.

 

Shhhhh everyone! Enough with the age stats......if we're not careful the forum's gonna start posting Cialis ads!

 

Cialis? You mean Preparation-H!?

 

Hit the button on the end of the left hand (signal) stalk on the steering wheel, and cycle through the options displayed on the bottom of the speedo.


And I don't need Cialis - I get enough "stimulation" driving my XJ!

 

I'm 21 and I already feel old , I feel like my life is over Lol, you guys just cheered me up though I wish we could just meet up someday and have picnic or whatever with our jags that'd be fun