What's up everyone. I'm in the market for a daily driver, and I'm set on a X308 VDP. Here's my requirements:

1. Less than $10k, (I also have a couple thousand budgeted for repairs)
2. MUST be black
3. 02-03 models perferred
4. under 100k on odometer

I've found one with about 120k miles on it, but transmission done with records and warranty. It has a few minor exterior dings, but from pics that's about it.

So my questions are:

A) Given that I am very picky about cosmetics and would definitely have to get dings repaired, would this one be a smart choice?

B) Looking at an 02/03 model, how many miles can I expect out of a well maintained one before it becomes a money pit?

C) I've been looking for over a month, and have barely seen one in my area (SoCal) that has met my standards. How frequently would a car of the above specs pop up for sale? (I've been searching CL, ebay, autotrader, cargurus, etc.)

Thank you!

 

A couple of questions back at you. First, will you do none, some, or all of the maintenance and repairs? Two, how are the cosmetics?

You can fix brakes, plastic water pipes, gaskets, knock sensors, oxygen sensors, and fuel pumps a lot easier (cheaper?) than you can fix cosmetic issues, IF YOU DO THE WORK YOURSELF!

In my experience, 150,000 miles are so is when some stuff needs to be fixed. My wife's MY 02 has 180,000 miles or so, and no transmission or engine mechanical problems have happened, but the above mentioned snigglies and a few modules (ABS and SCLM) have bit the dust. All repairable or available used for low $$, but no dealer and few indies will use scrap yard parts due to time and reliability risks.

Also, have a good look at the headliner to make sure it is intact and not just re-glued, which will fail.

Do not spend anywhere near $10,000 for a car with 120,000 miles unless it is pristine cosmetically. An XJ8 with some dings and wear on the carpets should be in the 5 bill range at that mileage. Just look a lil harder.

Other opinions will vary, but that is my $.02!

 

Excuse the sad face, couldn't figure out how to delete it.

 

Thanks for the input! I will be doing some of the repairs myself; I'm not too experienced but have a close friend with a garage who works on cars a lot. I'm usually good with figuring things out, and I know I'll have to to own one of these.

And yes, the car is in the $5k range. I haven't seen it in person (couple hours away) but interior looks very good. Problems are dings and tiny punctures on the bumpers, along with some chrome peeling/bubbling. Those problems would be unacceptable for me moving forward.

After reading your response, I would actually rather spend in the $10k range for something with less miles and almost perfect cosmetics. It's just hard considering it could a very long search, haha. ANy other suggestions on where I should be looking?

 

Talk to the local Jag dealer about where he wholesales his cars? I would guess they are still getting some XJ8s which they serviced in as trades for new cars. And I suppose anyone getting another Jag would have been pleased with their copy of the old one, huh?

Unless the interior looks like no one sat in it, 5 K is too high for a car with bubbling chrome, even in the People's Republic of Southern California, I would guess. Is the "chrome" the bumper blades or other trim?

 

Haha I hope so for their sake. And good idea. I have a dealer less than a mile from where I live..

 

The peeling chrome looks like just bumpers according to pics. I'll have to ask.

 

After 8-10 years any car becomes a money pit if you don't do most of the work yourself.
Used parts are cheap, that helps. Sounds like you have read the forum and know about the transmission. Since yours is done, that shouldn't be an issue for a long time. The engine will last well over 200,000 if you NEVER let it overheat. Changing hoses, adding the metal thermostat housing, replacing the water pump, serpentine belt and idler pulley will help insure it stays cool.


I spend $3,000 to $4,000 a year keeping mine alive. It looks and runs much better than when I first got it. It is my daily driver and has never left me stranded. I do have back up vehicles though if I am working on it.


Owning a Jaguar is like owning a horse. You must enjoy taking care of it.


Try for a VDP or XJ8L if you can. The extra leg room is nice and nothing rides as well
as the long wheelbase cars. Good luck in your search.

 

Thanks! Yeah I'm looking at only VDPs, I have a thing for chrome and tray tables..

 

I have bought many used cars over the years, including a lot of Jags. Like you, I'm very particular about what I want, down to year, color, mileage, etc. I always use AutoTrader.com and I search throughout the entire country to find what I want.

I encourage you to expand your search. If you find a car that has promise, you can ask the seller to take the car to a local mechanic for inspection. Hopefully, the mechanic will charge you a reasonable fee to do a buyer's inspection. (You can find a highly rated mechanic on Yelp.com.) if the car passes the inspection, then you can fly out to buy it and drive it home. It's fun to drive a new Jag home!

 

I ended up buying one in Chicago, black on black 03 VDP only 55k miles! Drove it across the country back to SD. Did the whole yelp mechanic thing. Love the car

 

Congratulations! Let's see some pictures ��

 

Hey, a happy ending!

Yes, pictures!