To all who were kind enough to accept my apologies for my hasty response on this forum a couple of weeks ago, and anyone else that would be kind enough to give me some very needed advice: May I as some advice on some problems I'm having deciding on a Jaguar.
I took Quad's advice and others and have tried to do some research on my own. I think I have learned some things, but I am still in need of more experienced advice and recommendations: First, I went out and test drove a 2002 XJ coupe loaded with all the options for convenience and comfort. I was totally blown away with the driving experience. While this car had 78,267 miles on it, it felt brand new. Price($14,991) It had the plain 3.0 engine, but I was very satisfied with everything including the power, so I thought. I then went and test drove a 2005 S model Jag Type R 4 door sedan that had 62,531 miles on it price($13,800). WOW was this really something. When I got in behind the wheel, I could not even tell if the engine was running or not. I pressed the gas and then knew it was running. I was allowed to take it by myself off the lot and drive it wherever I wanted. This has to be the quietness driving vehicle I've ever been in. It was Marvelous. The power from the accelerator was amazing and very quick.
I really want a 2 door coupe, but just thought I'd try this S model sedan out, simply because I have always love the old style grill. I loved the ride also. I didn't notice, if the coupe I drove 2 days before was this quiet, or comfortable as this model S Type R seemed to feel. I will need to go back and drive the XJ8 again, to see if it was the same or less impressive. Are the sedans more comfortable than the coupes, or was I just overwhelmed by the pure power and the superb handling and quietness of this particular vehicle? Do the XJ sedans drive the same as the S models? While I loved the power of the R engine in this 2005 S type R, I could do without it if it will cost more to maintain.
As I stated before, I am retired with not much income, and of course always wanted a JAG, but maybe, I'm just not being particle and just should go buy a nice good comfortable Japanese Infinity or Toyota or something with less maintenance cost. I don't know what to do, as I read the XJ's have a poor quality transmission, an they may blow out around 80K miles but the R's have a Merc; Trans, that last forever, but the R's Blower goes out around 80k.
I could take and drive a sedan, however, I just am in love with the Hardtop coupe's appearance.
Would anyone give me some advice on which way I should lean? I got some very good advice from both QUAD and Sparenzap, but now I'm real confused or maybe scared of what to do? I understand I'll have to spend about a $1,000 per 10,000 miles as Spark says, and that's doable for me as I don't drive that much. At least not yet. I now have a 1999 original mini 40th anniversary model with A/C and automatic trans. RHD. I love it, but it will not do for any lengthy road trips. It is better suited for around town commuter driving and always getting the Thumbs UP, and Waves from everyone. I'll have to sell the mini to buy the JAG, can't have 2 insurance policies and maintain the other car also.
I guess I've bored everyone enough with this. PLEASE, if you have some advice, like the XK Coupe even wit the smaller engine and fully loaded with options is just as comfortable and quiet as the S model or a XJ , or anything, please help me, make up my feeble mind. Thank you for any and all your help if you so choose!

Dann, the old confused man Bunn.

 

if i had the money i would go for a late model xjr run a sov 4.0 v8 long wheelbase at mo

 

If I were you I'd stick with 2003 and newer, and would focus on the XJ8. The ride is spectacular, the engine is seiously powerful (and I'm talking here about the XJ8, not the XJR which would be even more mind-blowing but not necessry, in my opinion.)

I'm 58, bought my first Jaguar last year -- 2003 XJ8. Best car I've owned! I would highly recommend looking at 2003 XJ8s with low (under 100k) miles -- you should be able to find one for well under $10,000.

Pre-2003 XJ8s could have some problems, so unless you're willing to dig into the car's history and take your chances that the necessary repairs were already done, you'd be better of looking at the 2003 models.

 

I am also 58, and my VDP is the second Cat I own. Had XJS V12 few years back, moved to the rural AZ, and the road was CRAP, so it never got driven. Sold, but not forgotten!

My wife owns 2003 XJ8. "Two cat family".

I LOVE the interior on XK8. "Miles" of wood, and I love the gauges. Coupe IS the way to go, and I was never a ragtop guy (unless a low mileage bargain drops into my lap!). The price you mentioned seems high. They are available for a lot less in CA. If you want the coupe, go for it. Life's too short to "think about it". Read the XK forum, end to end, and you'll find out what to look for.

 

2002-2003 XJR... hands down.

 

No such thing. There hasn't been an XJ coupe since the 70's. If you meant XK, then it didn't have a 3.0

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer

Dann

 

Thank you very much for the info,

Dann

 

Thank you for your advice,

Dann

 

Yes sorry, I meant XK coupe 4.0 not XJ coupe. I love the XK 2 door style, I just wondered if it is as quiet and comfortable as the S 4 door,

 

That makes a lot of sense to me, thank you,

Dann

 

Dann (vonbun) again. I'm sorry for all my jabber. I just now read the rules of posting a question and such. I've never used a forum before, and all this is new to me. I'll try to abide by the rules.

Thank you

 

Thanks for your answer. I test drove one of these last week, and it was everything and more you said,

Thank you

Dann

 

That is exactly what I want, but they seem to be very difficult to come by. I've seen some 1999 and 1998. Are there trouble with these years?

Thank you,

Dann

 

I'll ask you the same question as I ask old mike. I seem to have a hard time finding a 2003 -2005 XJ, I've seen 1999s and 1998s. Are these years more problem cars?

Thank you if you find time to respond

Dann

 

The short answer is, yes. Although many guys have nice examples, if given a choice, it is worh it to pay more for a 2001-2003, 2003 being the best year.

 

I just pulled a quick Craigslist search and found this one:
GOING FAST - 2003 Jaguar XJ

Low miles, but be sure to do a full inspection to verify if it's a flood or accident victim, not just on this car, but any you look at.

 

Thank you Jimmy L,
I'm willing to wait, I really have no choice, if I don't want to get burned. I really appreciate your reply. I should wait for a 2003 or newer.

Thanks

Dann

 

Thank you Super Sport,
I've not even looked on Craigslist. Just didn't cross my feeble mind,

Thank you again,

Dann