It's the new Jag bug! I have spent the last year pouring time, money and love into my 2001 XJ8 and have it running great. I have spent at least $4,000 fixing it up and that's with ME doing the labor. I have spent the last 8 years fixing up my 1991 BMW 325i convertible, also in excellent condition.

Now I have this CRAZY urge to get rid of BOTH of them and find a pristine low mileage 2002 or 2003 British Racing Green XJR in their place! What is wrong with me? I'll NEVER get what I've invested out of those two cars, but I just keep thinking how great that XJR would be.

Someone talk me out of this foolish thinking, please.

 

If you want your fun levels to increase exponentially, pull the trigger. 4 years later I still find myself smiling like a Cheshire cat when I get into the throttle Sorry I couldn't help, its not in my heart to talk someone out of a positive life changing experience

 

As stated above... Go for it, the grin will last for years!

 

I think that when you go to sell them, you'll find out just how much you love the cars when they low ball you. Sadly, It's what most people do. I know you'll hate to part with them because they're family that's being sold at a substantial loss. Have you found a low mileage B.R.G. 02'/03' XJR??

 

I appreciate the encouragement and feel that you guys are right. The enjoyment factor will probably outweigh the financial loss and sentimental pain.

It appears the only NEW issues I would have to be concerned with on an XJR verses an XJ8 are higher probability of head gasket failure and something to do with the supercharger pulley? I think. From just initial searching...

I have found 4 that I would be interested in. They are 384 miles away, 642 miles away, 843 miles away and 1,048 miles away. This should make shopping interesting. Also, unless someone wants to trade my two cars for their XJR, I have a few months of selling to work on before I can really shop for a car.

 

I would keep the 91 E30 vert. I had a 92 that is gone and I miss deeply. I love my 01 XJR and have not intention of every getting rid of it. If I were you, keep the BMW for fun and top down driving and get an XRJ.

 

And the BRG XJR is the right color. I wish one of mine was that way!

 

I hear you winks. I know it's counter-intuitive, but the 25 year old BMW would sell for at least $2,000 more than the Jag; even though the Jag is a ten times nicer car. I don't have the discretionary cash flow right now to consider an XJR without selling both cars. We just spent almost enough to buy a primo condition XJR on all new appliances and hardwood floors (totally worth it though).

Yes Ross, the British Racing Green is nice!

 

Emerald Green is nicer. Actually, I don't know if BRG was available
in the later years. Cranberry is spectacular but rare.

It is my suspicion that the 2001-2003 are less prone to gasket problems
because of the switch to a MLS type.

Currently looking at E46 convertibles

 

I sometimes get these ideas and when they get shut down is when I realize the history I have with the car. Unless the car you are buying has an extensively documented service history, there's no substitute for knowing a car inside and out from working on it for a few years. I have the itch for and X351 XJR long wheelbase and other than price right now, the ones I've found are certified pre owned with warranty, which would ease the decision. That said I made my purchasing mistakes with my X350 and now that I've gotten everything fully squared away on it, it's now just the upkeep that comes my way.

 

Ah, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence dilemma! Heck, I always wanted to get rid of my (place name of car here) and get a convertible Ferrari! But it's the wife that deflates my ballon or bring me back down to earth.... :-(

 

I wish I could be like Jay Leno and just buy cars, never selling any, but the wish list is so long and I only have room for a few. And I'm lucky in that. Most people can only ever have one special car at a time. Its easy to buy, but just so hard to sell. My Jag was only supposed to be temporary, a super luxury cruiser while I healed up from back surgery, but turns out I really, really like it. Its stayed a couple of years longer than the original plan, but I know it will have to go eventually. When I do sell a special car, it always helps if I know its going to a good home, to an enthusiast who will maintain it and appreciate it. Don't just post on craigslist, but try to sell them through these enthusiast forums or let your local clubs know you're interested in selling.

You won't get rid of the bug tho. Best I've ever managed to do was to postpone it a few years. The desire for something else is always there. For those special cars I just absolutely had to keep for nostalgic reasons, I've just constructed more garage space. Next step I think is to buy some rural property and build a "barndominium" big enough for at least ten plus work space for a couple of projects.

 

My advice, would be then to just keep the two cars that you own. Leave the XJR for a time when you can afford to own it and the toy. As you know these cars can get expensive if it needs something major. You know the history of your XJ and you should know what it needs. I just dumped a stupid amount of cash into my XJR this year alone.

Enjoy the kitchen, the Jag you already own, and the BMW. Just my two cents...

The E46 is a nice car. In fact, I picked my wife up a 05 ZHP 4door in November. The car is almost as fast as the XJR, uses half of the gas, and being a fun RWD car, the wife now understands why I drive an RWD car and not an AWD even though we have winter. She is not a car girl in any way but I am working on that. There are a few ZHP/ZAM's convertibles in the city that pop-up for sale.

 

Well the title of this thread is "How do I get rid of this bug?" I suppose someone had to talk some sense!

 

I guess one way to get rid of the bug would be to buy the XJR! But, the wiser advice is to wait. Thanks.

I am up for a promotion at work that comes with a company car. It may be a few months before I find out though, but I have decided to wait for that decision. If I get the promotion I will sell my XJ8 and get an XJR, but keep the E30.

Waiting is tough though.

 

However!!

If anyone on here has a pristine XJR that they'd like to trade for a very well maintained XJ8 and 325i vert, message me!

 

1999 Jaguar XJR | Bring a Trailer

 

I like that! I can't imagine buying a car without seeing/driving it first, but that is a very tempting car. It would likely need tensioners and the upgraded head gasket, but with that few miles the car is definitely worth the investment. That's a LONG trailer ride from California though! haha

Honestly, if I could teleport for an in-person inspection I'd be willing to draw on emergency funds to buy it, and then sell my cars to replace the money.

 

Can't get past the holes cut in the hood ... The 43k is nice.

The low mile(50K) 02-03's are still around

 

It sold for $11,500.00 and has the original plastic tensioners. That means I would have had to trailer it cross country and then replace the timing gear. Ultimate cost would have been more than it's worth I think.

Where is the best place to search for these cars?