Sold my XK for a 911 - Why did I do this?
 

Hello Jagsters -

Yes, it's true, I sold my 2007 British Racing Green Jaguar XK coupe and bought a 1999 Bordeaux Porsche 911 Carrera. Let me preface by stating that my 2007 Jaguar XK coupe is the best car I have ever owned. The achingly beautiful shape, impeccable leather interior and the silky smooth 4.2 engine is truly as good as it gets. Ever single time I sat down in the XK and pressed that red start button, the growling twin exhaust would remind me that I was in something special, and no matter where I drove it, folks were breaking their necks to get a second and third look at it. I also want to mention that I only had two minor issues during my ownership; a faulty clock spring in the steering wheel and the driver seat had to be re-calibrated. Both items were easily rectified at my local Jaguar dealer; otherwise it was perfect. Two thumbs up to Jaguar for producing a truly fine automobile.

So why did I sell it? Well, basically I am a car nut and I just love to own different cars. Heck, if I had the room I would keep all of them, but I have a one car garage space soooooo....
The 911 was always on my bucket list and after doing quite a bit of research I decided on a 1999 911 Carrera. So why 1999 and not something newer or older? Basically, I wanted a car that had 'some' technology to keep me safe but not so much to drive me nuts. I just wanted a good ol' fashion key to start the car, with no center touch screen, no fancy software to correct my driving every two seconds, no tire pressure monitoring sensors, no back up camera, no side mirror alerts, no blue tooth, no Apple Car Play nonsense...Nada! Nothing! Zip! Zero! I just wanted to get back to the basics and this car was the ticket. So how do I like driving the 911? In a nutshell...I love it. Despite being a 1999 car, it still looks refreshingly modern, and the fit, finish and overall quality is quite good. The flat six engine is very capable and loves to be 'spooled-up' and pushed hard. Overall this really is a fun car to drive and a pretty easy car to maintain.

Will I ever get another Jag? Absolutely! Just waiting for the F-Types to depreciate a bit more so I can buy one.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...f59ea034e9.jpg

I'd of kept the Jag! Nothing like front engine, rear wheel drive muscle, to inspire the heart and soul. Just my thoughts.

Jack

Not a Porsche guy, but it's beautiful car in a great color, and I completely understand your wanting of a simpler, non-nanny regulated automobile. All of the nanny warnings on our Lincoln MKX drive me nuts. The side, rear, and front warning systems are always ringing (making me a nervous wreck sometimes). The lane change warning system that severely shakes the steering wheel if you venture more than 3 inches from a straight line rattles me, and if you do it more than once within a specified period, a large flashing warning comes on the screen and tells you to "pull over, you need some rest!" There is some level of satisfaction driving an older sports car, it's why I spent the last 4 years making my '72 De Tomaso Pantera a bit more modern and easier to drive (fuel injection, better seats and leather interior, more powerful engine, etc)..because I miss driving a car for the pure pleasure of driving a wonderful road without lots of distraction. Enjoy your new car as I'm sure you will.

To each his own and it's great that you've cycled into something you really happier with. For me it has always been a goal to own a Jaguar, especially the X150. German cars on the other hand just don't speak to me and, like Vettes & Mustangs, they are everywhere you look.

Come on back when you feel the urge tugging at you.

Watta dummy.

In between all the Jaguars listed below I had a 928 for three years starting in the winter of 82 in Chicago and its suburbs. It was my daily driver. By the spring of 1985 I was spending $1200/month just to keep it one the road. Got tired of the expenditure and sold it and bought a grey market Vanden Plas V12 which I drove with great pleasure for 5 years. I have not strayed since.

Great looking car. I went the other way, from a 1999 911 to 2007 XK. As a car guy, i'm sure you did your research as I wish I had done more. I don't remember exactly, but my 911 was developing the "death rattle" when something happened in the "oil cooling box" and I found out that wonderful engine doesn't run well on a mixture of oil and coolant:)

Best of luck

I've always been impressed with the performance of Porsche but not the styling. That being the major reason for not buying one. I am also impressed at the type of auction money they get . So in my opinion you have joined another exclusive club but you will now most likely become invisible as they all look a like and don't turn to many heads because of their popularity. So good luck and enjoy it .

Hi Danny,

Nice to know fellow 928ers are in the group, I have had a couple DOZEN 928s and have been a "928 Specialist" for over 20 years. If you ever get another let me know if you ever need anything for it, or need any help with it.

Hi Ralph,
Wow, another 928er! I can't believe it was so costly for you. Too bad my company wasn't around back in 82 (started it in 90s) we could have rescued you from such high monthly costs.

Cheers,

David Roberts
928 Specialists http://www.928gt.com

Michael, you have great taste when it comes to finding cars in amazing color combinations.

I do feel the difference between turning a key and pressing a button.

However, there is more to it.

On my Porsche 944's the key is the boss. I control how longer the starter runs. I can put the Porsche in gear, pull the fuse for the fuel pump and have an electric driven car for a short distance if I want.

On my Corvette they key feels like it is activating a computer switch. I haven't actually checked.

There is a certain satisfaction to starting the Porsche I do not get with the Jaguar or 'Vette.

The same goes for opening and closing the steel door compared to Aluminum and Fiberglass respectively to the other two.

When I'm walking about and a 911 with its unique boxer six goes by I like to close my eyes and enjoy the sound.

Make sure you are aware of IMS bearing issue with 911s. If you hear death rattle, immediately shut off and tow the car. Even better, proactively replace it.

I've read the pre 2000 996's are the best put together of that series. Enjoy!

You have found a car that has worst headlights than the X150... :icon_wink: Seriously though enjoy the new ride, great color...

This is what midlife crisis looks like.
You leave the one you know for one that requires twice the maintenance.
However, rekindling passions is priceless.

(in the future, do like our leader, just rent one for the weekend)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...1b6afba32d.jpg
As Porsches go, it is beautiful - the colour especially! And I do understand the desire for going back to basics...these days people expect their cars to be rolling i-pads whose technology changes by the month and is never quite up-to-date. People seem to have forgotten what a car is all about, haven't they? You say that your Porsche, despite being a 1999 model looks perfecty modern. I agree - but that is because every Porsche has looked pretty much the same for the last 50 years. Isn't their designer pretty old by now?

I went from my beautiful XK (which was trouble-free and a joy to own) to something slightly more raw, an F-Type - what a ride! gorgeous, tight, unbelievably fast, and although it has every modern bell and whistle, it does the basic things (starting, running, accelerating, stopping, coddling...) in a satisfying Jaguar way...for some (myself included) better than a 911 (definitely better looking!).

Dr.A -

My jaw just dropped...your F-Type is stunning. When did you acquire it? How did you decide on 'that' one? I will be looking for one myself next year, any suggestions when buying one?

I got to ride in a '68 911 many moons ago and it was a blast. Very visceral and fun. Not sure I'd want something newer.