I'm considering finally buying a Jaguar! it will have to be used, reliable, as low mileage as possible, and sans touchscreen. What years should I be considering?

 

It depends on what your budget is.

 

WITHOUT the touchscreen? How will you manage that? Half the vehicle is controlled by that screen, and most everything else depends on it. I suppose you COULD glue some cardboard over it and keep everything in the Default mode... <---(X150 body)
OR, since you never stated your budget, you can get an X100 body style 1997-2006 for anywhere from $5-15K, and probably even a 4.2 XKR. Those don't have the touch screen, don't handle as well, not as fast or quick (depending on year, the 4.0 N/As are kind of doggy) look sexier, are cheaper, just as reliable (if not more-so), and are almost as cool as the X150s.

 

If you are looking for a two door Jaguar without a touchscreen, you'll have to look at the XK8 (1997-2006). Some of these had a nav screen but others have the traditional center gauges. I assume you are hoping to avoid the touchscreen in anticipation of many problems with the unit. Can you clarify?

 

A great BRG and Tan 2003 XKR just sold here locally, listed at 20K. Would of fit the bill. Car was gorgeous.

No touch screen, you are in the wrong section. The X150 all are touch screen based.

The older (Pre 2007 US) X100 might perhaps be what you want. A 2006 is going to have the most up to date design as standard; so I would expect the most reliability from a 2006 X100.

 

As said above all the X150's have touch screens. It was an option on the X100's. Having owned two X100's I would search high and low for one WITHOUT the touch screen/navigation system. You will get a nice gauge set instead of a useless and outdated NAV system.

That being said, it is difficult to find later X100's [2004 to 2006] with gauges and not the NAV system. You are probably looking at the 4.0 liter cars and will want one with the updated timing chain tensioners. I would also look at the XKR's as they have a Mercedes transmission which is MUCH more trouble free than the ZF transmission in the normally aspirated cars.

 

If you don't want a touchscreen, buy an XJ350 without it. They go for rock bottom prices without the screen.

 

I just bought my first Jaguar - a 2009 5.0 XKR.
It is an iron fist in a velvet glove, a thug in a Savile Row suit.
It would blow the Ferrari 575 and Bentley GT I previously owned away and as a bonus, people seem to appreciate the car. A cyclist knocked on my window whilst driving in London yesterday just to say 'nice wheels'
Buy one, you wont regret it. I found a car that had a 'mature' owner and water tight Jaguar history. I think they are a bargain right now. One word of caution mind you, be prepared to be on first name terms with your local petrol pump attendant.
Best of luck.
James
James

 

Many thanks to everyone who responded. I've got an idea of what to look for, and obviously need to go "into the streets" to learn more. My budget would be up to $25,000. Again, thanks to you all!

 

4.2R's are a very good bargain under $20K for a nice example. I think it'll be a couple years before the 5.0 cars are there. The X150's are Ford based so they are at least reliable and share basic parts with many other makes and models so the repair costs aren't horrible if you do it yourself. It does share the notorious plastic cooling system woes of these generation cars and the Jag needs a good battery. a sick one will cause havoc.

This forum is probably the best source if info since the cars are just plain rare on the streets. My ratty old beat up //R gets plenty of love and it's cost me less than a late model Civic to put on the road. High teens for mileage and the car loves to run. There are still some decent online reviews and Youtube has some decent stuff as well.

 

Very happy with my 2008 XK, but a touch screen is integral to operation. Still, great car at a very reasonable price.

 

James, those are some nice photos.