Jag are the most unreliable cars in existence. I'd only own one as a second car, and if it broke down I'd just leave it on the highway with the keys in it and sign reading FREE JAG
@iamjames: I suggest you recheck your facts. Old jags are incredibly unreliable, newer jags have regularly scored in the highest tier for initial and long term quality and reliability.
As evidenced by my review of the current XJR over at RideLust, I can't help but agree with your choice wholeheartedly. I adore these cars. How much did it set you back? (Or did I somehow miss that in the article?)
Great car and great post, Ben. Ironically, a friend and I had a lengthy discussion regarding the need/want dichotomy when it comes to cars. We came to the conclusion that any hardcore car nut could rationalize a want into a need and believe it.
@grzydj: It's not as bad as it used to be, I spoke with some local Jag techs and they report no major problems with the cars as long as you keep up with regular maintenance.
Even the regular maintenance makes Jags look affordable compared to German cars.
I continue to preach, older, high-end vehicles, if you find one which has been taken care of, shame anything you'd find for similar pricing, even if it's 3-5 years old.
I.e, gimme a 15-20 year old Benz, or similar, vehicle, versus a 3-5 year old 'commoners' car.
I still want an XJS-HE, but in all honesty, I know better than to go that route, unless I become wealthy.
Kinda like I'd like to have a 10+ year old E or S-class AMG sedan or wagon. Great to have, but when it comes to using the right pedal, resistance is futile. Ergo, tires, fuel, and traffic citations, possibly lawyer's fees, are likely to become prohibitive.
Edited by that ain't the way to have fun, son at 07/27/09 8:26 PM
that ain't the way to have fun, son was starred
that ain't the way to have fun, son was unstarred
A British bloke from the BBC told that most owners of a Jaague are involved with some illicit activities. Mostly aren´t good tax payers.
Ben what you´re up to?
It's beautiful, but it really needs more clutch pedal. Every car does, but especially one with an "R" in the alphanumeric. Why is it that some of the most asthetically pleasing cars on the road (Mercedes, Jaguar) have to have torque convertors?
@Turboner: it's a matter of philosophy. As far as Audi, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz are concerned, these performance versions of their luxury sedans are still luxury sedans first and performance cars second. And, to be honest, I can't say they're wrong. I've known a guy who owned a E39 M5, and he tells me that about 90% of the time he does wish it was an automatic. And this is a guy who's definitely on the "hardcore driving" side of the market, as he also owned a C5. For the vast majority of people who would buy such a car, the automatic is the better choice. I'd love it if there was the option of a manual for these, but I can see how the sales probably wouldn't justify it.
There is a XJC 12 down the street from me just sitting i a driveway. The xjc was only made for 2 years and most where the 6 cylinder cars. Sure to bring it back up to driver, and sort the v12 would take some time and money, but the car appears straight and no rust. less than 1,800 6's and only 686 12's. You must see pics of this car to really appreciate it. Classic Xj lines in a pillarless 2 door, and slightly smaller wheelbase. They get lots of looks since you never see 2 door XJ's.
07/29/09
07/29/09
07/28/09
07/27/09
Can we expect a full road test? Suitability parameters?
07/27/09
07/27/09
Wow, what a beautiful car, and very Jalop too. It's got, what, 100+ points?
PS1: you might want to install some anti-magical-beast deterrent at the rear if you go near Jalop HQ
PS2: don't carry any suspicious white powder in your car, like flour
07/27/09
07/28/09
She's certain I'm going to find a way to rationalize buying a new one (or something more expensive) within 6 months of parting with it.
07/27/09
07/27/09
Jag owners are total masochists and that's all there is to it.
07/27/09
Even the regular maintenance makes Jags look affordable compared to German cars.
07/27/09
07/27/09
I continue to preach, older, high-end vehicles, if you find one which has been taken care of, shame anything you'd find for similar pricing, even if it's 3-5 years old.
I.e, gimme a 15-20 year old Benz, or similar, vehicle, versus a 3-5 year old 'commoners' car.
I still want an XJS-HE, but in all honesty, I know better than to go that route, unless I become wealthy.
Kinda like I'd like to have a 10+ year old E or S-class AMG sedan or wagon. Great to have, but when it comes to using the right pedal, resistance is futile. Ergo, tires, fuel, and traffic citations, possibly lawyer's fees, are likely to become prohibitive.
07/27/09
Ben what you´re up to?
BTW beautifull car, good luck with it.
07/27/09
07/27/09
07/27/09
A guy came in in a black Jag just like this with only 15k miles on it.
He was unhappy with the factory Michellins, as he pointed out through a subtle grin that the rears had worn out in only 15k miles.
Cool car. Also on my "want but definitely don't need" list.
07/27/09
There is a XJC 12 down the street from me just sitting i a driveway. The xjc was only made for 2 years and most where the 6 cylinder cars. Sure to bring it back up to driver, and sort the v12 would take some time and money, but the car appears straight and no rust. less than 1,800 6's and only 686 12's. You must see pics of this car to really appreciate it. Classic Xj lines in a pillarless 2 door, and slightly smaller wheelbase. They get lots of looks since you never see 2 door XJ's.
07/27/09
07/27/09