i would say XJR but they are too much...
Look nice. The Platform is (prob) older then my girlfriend. (I think it is based off the old XJS from the 70s) Good cruisers, bad GT's, yet worse sports cars.
No doubt Sunny'd like a word with you. Without need to look it up, as I've spent quite some time poking through the fantastic site, I can assure you http://www.jag-lovers.org/ is an excellent resource. Look into a '93 or '94 XJ40. Initially, you'll pay a little more for this XJ, but it's cheaper to keep her. Just make damn sure aircon works - they ain't cheap. Nevertheless, to best of recollection, they were only Jaguars equipped with ZF trannies, rust was taken care of, and they are perhaps the most reliable of the lot. Correct me if I'm wrong on any of the above - anyhoo, though there's a few Luc(as)(ky) E-types around too... Sunny's really the go-to guy on XJ's 'round these parts - as far as I've noticed.
Are you thinking of the 98-03 XJ8? 98-00 XJ8s suffer from potential timing chain tensioner problems and nikasil problems (same with 1997-2000 XK8s). 02-03 XJ8s are the most reliable from that body style which is known as the X308. 2003 XJR were available with the R1 package which included 18 inch BBS wheels and Brembo brakes. The new aluminum XJ is great. It is known as the X350. Some don't like the styling but the outter headlights are bigger than the inner headlights, like the 1968 XJ. The rear door has a curve that starts at the end like old Jaguars. Here is information on the new aluminum XJ http://www.keycast.com/keycast/jaguar/xj/USNewXJ_LWB/default.asp?ref=noref&detect=1&flashversion=7&jsenabled=1 The new XJ has a 4.2 V-8 and is more powerful, responsive, efficient than the old 4.0 V-8. The 6 speed ZF automatic tranmission is quite smooth and responsive, at least on the 2004 XJR that I drove last year. I loved the view from the driver's seat of the hood with all of its curves. An all-leather steering wheel is available for the XJR as an accessory. "The complete body with weighs 650 pounds compared with an estimated 1,058 pounds for the same car in steel, 952 pounds for a Mercedes-Benz S-class, and 955 pounds for a 7-series BMW." - from The Inside Guide to the all-new aluminum Jaguar XJ by Automobile Magazine The new XJ's aluminum chassis is 40 % lighter and 60 % stiffer than if it were steel. It uses some magnesium in for its seat frames. The 2005 Jaguar Super V8, the XJ flagship, weighs over 800 pounds less than a BMW 760Li. The Super V8 and XJR both come standard with Brembo brakes. Here is the Super V8. http://wallpaper.speedycars.net/jaguar/Jaguar_XJ_Super_V8_2005_022.jpg The XJ's aluminum chassis http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2003/n08/18_jaguar/800/XJ26z.jpg http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2003/n08/18_jaguar/800/67.jpg http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/sb_lg_frame-lg.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/images/04jagxjbody.jpg
I would like a alum. 04+ but i think it will be too much $$$$ So the next best would be a 02-03 reliability wise?
yes Do you want more luxury or more sport? For sport, go with an 03 XJR with the R1 package which includes 18 inch BBS wheels and Brembo brakes. For the luxury, go with a Vanden Plas or if you want it all, go with a 02-03 Super V8 which has the luxury of the Vanden Plas, plus more stuff, and the XJR's 4.0 supercharged 370 hp V-8. The 00-01 Vanden Plas Supercharged is the same thing as the 02-03 Super V8, but the Super V8 is more updated. Try to have an independent Jaguar dealer check the car out. This is a good 98-03 Jaguar XJ8 forum http://forums1.roadfly.org/jaguar/forums/xj8/
The MAIN reason why you should not buy the new XJ8 is because the door handle is made of cheap hollow plastic. i cannot believe for a 60k plus car that they choose to save on such an item. It absolutely feels like cheap plastic, not unlike the door handle in new S class which feels cheap also. The new jags are half made up of ford parts, that sucks, if you want true quality, check out the audi offerings.
