Discussion
I'm sorry if this question is asked regularly but since prices change over time I thought you might indulge me. If it's not sacrilege to say so here I've always been a Jag man. I've had a '79 Series 11 5.3, an 80s XJ 4.0 Sport and my current '98 XJR has just given up the ghost. A man has to know his limitations and mine have always been financial, and an inability to use spanners without costing myself twice what I was trying to save. I'm now in the fortunate position of selling my business and intend to treat myself. I had considered a V12 DB7 but being a portly 51 year old I fear I'm past sacrificing comfort for speed, in cars at least, I have bikes for that.
Having read many threads here it seems that an Arnage T may be comfortable enough to cocoon my ample frame (and to ferry grandchildren) without giving up entirely on the occasional adrenalin rush when driving alone.
I should have a budget of between £20 to £35k. Have I made the right model choice? If so are there any sub categories or limited editions to look for or be wary of (Mulliner / T24 etc.)? If not which model would you suggest? As can be seen from above I tend to keep decent cars for around 10 years so long term running costs are a consideration, although I am aware this will cost me a little more than the Jags have.
Having read many threads here it seems that an Arnage T may be comfortable enough to cocoon my ample frame (and to ferry grandchildren) without giving up entirely on the occasional adrenalin rush when driving alone.
I should have a budget of between £20 to £35k. Have I made the right model choice? If so are there any sub categories or limited editions to look for or be wary of (Mulliner / T24 etc.)? If not which model would you suggest? As can be seen from above I tend to keep decent cars for around 10 years so long term running costs are a consideration, although I am aware this will cost me a little more than the Jags have.
I would say 02 model year onwards as the factory invested heavy in the chassis, 05 model year saw the front of the car updated, I would also consider the R over the T as performance wise you really wouldn't know the difference and the R is more comfortable as the suspension is a little softer, 6 years old the car need the big hydraulic service often skimped if the owners have done low mileage but always should be done (main dealers 4.5k) low mileage cars can be problematic as they like regular uses, you might be better off with a newer higher mileage car with full history. i speak from experience as I'm currently on my 6th Arnage, a 09 final edition.
I had a 98 XJR for a few years and thought it cannot get any better than that supercharged rush from a comfy armchair. Well the Arnage will give you everything the XJR did but more - it's even more imperious, with a higher riding position, even more thrust all with a sense of calm like nothing else. The interior feel, and general quality is wonderful however many times you drive it. You need to be a bit more judicious into roundabouts than the XJR, but with familiarity you'll amaze yourself with its pace A-B.
Thanks Spyker, that's exactly what I was hoping for.
Some say the difference in performance between the T and the R is imperceptible, and not worth the trade of in comfort. What do you think?
I didn't find the XJR less comfy than the XJ, but it was more predictable when pushed, e.g. drifting the rear a little on large roundabouts. I'm not sure either Bentley will take kindly to being pushed that hard and I think it's about time I stopped doing that anyway.
Some say the difference in performance between the T and the R is imperceptible, and not worth the trade of in comfort. What do you think?
I didn't find the XJR less comfy than the XJ, but it was more predictable when pushed, e.g. drifting the rear a little on large roundabouts. I'm not sure either Bentley will take kindly to being pushed that hard and I think it's about time I stopped doing that anyway.
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