Buying a Jaguar, is it a bad idea?

Buying a Jaguar, is it a bad idea?

Author
Discussion

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

244 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Is the marque on the decline?

The reason I ask is that I am still on the hunt for my ultimate XKR, a car which seduced me a long time ago. However, talking with my peers and reading about the cars, I am starting to think, much to my sadness, it maybe a terrible mistake. Sales of Jaguars are collapsing. We all know that we are buying cars which were £65,000 2-3 years ago for £30,000, can we expect a further collapse in prices, as buyers turn their backs on a marque which is possibly terminally ill?

Further to these woes, is the fact that Jaguar rank as one of the poorest for reliability (3rd from bottom). This is totally unexceptable in todays market for such an expensive car.

So I ask for your opinions on the Jaguar 'brand' and where you feel the marque will end up.

Should I go out and look for a 996 instead?

G

>>> Edited by triple7 on Wednesday 29th September 11:33

mooldy

4 posts

244 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Can only speak from experience but have owned 2 XKs both bought new:XK8 coupe 1998 kept for 3 years and not a single problem,followed by XKR convertible for over 3 years with one problem- cam gasket failed and repaired under warranty.Have recently lowered the suspension and fitted big bore exhaust simply because I could not find ANYTHING better to trade up to.

cdp

7,541 posts

261 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
My father has an XJ8 3.2, no significant problems (the washer fluid sensor was replaced under warranty).

My brother has had an XJ12 and MK10, they were both pretty reliable too, especially as they were 23 and 40 years old.

Marki

15,763 posts

277 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
1 x XKR Conv (2000 year) had it for 2 years , no problems cheap servicing , paid 600,000-SEK for it sold it for 475.000- SEK which i consider a result as far as deprieciation go`s

great cars specially top down ,

However as there should be a new version of the XKR out in a year or so who knows about deprieciation on the exsisting XKR ,

but then on the other hand they may make the new XKR a real minger and everyone will want the old (current version)

But on the other hand i am probably talking bollox

twin turbo

5,544 posts

273 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
I'd think twice about buying new, unless depreciation doesn't bother you.

However, a lovely XKR in BRG with 20" multi-spoke alloys would be hard to resist

Despite Jaguars current woes, I'm sure the company will enjoy better times in the future.

Don't forget there's a new XK8/R being launched next year too.

Also, depsite some (potentially) dodgy management by Ford, we are lucky to have Jaguar at all. If it wasn't for Ford is may have quietly died a few years ago.

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

244 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
I agree that some cars are lemons, some not. No way would I buy a brand new one, its such a waste of money.

But the opinions I am asking for is how do you view the Jag brand in todays market? Is there a future? Who are Jags future customers, are there going to be any? I am not dissing the brand, afterall I love the way the cars look and feel, I am trying to create discussion and opinion.

G

>> Edited by triple7 on Wednesday 29th September 17:57

davidson

1,971 posts

243 months

Thursday 30th September 2004
quotequote all
Jaguar would appear to have two main problems: image and model range. There is still a perception that they are a bit 'older generation' and the model range, for example, has no SUV (note sales/image success of Porsche Cayenne - despite the fact its a pig). Jaguar needs to appeal to a younger market and attract sales from the hoards who buy Audi as default choice because they have no imagination but don't want a silver BMW/Merc. The Jaguar diesel coupe prototype is the way to go, was the highlight of Goodwood for me....

triple7

Original Poster:

4,015 posts

244 months

Thursday 30th September 2004
quotequote all
Yes, to a certain extent I agree about the model range, but at the same time, its great that all their cars look different. Unlike Audi, which are all the same just different sizes.

They do need an SUV of sorts for the American market, plus a cheaper sports car.

I hope the new XK replacement will be a winner.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, back to Autotrader for me!

G

simonrockman

6,911 posts

262 months

Thursday 30th September 2004
quotequote all
Ford probably don't want Jaguar to tread on Range Rover's toes.

The VW approach would be to take the Range Rover and stitk Ford, Jaguar and Aston Martin badges on it.


Simon