Back into the fold...
Discussion
Hi all,
This is my first posting to the site. I've read these threads with great interest as I'm soon to be re-entering the topsy-turvy world of Jaguar ownership.
I've had Saab convertibles for a number of years now but miss the waftiness, smoothness and character of Jaguars. I used to have a 93 XJS 4.0, but it turned into somewhat of a money pit, hence I'm in the market for an XJ8, preferably an XJR, as it seems they are considerably more reliable.
As much as I love roof-down motoring, the fact that the missus is getting an MX5 and I have access to an Alfa Spyder, Healey 3000 and Merc Pagoda SL, not to mention an E-type roadster and Ferrari 328 GTS (through motoring's best kept secret), means that I no longer have to compromise the everyday car.
I'd appreciate some advice though. In my price range it seems as though there are two possibilities - to go for either (a) an early XJR8 (R/S reg), which will probably be a bit mileagey and on its second or third owner, or (b) a post-2000 XJ8 3.2 Sport.
From these threads and my other reading into the subject, the general concensus seems to be that if you want an easy life, then a 2000-on model would be the one to go for. Am I really missing out by not going for the XJR8? It seems the 3.2 Sport is plenty fast enough for 90% of driving and to be honest, for what I want it for, including wafting up to Scotland three or four times a year, a few Euro trips and generally moseying round with a bit of swagger, but without huge running costs, the Sport seems to fit the bill. Or am I missing the point?
Cheers
This is my first posting to the site. I've read these threads with great interest as I'm soon to be re-entering the topsy-turvy world of Jaguar ownership.
I've had Saab convertibles for a number of years now but miss the waftiness, smoothness and character of Jaguars. I used to have a 93 XJS 4.0, but it turned into somewhat of a money pit, hence I'm in the market for an XJ8, preferably an XJR, as it seems they are considerably more reliable.
As much as I love roof-down motoring, the fact that the missus is getting an MX5 and I have access to an Alfa Spyder, Healey 3000 and Merc Pagoda SL, not to mention an E-type roadster and Ferrari 328 GTS (through motoring's best kept secret), means that I no longer have to compromise the everyday car.
I'd appreciate some advice though. In my price range it seems as though there are two possibilities - to go for either (a) an early XJR8 (R/S reg), which will probably be a bit mileagey and on its second or third owner, or (b) a post-2000 XJ8 3.2 Sport.
From these threads and my other reading into the subject, the general concensus seems to be that if you want an easy life, then a 2000-on model would be the one to go for. Am I really missing out by not going for the XJR8? It seems the 3.2 Sport is plenty fast enough for 90% of driving and to be honest, for what I want it for, including wafting up to Scotland three or four times a year, a few Euro trips and generally moseying round with a bit of swagger, but without huge running costs, the Sport seems to fit the bill. Or am I missing the point?
Cheers
I've not driven a 3.2 sport but have owned a 1999 XJR (recently swapped for a new shape XJR) and was very happy with it - no engine problems but I only put on 20k miles over 2 years so not necessarily a good guide.
The XJR has massive performance and unless you use it fairly often then you may prefer the cheaper costs of the 3.2 - there is certainly more to Jaguar ownership than going fast.
What I love about the XJR is the effortless nature of the performance - it's not a sports car (I have a Caterham for real driving fun).
I suggest you try a 3.2 first - if you are happy with the performance then get that. If not the XJR is massively faster and more likely to come with all the toys.
The XJR has massive performance and unless you use it fairly often then you may prefer the cheaper costs of the 3.2 - there is certainly more to Jaguar ownership than going fast.
What I love about the XJR is the effortless nature of the performance - it's not a sports car (I have a Caterham for real driving fun).
I suggest you try a 3.2 first - if you are happy with the performance then get that. If not the XJR is massively faster and more likely to come with all the toys.
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