Anyone over 30 years of age reminisces about “the one that got away.” The high school sweetheart. The big fish on the lake. The chance to buy AAPL at $3/share. My dad always talked about the E-Type he let slip through his fingers.
My folks lived in New Jersey at the time, and I was yet to be. Dad spotted an E-Type — I’m guessing BRG, but that’s not important right now. It was the ’70s and the Jag was merely a used car, not the revered classic it is today. The quick loss of power on the test drive followed by the flames from the sidedraft carburetors meant my dad walked back through suburban Cherry Hill without making a deal on the sexy English roadster.
Jaguars are like that. Beautiful to a fault — and then the electrical or mechanical faults. Ford-era cars of the current millennium seem little changed from the Leyland years. How else can one explain this car, and the dozens like it across the web? $12,000 for a luxury convertible, with satellite navigation, and merely eighty thousand miles on the odometer. The Jaguar XK8 has close to 300 horsepower on tap, and by all accounts handles well for a big car. New at $75k, these can be bought all day long for the price of a new Versa.
Let’s hope Jaguar has turned the corner under Tata. Elsewhere on these pages today, you’ll find Aaron’s impressions on the riotous new F-Type, which promises plenty of performance and luxury at a seemingly astronomical price.
2004 and up (when the non-nikasil 4.2 V8 went into production) I’d be tempted. But then I can only have one project at a time. (Oops wait this will turn into yesterdays #privilage discussion again.)
The Nikasil issue was addressed in July, 2000, therefore the pictured Jaguar would not suffer from that particular issue.
Sure, it’s $12k or less to buy, but it’s still $75k to maintain. Same holds true for BMW, MB, etc. I seriously considered a X350 Vanden Plas until I researched the lack of good service here. The problem with Jag ownership is the lack of independent shops here in Denver. My Jag loving friends only found two in remote parts of the metro area. You can’t swing a bratwurst without finding a dozen or more good German auto specialists. Parts can take a while too.
Love the looks, though.
Actually, the post 2001 XK8’s are supposed to be reasonably reliable, by luxury GT standards. They have wayyyyy fewer whizbang gizmos compared to the Mercs and BMWs, and the mechanicals might as well be coal-powered. I was shopping them against the 650ci I ended up with, and I only went with the BMW because I have an insider at the dealer for parts and labor.
The sedans are a different matter – the loaded ones suffer from early 00’s feature-itis.
And yeah, not a lot of indy shops up here. Of course, if you pick the right variant, Dealer parts really aren’t bad from the Ford era.
With the XJ sedans the things I always see people on the forums whining about are the suspensions and steering components.
These issues are really no problem if you’re the slightest bit mechanically inclined. Had an X350 for years, sold it with well over 100k on the clock, still looked and ran like new. Wish I still had it. That was the one that got away for me.
Am I the only one who finds the Geoff Lawson XK8 far prettier than the Ian Callum XK and F-type? I think of Lawson’s cars as suitable for a John Steed, while Callum seems to be shooting for a Jason Statham.
Yes, Yes, and Yes.
The original XKs (full disclosure: own a 00 Atlantic Blue coupe) are just so much prettier than the bass mouthed versions that came later.
Some day in the future I really do believe that the original design will get its due; much like the original MR2 or 5 series from the late 90s, they seem to get better and more striking with age.
Good to know there are at least three of us.
Four. The John Steed/Jason Statham comparison is spot on. The Callum design is a bit crisper, but I can’t get past the front, which looks like a 2000-2004 Ford Taurus. The Lawson XK8/XKR has the right mix of classic Jag grace-pace-space that Sir William heralded.
Same here. I have a 2002 XKR in the exact color combination shown above and while walking away from it, I still find myself more times than not turning around and looking at it. The 2007-on style never did much for me.
2002 aspen green XKR here. Bought for style. Rather low price was just a bonus, prepared for considerable maintain cost, but nothing serious happening, that’s another bonus I’ve got together with best Aircon I know.
Thanks for general reputation car journalist giving for the reliability, I’ could buy cheap.
No you are not. These are very good looking cars.
Actually, the price on that car seems a bit high compared to others I’ve seen online. $7k – $9k seems to be the going price for a nice low-mile XK8 convertible and the XKRs seem to be just a bit more.
Is that the same 4.0 L V8 from the Thunderbird and Lincoln LS? Are there any particular weak spots for these in terms of long-term ownership? There don’t seem to be many I can find outside of normal used car inspection needs and maintenance. In comparison, Mercedes and Porsche convertibles appear to have a lot of hydraulic top issues which can be very expensive to fix. Normally aspirated Porsche engines from this era seem to be quite problematic as well. Could these really be owned like a used Ford?
The Ford/Lincoln models used a 3.9L (AJ30/35) variant of the AJ-V8, not the 4.0 AJ26/7/8 used by Jaguar.
“The 3.9L (3934 cc) AJ30/AJ35 variant is a unique displacement used only by Ford and Lincoln and is built in Ford’s Lima, OH engine plant. Bore is 86 mm (3.4 in) and stroke is 85 mm (3.3 in). The AJ35 version introduced for the 2003 model year added variable valve timing of the intake camshafts and electronic throttle control. While the block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods are all unique to this displacement, many other parts are shared with the AJ-V8 engines produced in the UK by Jaguar.
Vehicles using this engine:
2000-2002 Lincoln LS, 252 hp (188 kW) 267 lb·ft (362 N·m)
2002 Ford Thunderbird, 252 hp (188 kW) 267 lb·ft (362 N·m)
2003-2006 Lincoln LS, 280 hp (209 kW) 286 lb·ft (388 N·m)
2003-2005 Ford Thunderbird, 280 hp (209 kW) 286 lb·ft (388 N·m)
Ford Forty-Nine concept
The last AJ35 was produced in March 2006 after only 3 years. Total run of AJ30/35 was nearly 250,000 units”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_AJ-V8_engine#AJ30.2FAJ35
I’m on my second one. Both have been very reliable, but the convertibles are notorious for a hydraulic line rupture in the windshield header where the line goes into the latch. To the best of my knowledge you would be looking at about a $1,500-$2,000 repair bill on that.
My brother’s father in law owns one of the earlier model run cars, 2001 maybe? Brought it to my brother with some kind of engine tick and the car going into a limp home mode. My brother installed a new mass airflow sensor (not terribly pricey for an aftermarket unit), gave it a synthetic oil change and an Italian tune up and it was good to go. This same father in law of his owns a e type coupe in silver, and a Norton commando. His daily driver? 3.6L w body impala, obviously a man of fine taste :)
@facel: No you’re not– deft metaphors!
The One that Got Away: 1986 Carrera Coupe in white, over black logo cloth. It had belonged to a high-ranking Navy officer and a watchmaker (consider the maintenance profile). It had 77,000 miles on it. My newly unemployed wife vetoed the purchase in September 2009.
The ask was $16,500.
I’m not disappointed, just angry.
At $12k this might be worth putting up with the imminent, if not, immediate repairs…if I cared for convertibles.
At 12k it would be massively overpriced. I mean, I like it, but no one’s ever gonna pay you that if you need to resell.
I’d like an XK8 and an X300 or X308 XJ8. Someday…
It’s all good, but X202/204/especially206 for me, or the aluminum XK or X350. Please. My driving favorites, in no particular order. Well, the XK is the best drive, so in that much order, I guess.
“$12,000 for a luxury convertible, with satellite navigation, and merely eighty thousand miles on the odometer.”
Uhh I’m thinking that’s about $4000 too high.
More like six to seven too high for avg condition at 80K.
MY02 Jaguar XK8 CONV
04/30/15 TAMPA Regular $11,000 45,046 Above BLACK 8G A No
02/05/15 PALM BCH Regular $7,950 62,958 Above RED 8G A Yes
06/19/15 FT LAUD Regular $5,000 81,684 Avg BLK 8G A Yes
05/13/15 SAN DIEG Regular $4,900 146,758 Avg GOLD 8G A Yes
02/10/15 BALTWASH Regular $2,300 161,555 Below 8G Yes
MY02 Jaguar XK8 COUPE
02/20/14 NEVADA Regular $11,800 39,638 Avg BLACK 8G A No
08/06/14 NEWORLNS Regular $10,300 43,980 Avg BLACK 8G A No
09/26/13 CHICAGO Regular $10,500 63,272 Avg BL 8G A No
11/05/13 ATLANTA Lease $7,600 66,929 Avg BLACK 8G A No
12/02/14 GEORGIA Regular $8,500 83,863 Avg Black 8CY A No
12/11/14 STATESVL Regular $6,700 106,383 Avg SILVER 8G A No
12/04/14 ST PETE Regular $4,500 119,080 Avg BLACK 8G A No
MY02 Jaguar XKR Supercharged CONV
05/27/15 SF BAY Regular $15,600 28,305 Avg DK GREY 8G A Yes
06/19/15 PA Regular $17,700 30,183 Avg RED 8G A Yes
05/06/15 SEATTLE Regular $18,800 46,193 Above BLACK 8G A No
06/16/15 ORLANDO Regular $16,500 54,438 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
06/25/15 FRDKBURG Regular $5,900 67,138 Below BLACK 8G A Yes
06/17/15 CALIFORN Regular $7,000 98,375 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
MY02 Jaguar XKR Supercharged COUPE
01/08/15 TX HOBBY Regular $15,400 34,930 Avg RED 8G A No
03/25/15 NJ Regular $16,500 59,176 Avg GRY 8G A No
01/03/14 CALIFORN Regular $7,400 101,189 Avg BLACK 8G A No
The average value based upon the regular XK coupe and conv is $7587.50. Damn I’m good.
That feels about right, I could see an avg one going for that much. My thought is spend 9 and get one sub 50K. Who the hell wants one beyond 75K for bigger money? Hence this $12,000 pipe dream being advertised.
Oh we forgot. CP CP!
Also, in this instance I think the sat nav (since the ad copy pointed it out, as did the article) is a detriment. That system they used was old when it was new, and not any good. And the screen size is a joke.
The Lexus system from 02 is indeed very serviceable today, though the graphics are dated. It hides behind the wood panel, so you’re not looking it in the face all the time.
I would want to rip it out completely, I imagine I still can on an MY02.
Also, you want a BRG 2002 V8 convertible which was $75k when new and has sat nav?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-SC-Base-Convertible-2-Door-/121697392625?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c55bad7f1&item=121697392625
Here. Just $2k more, and you won’t be in the poor house every 4,000 miles with unexpected servicing.
Not a bad find, I kinda want one of those too. But if I’m going SC, I’d prefer the SC300/400 Coupe.
The SC400 is indeed better looking, such classic proportions and styling, and JDM. But they’re hard to find in good shape (and when you do they’re overpriced) AND they’re just a bit old these days. Newest one being what, 15 years old now.
I have similar thoughts. I saw a sweet SC300 doing DD duties in VA Beach but that’s the first one I’ve seen in awhile. 28CL has an affinity for Lex even though he does not always care for the models themselves (ES300 for example). The materials, build quality, and reliability can’t be beat though for what they are so to speak.
Dal has me considering an AWD LS for me next vehicle. I will have reached the epitome of reliable large comfortable luxury sedan at that point, and thus will need to search no higher. I can start collecting SUV and PLC models after that.
Edit: For fun, look at the interior on this pretty girl.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-LS-LS400-NO-RESERVE-CLEAN-TITLE-CARFAX-RARE-BURGANDY-/252015013980?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3aad43f05c&item=252015013980
You tease. I do *love* the LS400 but an MY90 as clean as it looks for 57+ bucks? I can spend a bit more and pick up an MY04 LS430.
“Dal has me considering an AWD LS for me next vehicle”
I’d like one as well without the AWD but so pricy. For big money I feel like a truck is a better buy.
It’s a stupid price on that 90 because there’s a BIG dent on the driver’s side rear door. That would eliminate it for me, the body has to be perfect for that price.
But for big money, the Land Cruiser or LX is still much more expensive even then!
Its clean and somewhat rare, which puts it in the $4K range IMO even with the dent. Six is pushing it to me, too much dumb money. Reminds me of that TMU MY88 Allante somebody just had to have for too much money.
Haha, you’re still tingling over that Allante. I knew that would come back up sooner or later.
I just felt like the early LS wasn’t that hard to find in good shape, without dents? Also, I really like the lightly restyled one much better. So much more current. Especially in two tone.
The LS is big money, but it’s a hell of a value for what you get.
With proper maintenance (which is not cheap, but is relatively predictable) I think the ’07-’10 LS I’ll buy for $25-$30k with 50,000ish miles will look and feel nice for as long as anything I could buy new for that price (or even for a bit more), but with a lot more luxury. The materials and construction are just SO good.
I’m looking at a car in Sacramento that’s overpriced, but looks in pictures like it’s never been driven and that has a good service history:
http://www.gtautolounge.com/vehicle-details/2008-lexus-ls-460-sedan-1f3986eee4a24cb5b015b9e5928be4a7/
@Dal
Uneven panel gap on that LS at passenger headlamp area, tells me it’s been hit or bumped! The fender isn’t flush with the lamp lens and grille like it should be. Check vs. other side.
Good eye, Corey. Coming from an Australian Pontiac and a Subaru, that gap just looks normal to me.
Lexus has a very complete service history on that car (which was dealer serviced throughout its life) and there’s nothing in the service history that would suggest an accident. Maybe assembly that wasn’t up to Lexus standard?
I’ll use your eye on another one, this one near me, that I have to go check out tomorrow. Miles are a bit high and it’s white (boo) but it’s equipped right. The problem is it was never dealer serviced so Lexus has no service history.
http://www.dougshyundai.com/seattle-used-cars-lynnwood/detail/2007-Lexus-LS460/5/JTHBL46F475033422/~/VehicleType_~Price1_~Make_Lexus~Model_/6
@dal20402
Love me an LS460, I think its a fitting choice coming from a G8.
If you get any amount of serious about the silver one, I’d ask the dealer about it. The LS isn’t something they let -leave- the factory with that sort of gap. Especially at the front where it’s very noticeable. Any of the servicing look like something they may have had to remove the fender for? Maybe replacing a washer tank, some weird suspension issue perhaps.
Let’s see, the white one…
I love some pearl white, especially on a big car, so I can’t complain there. Dislike the grey wood option very much. Notice how the alignment at the front fenders is so exact, both sides are perfect. As is the trunk alignment. This is the LS way. I’d not look at it because of the wood option there, though this one does have much higher equipment spec. I’d see if they have some records or something for it, so you can at least see some servicing. Otherwise, no Lexus service and grey wood makes the price a bit dear. If it was a lease (looks like it was on AutoCheck) why was there no dealer servicing? Hmm.
Funny, I like the grey wood. I know it was a thing around the mid-2000s and has fallen out of favor a bit, but I still like it, and that’s my favorite LS460 interior combo.
28, in a nutshell, it seemed to me like I was spending almost no time enjoying the G8’s performance and excellent noise (thanks, Seattle traffic) and a lot of time being annoyed by interior quality issues, rattles, and lack of equipment. Then I saw some article on Jalopnik praising the Land Cruiser to high heaven. And I remembered the build quality of my friend’s dad’s 1992 LS400. That got me thinking and reading, and the more I read the more I wanted a LS460, even though it has a different approach to driving than I’m used to. I sold the G8 this week for a good price, and I’m looking forward to driving what is often felt to be one of the best-built cars in the world.
I think I would check out the white one then, and see how much they’ll play with price, and if they have got any records.
The grey wood reminds me of the wood which was purple-grey in the RL, and also available in GREEN for 2003 or 2004. Lol.
http://us.tnpv.net/pv/2003/02/13/HON2003021350112_pv.jpg
http://www.sequoiahills.com/Linked/Acura/IMAGE_012-sml.jpg
The newer Acura gray “wood” is uglier than that the LS, but I could live with it. That old purple stuff from ’04 is horrendous. I think I’d have to spray-paint the panels.
BMW and Mercedes also both did the gray wood thing. I like Mercedes’ stuff:
http://www.carreviewsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2013-SL-Class-Coupe-Gallery-010_GOI.jpg
Land sakes, that SL wood needs some more gloss. I’m more okay with the grey on that because it has more a more natural, larger grain. The LS stuff looks artificial to me.
That particular Allante just defied all logic.
LS400/430s aren’t very common, finding an MY90 survivor might not be easy.
Hey some people want the power and reliability which comes as standard on a TMU 4100HT.
I agree on the MY90 bit, I recall looking at one around 2002, and it was already used up and dried out on the inside. And they all of course have high miles because they run so well. It’s much easier to find a low miles 90 XJ6. Just bring a trailer!
My father recently picked up one of these with 10,000 miles on the odometer……no typo. The car is loaded and is quite a nice ride.
I too prefer the SC 300/400, but I do like these as well. There is an immaculate SC 400 at the bottom of the hill in my neighborhood that the owner DDs. So jelly….
When I was a young sailor with a pocket full of cash I looked at the new E-Types at a dealer showroom in Pocatello, Idaho (the dealership was also a Dodge dealer – I originally was there to try out a crew-cab 1-ton 4WD Dodge pickup). The salesman and the sales manager were very eager to unload a beautiful new light blue V-12 2+2 E-Type on me in exchange for my cash at a price close to 1/2-off sticker. Even at my young and gullible age I heard lots of warning bells going off in my head – that and my memories of my brother-in-law cursing Lucas Electric and all things British whilst he worked on his Triumphs (cars and motorcycles). I purchased nothing that day but that pretty little Jag still remains in my memory.
LSx swap fixes everything once again!
I have dreams of an XK8 coupe with an LSx.
Donor cars are around and cheap, but the kit’s cost of $2k keeps it a dream for me. (which is a good thing for me…it would be one more not finished project )
The coupes are a far better looking car than the convertibles.
LS swaps are nice, but the LS is not a very refined engine. I should know, I put an LS in my 240Z. I suspect the big issue with LS swap is related to the swap itself. You are now venturing into the realm of the aftermarket and any sort of vibration dampening and so on has gone out the window.
Still, an LS would solve the engine reliability issues, but you still have to deal with all of the electrical issues.
I’d rather have a V12 XJ-S.
Please seek professional help.
I think he means he would prefer to stand near and admire an XJ-S V12.
I hope so.
I passed a car lot recently with THREE XJ-Ses for sale! Now that guy needs help.
At least he’s trying to sell them.
Well, some poor schmuck had to foot the bill to get those things fixed up enough to sell…
My brother has one; drives like a truck. Huge disappointment when I drove it. His other Jag, the ’65 XKE couple I found for him is a proper sports car.
Agreed, the XJ-Ses were a disappointment to me once I drove one too. The best example I ever drove was a very nice condition ’94 model with a GM TPI 5.7L and 700R4 trans. It was a good deal faster than the V12 that the car came with and made it fun to drive.
Heh, imagine the pure terror of a LS7 or LS9 powered XJS.
When it comes to depreciated out Euro luxury, I would buy the right Ford era AJ equipped Jag. Having worked on a few regularly in the past, they actually aren’t as bad as some *other* depreciated high end cars. You might have to hang timing chains and guides on that V8, but it’s not uncommon for them to go the distance otherwise. The non R cars had a ZF trans which tended to sh1t the bed as mileage accrued well into six figures, but the R cars had the Mercedes NAG1 unit familiar to the Chrysler LX cars, which is sturdy and serviceable if need be.
They finally ditched the pain in the ass inboard rear brakes with this generation too.
PLS SEE ABOVE.
If anyone is considering jag-ness Danio is the voice that you should listen to. The trans in the 4.0 cars is crap (the ZF-HP6 series is well known to have issues and is the same junk used in BMW 7 Series) — having replaced two I believe I can speak with some authority. The Supercharged cars (I have a 00 Super VandenPlas) are very, very strong. The Ford-era cars are exponentially more robust than the the cars that came before above and beyond the drivetrain.
Service on the post 1998 cars is about as simple as any other car of that era and way easier than the Merc/BMW/Audi cars in the same class.
They really are unfairly maligned, and the fact that you can buy them so ridiculously cheap is constantly astounding to me.
They suffer the reputation of their predecessors. They can nickle and dime you on smaller dealer only items, but are generally decent cars.
You folks have a touch of the Leyland beauties.. Quick slap some faces these Jags are like sirens beckoning ye to the rocks. And there’s no SuperCover or Leycare…
Best post in a month!
Everything is subjective. I personally find the early series XK depicted in this article to look quite dated with the exception of the Coupe. The XK series starting in 2007 was absolutely gorgeous and the closest thing to an Aston I will every be able to afford. In addition they were substantially more reliable since TATA took over. Yes, electrics have and always will be somewhat of an issue with Jaguar as well as British cars and European cars as well. The nose of the latest XKs are not beautiful, but the rest of the car more than makes up for it. Yes, the F Type is also breath taking and yes I’m sure that if any of us live another 20 years, those prices will also be in the teens or very close to it. They will also be old cars with old electronics!
Close to ten years back, I had to drive a similar XK8 cabrio from one of my company’s sites to drop it off at another, about 30km away. It made that entire trip with no electrical failure. Shocking!
But yeah, if I had space and spare money, i’d love to pick up one of these as a weekend car. The SC430 is too BenGay and spray tan, and I feel like if I owned a 6-series from the current millenium, I’d be obligated to take up vaping and wearing Axe. And, as a weekend car, I could deal with the (maybe) one repair or so a year a Jag from this era might require – not like they go up in flames just if you look at them funny.