Ideally you could use the info and similar asking pricing as bargaining chips with the locals. So if the car was say made in Japan you wouldn't have to pay the 6%? Now that virtually no autos are made in England by a homegrown owner sans Morgan that just makes me chuckle. Food for thought I paid 6k for mine with 1 owner no crash history and 99k on the odo. Not it perfect shape (owner liked to follow too close so there are a few stone chips up front and a door ding or two).

 

Alright fellas, this Jag (the 03 AWD from my original posts) is becoming a more serious option almost every day, but I still have yet to see it in person since the dealership that has it is far enough away that going to look at it will be an all day trip by the time I get home. That being said, are there items or areas of the car I should be sure to inspect if/when I do go look at it? I've read something about an oil pan leak for instance so I'll probably try and take a look under it, but are there other things to be sure and inspect that are perhaps more particular to these cars?

 

Look over the service records if available, if not pretty much the same as any car. Check everything if your competent to evaluate a car if not paying an independent garage $100 to check everything over is a very good idea.

 

In my opinion, you will feel a huge difference in power between the 2.5 and 3.0 in daily driving conditions. When you are test driving cars you push them and because it is a stick shift they will both feel great. But in real life driving you will start to feel that the 2.5 drives like a 4 cylinder. The 3.0 has a mere 225HP and 0-60 in nearly 8 seconds. Although it is a SOLID car it still feels a bit on the slow side. The 2.5 even more so. This of course, wouldn't matter to someone who prefers riding in chill mode and within legal limits at all times. But if you are in the mountains of BC you will notice.
As far as the price, I know that CAD is more than USD but I don't know by how much now. I would your car licensing department and ask them how much it would cost to buy and drive in the car from Washington state.
As far as the reliability take a look at my response below...

I think the 3.0 is an AWESOME car. As far as things to be aware of, remember that with the mileage you are buying it at you never really know. My car is the same at 100k as it was at 70k but that's because I take good care of it. And the things that I have had to fix came to me by surprise. I thought the car was perfect and then the fuel pump went spontaneously. Point is that if the owner didn't take good care of it you'll know right away. If they did take care of it you should feel like you're driving a like new car (I still feel like this with my 100k x-type and always get compliments). But if it feels that good, it will be impossible for you to know what to "pay attention to". You just take it and roll the dice. Like the member above said, you could always take it to a Jaguar dealer or certified mechanic to do a full check up for $100-$125 for peace of mind. Just try to make sure that it is a well experienced mechanic with Jags because barely anybody has the full software suite to be able to properly read the computer on the Jags. They can read the codes, but that's about it.

 

[QUOTE=nootherids;295996]In my opinion, you will feel a huge difference in power between the 2.5 and 3.0 in daily driving conditions. When you are test driving cars you push them and because it is a stick shift they will both feel great. But in real life driving you will start to feel that the 2.5 drives like a 4 cylinder. The 3.0 has a mere 225HP and 0-60 in nearly 8 seconds. Although it is a SOLID car it still feels a bit on the slow side. The 2.5 even more so. QUOTE]

The 3.0 manual is 6.6 seconds 0-60 and to me feels very sporty in the right gear.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I used to work as a mechanic and I'm hoping to be able to get the car on a hoist at the dealership to take a look at it myself for basics like oil leaks, front end parts etc. I've contacted the dealer and asked about records and they said they don't really have any but could pull a carfax for me, which I plan on having them do. Can I call a Jag dealership though and ask them for whatever service records are available through the dealership records? I know when I worked for a Ford dealership, we could access records of any dealership work done to a car, so I assume Jag would have that ability as well. I guess I'm wondering more if they would give me the info or not. I'm just trying to be as informed and smart about this purchase as I can be since this will be for my wife (and I don't want her stranded someplace) and it will be the newest car I've bought since my 99 Contour I bought back in January of 01. I'm hoping to be able to go drive it first weekend of February.

 

Hi everyone,

New member here. Pretty much in a smilar position as OP and R0ark (with my own little variations of course). Don't really want to threadjack but not sure if starting a new thread is appropriate and won't lead to "use the search function" type of replies.

I've been shopping around intensively for cars for the past few weeks and sporadically over the last two years. I'm a 20 year old university student in Canada (Montreal, where it snows, a lot) from a middle class home. I have a part time job that generates enough income for my current expenses and more considering I have no rent/utilities/grocery expense. I drive my uncle's hand me down 1998 Maxima GLE with 175 000km (~110 000 miles). This car, as my previous 1995 tercel, rarely have been to the mechanic for anything other than oil changes.

Despite my research (a lot of it on these forums and elsewhere), I'm currently stuck picking between two cars and amid my confusion, I have come to the jag masters for help.

On one hand, there is a very nice 2002 Toyota Camry LE with 168 000 km (102 000 miles). It's a 2.4 i4 FWD. The 20 year old current owner inherited it from his grandmother. Since, he has changed the sound system (nothing fancy but better than stock), put in the leather interior and cluster from an SE, purchased 17" and 18" mags (summer/winter) that are included with tires good for min 2 seasons on each, plus the original camry mags. The car drives fine with no mechanical issues. There's a bearing on a wheel that needs to be changed and i'm assuming a gasket on the steering wheel needs some lube/wd-40 since it squeaks in cold weather. Not a spot of rust since rustproofed. Also, has no soul. I don't think any of you would disagree. 5500$ ask, probably can get it for 4800-5000 range.
Kijiji : Activation de l'annonce requise.


The Jaguar is a 2003 X-type, luxury edition (not the sport one) with 74 000 km (~45 000 miles). It's the 3.0 V6 AWD automatic. I checked out the records at Jaguar dealerships in the region with the VIN# and the milage checks out as real. It's from a dealership. The car has been detailed so I'm sure it affects my judgment vs other cars. Has all the luxuries I'm used to in my maxima and more. The car seems in good mechanical order. No odd noises when powering it on, but we'll see what the drive reveals. I've seen it twice already and will be driving it tomorrow. It has been keyed near the gas tank but it's only a scratch. Comes with summer tires on mags and winter tires on rims with original hub caps, both good for another 2 seasons. Brake discs and pads are new on all 4 tires, receipt is there. 6870$ ask, +5% federal tax +9.5% provincial tax amounts to ~7900$. He already offered to bring the price down to 7500$. Not sure how much I can close it for.
2003 Jaguar X-Type 3.0 - Montréal autos à vendre - Kijiji Montréal
My heart is set on it, but a logical train of thought (i.e. the part of the brain that worries about the money) is pushing me towards the camry. I read just like the OP about the trouble spots on the jag. I still haven't figured out how to tell if the transfer case is about to die or not. I won't run it into the ground with my driving (I drive like an old man, unless I'm angry) but I don't want to add 3000$ that I don't have to the price tag of my car. Other repairs frighten me less and one of my good friends is a mechanic (worked for both ford and toyota) who does some at home work so I figure between him, the JTIS and the jaguarforums, I could gain valuable knowledge about how to maintain a car.

Purchase price, gas, insurance and parts are more expensive on the jaguar than the toyota from what I understand so far. I'm really confused balancing the pros and cons and was hoping some members here could provide me with some insight about the purchase decision as well as things to watch out for.

Thanks for whoever bothered reading this novel
Impatiently awaiting to hear from you guys!

 

2002 Toyota Camry - Montréal autos à vendre - Kijiji Montréal

This is the proper ad for the camry.
Is it just me or I couldn't edit the post? Didn't want to 2x post but

 

Hello, you're totally new member and can not edit your own posts until you become a full member .

 

Welcome to the forum.

First, there is risk associated with every used car. I bought a 2002 X-Type with 130,000 mile on it for $5k a little over a year ago. I have had absolutely no problems with it. My sister bought a used Toyota for $12k and has had $4k in repairs done on it. If you can do your own work, with the help of this forum, I think you're better off with the Jag. It has much lower miles and with some preventative maintenance, such as changing the transfer case oil, you should be fine.

Mark

 

My 2003 has 110k miles on it now. It still drives flawlessly. But I began having some problems around 90k miles. Basically I have a chronic check engine light and bad gas mileage. Other than that, the car is a beautiful drive!

The one thing I will say is to expect the Jag to be a 100k mile car before you start needing medium-level repairs. As opposed to a Toyota or Nissan which you can push all the way to 200k miles which typical maintenance and minor repairs.

It's a plus that you have a buddy that's a mechanic, but make sure he is a full mechanic with all the appropriate tools. Take him to see a comparable X-type somewhere near (they're all basically the same) and he will see that every single system on the x-type is very difficult to work on. Compare the engine compartment size to a Toyota and you will see how tight everything is. Even changing the spark plugs is a big job, but doable.

Everything for the Jag costs more and is more difficult to get a hold of but that's expected.

My recommendation would be to keep the Maxima and put any money into reconditioning it. But if you are really tired of driving the same car then you would have to go for the Jag. The Camry would not satisfy the "I need a new car" impulse and would probably be a step down from the Maxima. However, I think that the Jag you are looking at is ridiculously overpriced.

P.S. If you're gonna get the Jag spend the extra $150-$200 and take it to a Jaguar specialist mechanic and have them tap into the computer and give you a full report. Taping into the Jag ODBII system requires a proprietary system that mechanics have to pay A LOT for, so most don't have it. I wouldn't recommend the Jag dealerships, but that's just a personal thing. (but any scanner can read the codes for you to figure out later)

Good luck! Come back here and update us if you remember to

 

Your choice is a Toyota Camry versus a Jaguar?

Do not even THINK about it. Get the Jaguar!

Plus, you plan drive in snow?

Try THIS in a Toyota!!!

As to your comment "My heart is set on it, but a logical train of thought (i.e. the part of the brain that worries about the money) is pushing me towards the camry", maybe the following comments from Jeremy Clarkson of the British TV show TopGear will allow you to understand some of the ownership benefits and attitudes:

Jaguar Owners

Go for it, Naroush!

(PS - I think the milage and price sound good, but do think about getting a Warranty with it also)

 

^^^ LOL Good Post!

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for the input. UNFORTUNATELY, listened to logic and go the camry.

Couldn't be more true. I still prefer taking my maxima around, despite having bought a "new" car. Maybe I just need to get used to it. All I can say is that the camry is nothing more than a functional car with 0 driving pleasure. The Jaguar seemed diametrically opposed to it.

And Bruce, I loved the videos. Thanks.

I see a very passionate forum here. Definitely a car that entices it's users to participate. You should see the dustballs over at "toyotanation"

Hoping to be have reason to be back here ASAP.

Cheers.