I'm a newbie and don't know anything about cars. I am picking up a 2004 XJ8 with 75,000 miles in mint condition in the morning. I am paying $10,000 (includes registration). I also traded in my 2001 Ford Mustang.
Was this a good deal? Any advice on what questions I should ask and also how to care for the car? Any advice is appreciated.

 

Since you have already made the deal I would never think of criticizing your decision. A six year old car, be it a Jaguar or a Kia is worth what the buyer thinks it is worth.

If you want to know the average sales price of a car similar to yours go to Edmunds.com. Then you have to add/substract a dozen other items like the condition of the tires, paint, leather, etc, etc.

I would make sure the car came with all the books, keys, remote key fobs and as much documentation of the maintenance as available. You should have two black keys and one green one and two fobs. You cannot believe how much it cost to have a key replaced. I would also go through all the electrical things, door locks, seat motion/memory/heaters, climate control operation, entertainment system, steering wheel motion, etc. Pull out the owners manual and step through all the things to ensure they work.

Be happy, don't worry.

 

I have a 2004 XJ8 also. Had 70k on it when I bought it, now at 80k. As the previous poster said, you're buying a used car. One would hope that all Jag owners take loving care of their cars, so you should be getting something that's in better shape, comparatively, than an equivalent 6 year old car.

Since I've had my car, I've put new brakes/rotors on, had a cracked transmission pan replaced (plastic? really?), replaced the Mass Airflow Sensor (that was fun to troubleshoot), and a few other nitnoy things.

Bottom line, if you're happy (I am) it's worth it. But, things start wearing out, even on top quality cars like this.

 

So far I am very happy with my '04 XJ8. I just turned over 30k miles though.

 

Thank you for the information. I picked up my car today and it does look pristine. I looked under the hood, and I never saw an engine that looked so perfect. It looks shiney and brand new like it just came out of the factory.

I am taking it to a Jaguar Dealer on Tuesday to have it checked out. Only one key with fob came with the car. The dealer said another key like that would be $211.00.

When I drive it I can't stop smiling.

 

You are having it checked out AFTER you bought it? You must really appreciate surprises! I'd suggest the other way around next time.

Did you pay $10k for the car or $10k + your Mustang?

Twotone

 

$10,000 plus the Mustang. They gave me $6,500 for my Mustang.

The car's exterior and interior look like it just came off the show room. The engine could pass the white glove test. Tires are good. I guess I assumed it looked well taken care of, and would be a good buy. I'll let you know what happens on Tuesday. I am so happy to have found this forum. I hope to learn a lot about Jaguars. Thank you for your help.