Looking at buying a 2005 Vanden Plas

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#21

02-21-2011, 02:35 PM

millenia man

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2005 xj8

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45Wheelgun

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2005 XJ8 Vanden Plas. Silver/white. It has 50k miles. Asking price is $15000. I have not had a chance to look at it yet, I will this weekend. Owned by an older gentlemen since it was new. From the photographs the exterior appears to be flawless. How well do the interior of these cars hold up?

After reviewing this forum, it seems I should be concerned about the shocks and the throttle body. As I look over this car is there any way to check if there are problems that exist in these areas? If I purchase this vehicle, I intend to have the local Jag shop look it over first.

Are there any 50k maintenance items I should take care of right way?

Any advice you can offer? I am coming from a Cadillac STS.

Sure looks like you are doing everything possible to evaluate this car! Having it for a couple days to familiarize yourself with all the features is a big plus. You will be able to find out the little things that don't work. When I bought my 2007 XJ8L, there were two things that didn't work and those are the two things I didn't checkout! Still under warranty so no problem, but on older cars these things are costly to correct.

Good luck, and enjoy that car.

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#22

02-22-2011, 06:20 AM

45Wheelgun

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Thanks for the tips on the headlights. I'll check them both out today. The Jag shop can't get me in until Thursday, so my test drive has been extended until at least Thursday. I hope this car passes inspection, because I am becoming attached...

Any ideas on the turn signal or the other issues?

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#23

02-24-2011, 06:46 PM

45Wheelgun

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Took it to the dealer this morning for her inspection. She passed. No hidden issues. I bought her this afternoon.

They fixed the headlights by removing and correctly installing the light bulbs. Seems someone had put them in upside down. They didn't charge me for the fix.

They told me they can fix the turn signal for 1 hour of labor. They said they need to remove the airbag, and the steering wheel to make an adjust and then put it all back together.

Thanks for all the input.

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#24

02-25-2011, 07:49 AM

Billsblue73

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Congratulations. I'm sure you will have many enjoyable miles in your new Jaguar.

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#25

02-25-2011, 09:24 AM

amcdonal86

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Yes, congratulations! The Jag is a great car!

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#26

03-03-2011, 02:41 PM

ddsski

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SWEEEET DEAL. Grab it and don't sweat a few minor repairs. Mine is a 2004 and is/has been FLAWLESS since new. It is my second FLAWLESS Jag, the first being a 1998. They are built as well as any other luxury car out there, with, in some cases, superior materials! They don't have as many electrical "techno" gadgets to break so as they age there is less to break. I have always considered a used Jag one of the best deals on the market esp because their initial depreciation curve was so steep in the past!