Ready to buy 2007 XJ8 but salesman scared me
#1
06-21-2009, 09:36 PM
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Ready to buy 2007 XJ8 but salesman scared me
Hi -
I'm new to the forum, but I'd like your help. I test drove a 2007 XJ8 regular wheelbase sedan over the weekend at a local dealer. I enjoyed the car, but the salesman scared me about long term reliability, telling me that there have been lots of problems with wheel bushings (failing repeatedly over time), some electrical problems (window regulators, etc.), and shifting problems with the XF transmission.
I thought this was a come on to buy an extended service contract, but he didn't even offer me one. Than I thought he was trying to push me into an XF (had several on the lot), but he didn't push that on me either. Then I thought, well the new XJ is due to be shown next month, maybe he expects me to wait until 2010 to buy one of those - but that makes no sense for a commission salesman.
SO, should I be worried about buying a used 2007 XJ8? I prefer the 2007 and newer models, I like the extra seat adjustments on the front seats - I'm short and the standard '06 and older seats don't have an adjustment to move the seat cushion forward and back, which alters the seat angle to fit me better.
He also seems a bit high on price, quoting $36,500 for an '07 XJ8 with 33K miles, in white/tan. The color combo didn't excite me, and compared to a dealer in Texas that has been discussed on this site, his prices seemed high by many thousands of dollars.
I'm a BMW guy, have had many of them including 3s, 5s, and 8s (years ago). Generally the ride and steering is why I keep coming back, but the '07 XJ8 was VERY quiet and comfortable. I'd like to make a change, but I'm scared.
Any help is appreciated. By the way, is there any reason not to consider cars from TCD, the site of the lower priced Jags in Texas?
Thanks in advance.
I'm new to the forum, but I'd like your help. I test drove a 2007 XJ8 regular wheelbase sedan over the weekend at a local dealer. I enjoyed the car, but the salesman scared me about long term reliability, telling me that there have been lots of problems with wheel bushings (failing repeatedly over time), some electrical problems (window regulators, etc.), and shifting problems with the XF transmission.
I thought this was a come on to buy an extended service contract, but he didn't even offer me one. Than I thought he was trying to push me into an XF (had several on the lot), but he didn't push that on me either. Then I thought, well the new XJ is due to be shown next month, maybe he expects me to wait until 2010 to buy one of those - but that makes no sense for a commission salesman.
SO, should I be worried about buying a used 2007 XJ8? I prefer the 2007 and newer models, I like the extra seat adjustments on the front seats - I'm short and the standard '06 and older seats don't have an adjustment to move the seat cushion forward and back, which alters the seat angle to fit me better.
He also seems a bit high on price, quoting $36,500 for an '07 XJ8 with 33K miles, in white/tan. The color combo didn't excite me, and compared to a dealer in Texas that has been discussed on this site, his prices seemed high by many thousands of dollars.
I'm a BMW guy, have had many of them including 3s, 5s, and 8s (years ago). Generally the ride and steering is why I keep coming back, but the '07 XJ8 was VERY quiet and comfortable. I'd like to make a change, but I'm scared.
Any help is appreciated. By the way, is there any reason not to consider cars from TCD, the site of the lower priced Jags in Texas?
Thanks in advance.
#2
06-22-2009, 07:02 AM
Veteran Member
I would not be scared, nor is there a reason not to buy from TCD if you like their prices. I think even older XJ8's as long as VDP's from the front-rear adjustment of the bottom cushion. I do like the ventilated seats on the newer XJ's. The best XJ to get is the Super V8; it mixes the power and performance of XJR with the elegence of the VDP.
I find if odd that the salesperson would be talking up the faults? For sure, I would expand your search to get the right color combo you like. Having the right color combo is critical with the XJ8 I think.
Never heard of a window regulator issue on any modern Jag, nor have I had to replace a wheel bearing. The car does shift at odd times, especially since I replaced the torque converter.
$37K for a 2007 sounds like a lot of car for the money. I think you'll be more than happy with the right Jag in that price range.
I find if odd that the salesperson would be talking up the faults? For sure, I would expand your search to get the right color combo you like. Having the right color combo is critical with the XJ8 I think.
Never heard of a window regulator issue on any modern Jag, nor have I had to replace a wheel bearing. The car does shift at odd times, especially since I replaced the torque converter.
$37K for a 2007 sounds like a lot of car for the money. I think you'll be more than happy with the right Jag in that price range.
#3
06-22-2009, 09:41 AM
lencap...
Was this dealer a Jag dealer? The price is not bad; there might still be some more wiggle room in the price. Also, see if they can get it certified used for you...that would extend your warranty many more years. It normally costs $1500 or so; they might throw it in to do the deal.
I bought my '06 XJ8L last July and had some of the same concerns as you. I was a 20-year BMW driver, and initially had reliabilty concerns. After 13k miles, the only problem I've had is a burnt out bulb in one of the visor lights! (STILL waiting on a replacment). The 2001 3-series I came out of was a nightmare, seemed to have a problem every 6 months.
Was this dealer a Jag dealer? The price is not bad; there might still be some more wiggle room in the price. Also, see if they can get it certified used for you...that would extend your warranty many more years. It normally costs $1500 or so; they might throw it in to do the deal.
I bought my '06 XJ8L last July and had some of the same concerns as you. I was a 20-year BMW driver, and initially had reliabilty concerns. After 13k miles, the only problem I've had is a burnt out bulb in one of the visor lights! (STILL waiting on a replacment). The 2001 3-series I came out of was a nightmare, seemed to have a problem every 6 months.
#4
06-22-2009, 02:32 PM
I am in the UK so can't comment on prices. I bought an 03 XJ8 with 30K miles on the clock one year ago and the only problem was the air con/heater blower speed controller failure which I fixed myself because having done my homework on various forums I knew what the fault was.
I understand that the XJ was recently top of the pops on the J D Power reliability survey.
Most people seem to absolutely love the car,I know I do!
I understand that the XJ was recently top of the pops on the J D Power reliability survey.
Most people seem to absolutely love the car,I know I do!
#6
08-10-2009, 06:36 PM
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I don't know if many will agree with this but, when purchasing a used car if you can afford it always buy the extended service contract. An extended service contract from a reputable company is worth the peace of mind. Which are you willing to do, spend money on an extended service contract or full payment on multiple repair jobs or one big repair job.
Darryl
Darryl
#7
08-10-2009, 07:52 PM
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#8
08-11-2009, 10:02 AM
Clearly the salesperson was trying to run up his gross by selling you the extended warranty--the commissions on them are huge (up to 50% of selling price is paid to the dealer). Check the prices of extended warranties on your own (be careful of who you buy it from and make sure the warranty provider has insurance company backing with verifiable assets).
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