Hi All.

I was rear-ended in my 2009 VDP last week and unfortunately it looks like it's going to end up a total loss. I've done some looking around and there just aren't many (if any) VDPs around anymore.

So, now in considering picking up an XJR, probably relatively early in the model run, 2004-2007, as that's really all I've seen for sale. My question is this: Is there anyone that has experience with both the VDP and the XJR that can compare the two for me? I only had the car for 1.5 years, but that was enough for me to strongly consider going back to the well!

 

Seems to me, I M H O that XJR's are prone to suffer from more abuse, so i shy away.

 

Fair point. Means a prior inspection would definitely be in order, and a clean Carfax to boot.

Do the XJRs ride as comfortably as the VDPs?

 

If the XJR's have the sport type shocks instead of comfort ones, then i suppose not.
There is no real difference between my 04 XJ8 base, & the 07 VDP's ride that i feel.
Both just float down the road at at whatever speed you like, triple digits way too fast.

 

VDP = "Luxury appointments" XJR = "Performance".

IMHO it doesn't really matter too much because, as you say, it's a matter of finding the best available For Sale, for you.
What do you want? If so then wait. e.g. I would have preferred a V8 to my V6, and there are more V8 X358's available here now than 2 years ago. Plus the color, whatever. Should I have waited 2 years? Hell No. Just me, but I never put my foot down with the V6 anyway.

They are ALL "sports oriented" (the tyre profiles are ALL low), to appeal to the inner leaper within us I s'pose, as against a sleeping cat.

I'd be more concerned about mileage, age, condition, all of which the newer the better. Or sometimes, rarity.

As far as I can tell, and if it matters, the supercharged models might have higher maintenance costs. Fancy That!

 

My Coworker has an X350 VDP, and I have an XJR. Same DNA, but they are different drives. At least when mine was stock, with stock mufflers and suspension, it was comfy, but i do not think it matched up the the comfort the VDP offers. The VDP comes with smaller rims and larger sidewall tires, and as mentioned that cloud suspension. My XJR had the factory Sepangs on it which are a bit wider and 20". As far as interior, they're both nice, quiet cars. But again, the VDP has nicer leather and options. Performance wise, the VDP cant touch the XJR, but that's if you really get on it on the highway or something. Daily commuting, you cant tell. Neither one is a slouch imo.

Depends what your preference is, comfort vs performance? I personally went from an XJ8 to an XJR. I knew what I wanted and I get the use out of it. I've always thought though... maybe when I am a bit older I'll get a VDP and leave it completely stock if I can find one in good shape. Would be great to have both, but the wife would kill me. For now, I enjoy my R.

If you cant decide, look into the best of both worlds. Check out the Supers.

 

Two Jaguars in my garage are way less expensive than a new Toyota, or Honda.
They are even less than a Korean import, with a like option package.
WAY more enjoyable to drive, with similar, but not quite as good on the mileage aspect.

 

Super V8?

 

Insurance hasn't decided yet whether to total my car, but it'll looking that way. Then I'll have to haggle with them over how much my car was worth.

In the meantime I'm going to see an XJR on Thursday.

Thanks ChrisMills. Your connect gives me a few categories where I can focus and set what I prefer. With COVID going on, I may have the luxury of waiting for another VDP to hit the market if that's what I decide I prefer!

 

Take into consideration that the electronics were upgraded in MY 2006.

I liked the VDP interior so much that I upgraded my entire XJR interior to VDP "status".

 

Yellow Bandit;

I have an 04 XJR ( 3 years) and an 07 SV8 ( a year).

The brakes on the XJR are superior to those on the SV8. I use OEM pads on the XJR and I really don't know what the brake lining material is on the SV8. The ride is softer (more boat like) on the SV8. I attribute this to the smaller diameter rims (greater sidewall cushion) and comfort vs. sport suspension. I have maintained the OEM air suspension on both cars. The mid-cabin AC / heater on the SV8 is wonderful.

I really like both cars. They are different personalities. The XJR is a 'Driver's' car and the SV8 is a passengers' car that has enough sport to keep a smile on the driver's face. My kids dislike the XJR for lack of leg space in the rear.

I agree with the input below to hold out until you find what you want. You can't wait forever for the perfect car but don't move so quickly you'll have regrets.

Best Regards, William

 

This is one of the bigger differences, short wheelbase XJR vs. long in the VDP.

Dave

 

OOhhh...not sure I knew that they changed the electronics. Thanks for that.

It's official. Totaled. Damn. I really liked that car. [deep sigh]

Now my issue is replacing it.
Thanks for the input, William.

I think I'll be more clear after I drive the XJR this week. I'm only slightly concerned about my kids in back - my oldest is 12. I think the difference would be striking only because we're used to the extra length of the VDP. Otherwise, the rear legroom is closer to average, right? If I drive it and can't get past the difference, then...I guess I wait a while for a VDP or a SV8 come up at a good price? I dunno. 5 inches is a lot. Have to think through that one.

 

In the rush to compare models, I clean forgot to express sympathy and heartache for your VDP being TOTALED. That's a financial decision by the insurance co, hope it wasn't too distressing for the occupants.

I just can't see that KIDS in the back requires a LWB. (nice as it may be)

 

This exactly. I think it's just the reluctance to lose the room that I wasn't really using anyway. Time will tell.

 

Would you consider an XK? (suppresses snigger)

It's not often mentioned that the cabin space in these cars (XJ) is not really that great (ask my brother who's 6ft something)
I'm average height/build, but I like to drive as though I'm praying to Mecca so the seat is always max back, and as far as I'm concerned doesn't go back far enough. Occasionally I (driver) have to move forward a bit if there's a back-seat passenger. (SWB) Still enough room for kids IMHO

(if I had a choice in 2nd-hand market and other things being equal, certainly I would have chosen LWB)

 

You might consider buying it back for parts then buy another VDP.

 

If you want the best of both worlds, look for a 2006+ SV8, improved electronics, SC engine, LWB with extra comfort, and put the rims that fit you (18, 19 or 20").

 

One thing I notice is the R seats are not as comfortable.
The sharp edges cut into my legs, and the bucket design requires only one body position.
On a long drive I'm sore.

Rob

 

Seats on the XJR here look normal (from what I can find for sale).
Maybe you have something special or modified?
(link will only work for a limited time)
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/c...2?bof=8aoap60r

(they appear to have higher sides, other than that hard-to-tell?)