2001 Vanden Plas SC
#1
09-10-2020 | 12:05 PM
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#2
09-10-2020 | 03:46 PM
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 246
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From: Philadelphia burbs
Lot of factors to consider. Do you care that it’s pre-aluminum which began in 02? Have you seen the car? Can you bring it for a pre-purchase inspection to an independent (not a dealership, though if push comes to shove) Jaguar specialist? Does the owner have records of routine maintenance and replacement of parts? If not, what have you determined requires replacing and are prepared to reach into your pocket? For perspective, I’ve replaced many parts, some proactively, over 10 years to my little 09’ VW Rabbit to keep it in prime condition (radiator, shocks/struts, control arms, AC compressor, valve & timing covers, etc) and that’s an 11 year old car that has zero bells and whistles; here we’re talking about a complex 20 year old car.
In my own search for a car, unless dealing directly with a conscientious single or second owner who has records, I’ve been very cautious. I also have in the back of my mind that top of the line luxury autos like the BMW 750, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi A8, etc. often have initial owners that lease / purchase a car until the warranty expires then move on because they can afford to and want to avoid pricey repairs / upkeep (of course there are exceptions, there are many members here who always wanted a XJ model and finally obtained one, that’s not to whom I’m referring). If, however, an off-lease car goes to auction, gets put on a lot after a ‘detailing’ and purchased by a subsequent owner who just wants a ‘fancy car’ to look rich - Danger Will Robinson.... an owner will likely run it until all the dash lights flash and dump it; as a potential 3rd owner you’re left with an often spit shined land mine. Tough market for luxury autos. My experience has solely been in the sports car market x 25 years, different in my opinion. This has been interesting.
Personally, I’m taking it slow. I would be less trepidatious with an auction / dealership car if records are complete and available and bonus if a dealership has performed some work to make the car straight. I avoid looking at cars with more than 2 owners and prefer a car with under 80K miles (just personal preference). All the best in your search and remember, this is just an opinion being rendered not gospel by any means! Good luck
In my own search for a car, unless dealing directly with a conscientious single or second owner who has records, I’ve been very cautious. I also have in the back of my mind that top of the line luxury autos like the BMW 750, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi A8, etc. often have initial owners that lease / purchase a car until the warranty expires then move on because they can afford to and want to avoid pricey repairs / upkeep (of course there are exceptions, there are many members here who always wanted a XJ model and finally obtained one, that’s not to whom I’m referring). If, however, an off-lease car goes to auction, gets put on a lot after a ‘detailing’ and purchased by a subsequent owner who just wants a ‘fancy car’ to look rich - Danger Will Robinson.... an owner will likely run it until all the dash lights flash and dump it; as a potential 3rd owner you’re left with an often spit shined land mine. Tough market for luxury autos. My experience has solely been in the sports car market x 25 years, different in my opinion. This has been interesting.
Personally, I’m taking it slow. I would be less trepidatious with an auction / dealership car if records are complete and available and bonus if a dealership has performed some work to make the car straight. I avoid looking at cars with more than 2 owners and prefer a car with under 80K miles (just personal preference). All the best in your search and remember, this is just an opinion being rendered not gospel by any means! Good luck
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Turtle00 (09-13-2020)
#3
09-12-2020 | 09:56 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 753
Likes: 217
From: New York state
Very good call outs by Smonop. The S/C Vanden Plas model is the rarest of the series with a reported 232 imported in 2001. Engine maintenance performed to date, especially chain tensioners, is absolutely critical.
Unfortunately I have to sell my car which is the same car and year but with more miles. It has been wonderfully reliable over 10 years and I have maintained and improved the car regularly as part of my enjoyment of owning this car.
The ride is superb and the S/C engine has amazing torque. I have huge list of parts that I have replaced and I drive the car daily (just inspected). I never see another one and get smiles and compliments all the time.
Please PM me if you are interested in photos and learning more.
Regards,
Unfortunately I have to sell my car which is the same car and year but with more miles. It has been wonderfully reliable over 10 years and I have maintained and improved the car regularly as part of my enjoyment of owning this car.
The ride is superb and the S/C engine has amazing torque. I have huge list of parts that I have replaced and I drive the car daily (just inspected). I never see another one and get smiles and compliments all the time.
Please PM me if you are interested in photos and learning more.
Regards,
#4
09-13-2020 | 03:01 PM
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
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Lot of factors to consider. Do you care that it’s pre-aluminum which began in 02? Have you seen the car? Can you bring it for a pre-purchase inspection to an independent (not a dealership, though if push comes to shove) Jaguar specialist? Does the owner have records of routine maintenance and replacement of parts? If not, what have you determined requires replacing and are prepared to reach into your pocket? For perspective, I’ve replaced many parts, some proactively, over 10 years to my little 09’ VW Rabbit to keep it in prime condition (radiator, shocks/struts, control arms, AC compressor, valve & timing covers, etc) and that’s an 11 year old car that has zero bells and whistles; here we’re talking about a complex 20 year old car.
In my own search for a car, unless dealing directly with a conscientious single or second owner who has records, I’ve been very cautious. I also have in the back of my mind that top of the line luxury autos like the BMW 750, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi A8, etc. often have initial owners that lease / purchase a car until the warranty expires then move on because they can afford to and want to avoid pricey repairs / upkeep (of course there are exceptions, there are many members here who always wanted a XJ model and finally obtained one, that’s not to whom I’m referring). If, however, an off-lease car goes to auction, gets put on a lot after a ‘detailing’ and purchased by a subsequent owner who just wants a ‘fancy car’ to look rich - Danger Will Robinson.... an owner will likely run it until all the dash lights flash and dump it; as a potential 3rd owner you’re left with an often spit shined land mine. Tough market for luxury autos. My experience has solely been in the sports car market x 25 years, different in my opinion. This has been interesting.
Personally, I’m taking it slow. I would be less trepidatious with an auction / dealership car if records are complete and available and bonus if a dealership has performed some work to make the car straight. I avoid looking at cars with more than 2 owners and prefer a car with under 80K miles (just personal preference). All the best in your search and remember, this is just an opinion being rendered not gospel by any means! Good luck
In my own search for a car, unless dealing directly with a conscientious single or second owner who has records, I’ve been very cautious. I also have in the back of my mind that top of the line luxury autos like the BMW 750, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi A8, etc. often have initial owners that lease / purchase a car until the warranty expires then move on because they can afford to and want to avoid pricey repairs / upkeep (of course there are exceptions, there are many members here who always wanted a XJ model and finally obtained one, that’s not to whom I’m referring). If, however, an off-lease car goes to auction, gets put on a lot after a ‘detailing’ and purchased by a subsequent owner who just wants a ‘fancy car’ to look rich - Danger Will Robinson.... an owner will likely run it until all the dash lights flash and dump it; as a potential 3rd owner you’re left with an often spit shined land mine. Tough market for luxury autos. My experience has solely been in the sports car market x 25 years, different in my opinion. This has been interesting.
Personally, I’m taking it slow. I would be less trepidatious with an auction / dealership car if records are complete and available and bonus if a dealership has performed some work to make the car straight. I avoid looking at cars with more than 2 owners and prefer a car with under 80K miles (just personal preference). All the best in your search and remember, this is just an opinion being rendered not gospel by any means! Good luck
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Rich Enroth (09-21-2020)
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