98% sure in picking up a 2003 xjr VP with 46,000 orig miles in prefect shape, it's got a clean carfax. What should I look for?

 

that its either an XJR or VP - they didn't make an XJR VP.

 

I do know it is a XJR LWB, dealer told me its a VP

 

Also it has the rear trays it sure looks like a VP

 

I once thought they were all called Super V8's -- but I believe some years were called VDP Supercharged.

They were VDP's with R engines .. I forget if they had CATS.


Nice car

 

Forgive the jumbled thoughts! I was using the "stream of consciousness" technique.

Look for leaks, look for a rough idle, it rides on 17"s so if it has a slightly lumpy ride, the chances are that the wheels have been bent (oval shaped), not that a wheel weight was thrown.

Listen to the idling engine, if there are any odd noises. check that the exhaust tips are right in the middle of their holes. Check that all the trim lighting works, including the J-gate illumination, window switches, all the interior lights, etc... check that the front speaker grilles are not fractured, check that the wood finish/veneer is not cracked,

also check to see if the headliner is in good shape. Check that the sunroof opens and vents normally (doesn't hang down on one side) check that the transmission acts normal in "S" mode and will set off in 1st... also feel for good ride. If it rides like a pig, the shock absorbers/ CATS systems may need some work.

Check that the leather is in good shape, of course. Check that the car includes its original wool floormats, and also look centre of the steering wheel matches (make sure no airbag deployment has occurred before)

I checked out the car on Autotrader, it is grey, at Mazda dealer in Mesa, AZ. Good car! Although, the wheels have been chromed. At a Concours, you will lose points for that, but it is also a matter of taste. From factory, they were painted.

Check the tyres, a sporty tyre may require a warmup period, and feel lumpy for the first few minutes.

Also check that the bonnet latches on both sides, and that the bonnet liner is undamaged. (damage here indicates a cap shot off, etc.)

Good luck!

If you find any of the above, unless it seems to have significant problems, I suggest negotiating off of the asking price, not walking away... these are good cars and the repairs are not impossible.

 

If this is a 2003 Jaguar Super V8, then this is easily one of the most reliable Jags of the 1998-2003 era. A 2003 XJR and Super V8 are much more reliable than the other Jag XJs, even better than the 2003 XJ8 or 2003 Vanden Plas. Most of the major issues that I have had on my 2000 Vanden plas are not present on a 2003 Super V8 or 2003 XJR. I wanted a Super V8 so bad back when I got mine in 2004, but the prices were $50k+ then.


I see that this car says XJR on the steering wheel. Does anyone know if this normal for the Super V8?

 

Idiots brought it to auction told me they are getting it back, well an Arabian guy bought it without even seeing it and is shipping it back to saudi Arabia. These dealer guys are complete NUTS. ;(