Thinking about purchasing a used 2004 XJR because I'm told roominess inside for driver is better as of 2004..... Hmmm, good enough for a 6'-4" 265 lbs linebacker? I love small cars, fit great in our 2006 VW GTI and loved my 69 Vette... so, let me know if you think the 2004+ models (4" higher, 3" wider and 2" longer) will accommodate, AND if there are aftermarket seat lowering options, that work.
Second part is what to watch out for on purchase/inspection, high mileage cars.
Leaky engine seals, where?
Timing belt replacement, 100K,
full service records, maintenance, how often brakepads replaced?
and carfax.
Anything else?
Thanks!@

 

I'm 6'3", 275 and my 2000 XJ8 fits like a custom made glove. I feel more comfortable in the Jag than I do in my Explorer Eddie Bauer. Even though the Explorer has lots more room, the Jag just feels right, has just enough head room, and I never feel cramped on long drives.

 

I'm 6'5" and 280 - plenty of head room, otherwise it's not what you call roomy, but there's definitely enough room, and people with legs can actually sit behind me. I've just upgraded from an S-type and the extra room in comparison is very noticeable.


As for buying tips, drive the car from stone cold and at 40-60mph until warmed up, if you feel a hesitation, or surging, it's a common problem with the torque converter lock up, sometimes a software reflash from a dealer fixes it, if not you're looking at a new TC, once warm it will behave perfectly.
Make sure EVERYTHING electrical works, a/c, all windows, power folding mirrors, parking sensors etc, any problems make fixing them a condition of the deal. Oh one more common issue, paint bubbling at the bottom of the rear windscreen pillars and the trunk lid edge along the bottom of that rear windscreen.
The engine itself must be pretty good - haven't seen many complaints 'bout it on the several forums I've looked.

 

There are a couple of great links on 'what to check on when buying' at this link:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29800

Might spend a half hour reading through all the links here and you would be a very well informed buyer.

 

Thanks, guys, appreciate all the links.

I disagree about two things: mileage matters, and Jags are quirky cars. Obviously, that I consider buying one just means buyer beware.
Tactic #1
I always get Carfax, and strap the damned seller down to my port. lie detector. First lie I only jolt him with two AMPS, so he gets to the seriousness of my queries right away. Apprehension due to the really remote inspection area subsides by the time I've jolted him with some real zingers. My buddies volts, amps and wattage really help out here. Keeping volts down means less likelihood of burn marks.
Tactic #2
Letting them talk a lot just means they are overly nervous about this selling experience predicament. The less I say and more I hit that conditioning buzzer button, the more honest they all get. Heck - after four hours in the open, hot desert heat, and I have more than all the answers to the condition of any car, sometimes including the combination to his safe....
Tactic #3
Laugh a lot, and get them to howl with you, at the silliest things, like "how much do you really want to sell me this car for?" It's amazing how quickly the two of us can bond with a little buzzed incentive...
Tactic #4
Road test the vehicle to be purchased -of course TOGETHER-, but keep him locked up in the trunk for those high speed runs over speed bumps and tight, hilly corners. Ahhh, the sporty handling of a late model Jag is truly marvelous, how it sticks to the road while you slam it around, left to right, right to left, and four-wheel drift through power corners! It's amazing just how persuasive sharing such experiences can be. By the time our five hour drive is over, they almost want to give you the car, out of the goodness of their heart!

Yes, to love Jags you must have a great deal of humor going into the partnership, no?

 

LOL QDP!! LOL The comment about the combination to his safe. Tatic #4 is so true! Salesmen throw out really generic descriptions of the car they are trying to sell. Salesman: "What sounds like a failing timing chain tensioner is actually a new Jaguar technology that lets the driver know how much power the engine has. Truly remarkable technology that saves lives and maintenance $$"

 

If you used the check list in the post Test Point linked, the Carfax is almost useless. I ran one after my purchase and it had 36 useless bits of information. The information was very generic and even a bit cryptic. The only thing of value was the mileage history. In my case it was a complete waste of $40 USD.

 

And note the disclaimer in the CarFax documentation that they can only report what has been reported to them. I went to see a XK8 that was advertised to have an absolute clean CarFax report . . . and it did.

It also had a rather poorly reconstructed rear end.

These cars are restored even with serious damage. My car was totaled and sent to the insurance company auction lot. It stayed posted only one day, 2 weeks before the scheduled auction. That car was surly back on a used car lot within a month. Don't know how they avoid a salvage title but it happens.

 

I agree, but sometimes it helps, generically:

Clear title, accidents, liens, etc.
My focus is on engine, tranny, frame, susp., then brakes, tires, electr. With a complete set of maintenance records, I might even use the listed mechanic for my veh. inspection. Her knows THAT car best

I like to foster new relationships with knowledgeable service, so why not start there? Usually it is the best $200 investment I can start with. Changing oil, plugs, coolant, A/C level- and a comprehensive checklist will also help me anticipate brakes, tires, other future expenditures.

Any suggestions for great, small independent JAG shops in/near Long Beach area? Speciality XJRs