I currently drive a 2001 Mercedes E320. Great car. Put on about 60,000-70,000 miles a year. After living in a car for a year I get pretty bored with it. Bought it with 72,000 and now has 154,000 after 16 months.
Looking to replace the E320 with a Jaguar. Thinking about a 95-97 or 2002-2004 XJR.
My question is, how do you think the Jag would hold up putting that much mileage on in a short period of time? Which year would be better?
Just stay with the Mercedes and be happy?
Thanks!

 

It is my opinion that a car will preform better over a large number of miles if those miles are frequent rather than principally sitting in a garage over many years.

The Jaguar is perfectly capable of matching the Mercedes in road worthiness. I would not suggest that you buy the early cars for what is more than a daily driver. Because of the engine improvements and a new 6 speed transmission I would recommend that you look only at the 4.2L cars. In the XJ series that first year was 2004.

 

OPINION!

Jaguars are different, a little less utilitarian, a little mose nichy. The MB, at least in my area, has become rather common, and common looking, along with BMW. Jaguars, where I live, still are a little special, although where I live it is pretty normal to see any exotic car in the World just going to the grocery store. Yesterday, in a ten mile ride, I spotted no less than 3 Bentleys, a Ferrari and a Bugatti Veyron.

I'm digressing, sorry. The 95-97 (X300) is a super car. I have one in a N/A VDP. This car has the best inline 6 (AJ16) Jaguar ever built. Very reliable in Jaguar terms.

2002-2004 -Here you're crossing over series at the 03/04 point. The 03 is an X308 (nice car). The 04 (X350) is a REALLY nice car, all aluminum, slick. I have an X350 and an X308 equivalent technology in an XK8. I wouldn't give up either of these cars, but you'd have to kill me first on the X350. Given the choice, I'd take the X350 over the X308 every day, but some prefer the more retro body style look of the 308 over the 350

It is not uncommon to see any of your choices with that kind of mileage. The AJ16 probably has the best chance, but then again, there are lots more examples because of the age.

 

I own a 98 VDP. I don't drive as much as you but I do drive mine everyday. Bought in September 07 with 48K on it. Sitting now with 99K and have had very little trouble with it. I have had to replace two front wheel bearings, a brake switch and the water pump. Did brakes, shocks and sway bushings myself. Other than that, just normal maintenance and the car still runs strong.

I know I should tackle the tensioner issue soon but the reality is, if this car blew up tomorrow, the world would not end. I have gotten my money back (it was cheap).

When this one dies, I will buy another - probably an XK though. I had a couple of XJS's before this and I miss the soft top.

Joe
98 VDP

 

Only Jaguar I'd recommend is the 2003 XJR. Took me 4 Jaguars to find the right model with the least problems. Otherwise, stick to Mercedes. The E55 wagon is nice, go for that.