I like that interior color, but I don't like the paint color. I much prefer jet black (Ebony) over sparkly "Celestial Black". Nevertheless, Portfolios were not available in Ebony, but I don't think the sparklyness would turn me off that much at the right price.

Unfortunately, at this point, I think I would still prefer an '07 at a signficant discount rather than an '08. I'm going to hold out at least another month. My dream is still to get a BRG '07!

 

Well I test drove a 2009 XF (naturally aspirated). I have to say, I was quite impressed by the whole package. Very comfortable car. Would be a great car for 4 people to go on a road trip. Outside, it looks very voluptuous. Has a definite presence, despite the funky looking headlights. Overall, it looks great. The engine sounds great, too! And the steering is very reminiscent of the XK/R's steering, but the car overall feels much heavier.

Not to mention that the XF is quite slow compared to what I've been used to lately. I think I don't give my Mustang enough credit for being as fast as it is. The XF would make beautiful glorious sounds out of its exhaust, but would seemingly not be going very fast at all. Then again, I could always get a supercharged one. But at that price, I'd rather have an XKR!

Something about the XF just doesn't excite me the way the XKR did. The XF, however, is a much better bargain when you consider the practicality, etc.

In the end, I think I will hold fast to my dreams of getting an XKR. I want to reverse my trend of changing cars every year, and really have a car that I can keep for a long time, never get bored of, and be proud to own--not just now, but even 20 years after it is gone. That car is the XKR!

 

Once Jag releases an aluminum version of the XF, it's going to be amazing.

 

Sounds like a nice dream, but unrealistic given much of what you've said in this thread. Since you aren't ready to make a purchase anyways, consider a time-out to enjoy and appreciate your Mustang, and your girlfriend, both of which will have been at least somewhat neglected over the last few months as you've struggled with this decision. I'd also consider making it with your girlfriend, even though you said before you wanted to surprise her. Since the car is for you anyways, and not her, I think you might score a lot more points by including her in this major financial decision...and that could go a long ways to being able to enjoy whatever you end up purchasing!

Bruce

 

Haha, she is fully aware now that I am in the process of buying a new car and is supportive of it. (She told me she knew how sad I was when I sold my 2006 XJ Vanden Plas!) But she doesn't know what it is. Judging by the level of Jaguar posters, magazines, and computer desktop wallpapers, she'd be dumb not to think that it was something feline...

It remains a dream for now, but if I had my druthers it will become reality by October. There are many XKRs now in my price range, but I'm just not ready to buy yet.

 

I was notified by the dealer that this one sold yesterday. Not too bummed out, but this is one of the few that seems to have actually sold since I've been looking at prices.

 

You should also test drive the new XJ or XJL. I do not know the 0-60 for the XF but, assume that it is close to the XJ, being smaller but made of steel instead of aluminum. The XJ will do 0-60 in 5.3 sec (factory claim), actually tested by Motor Trend to 4.9 sec. Now, if you find that slow than you REALLY need an XKR or similar. The shape of the XJ may also sit well with you, it is certainly an attention getter.

As far as pricing, it is surprisingly far less than the XK variations. Base XJ is around 73K, base XK is 84K. I can not imagine why as the XJ not only quite a bit larger but, packs a LOT more features, as well as updated everything over the XK series. I guess, it is market pricing vs. value pricing. The sticker price for my new long wheel base XJL Portfolio model with options, such as the wood steering and adaptable lighting ($1500 total) was less than a base XK would cost. Heck, it even includes "Jeannie from the Bottle" your own sexy female servant who lives behind the dash and responds to your every voice command with infinite patience. Well... at least to almost every command... No wonder many reviewers called the XJ a "bargain".

Albert

 

I thought the coupe was generally a marque's flagship car as with Mercedes and Bentley as two examples.

 

I believe this to be the case.

 

I would think that Jaguar would consider the new $155,000, 2013 XJL Ultimate as their flagship car. It is a Supercharged XJL with some luxury options, like electric drink-bar at the rear seats and finer leathers, etc. It is almost double the price of the 385 HP XJL Portfolio. Certainly hard to justify in terms of value but, I'm sure that buyers who opt for it will not be concerned with value too much.

Albert

 

Pricing is likely set according to the models they are competing with, as opposed to their own siblings. That may make profit margins razor thin on some models compared to others...and very tempting to switch between models within the Jaguar brand.

Btw, congrats on your new XJ Albert!

Bruce

 

I typically think of a "model" as being a flagship, rather than a specific special edition model as being a flagship. I still think the XK is Jaguar's flagship, and if not, it's certainly its trademark car.

I used to hate the X351's styling, but once I accepted the XK/R's styling, I started to realize that Jaguars were never meant to be stodgy. Back in the day, they were striking and voluptuous, just like Ian Callum's creations.

 

I think of the long line of XK's being Jaguar's halo car, starting with the XK-SS through XK120-140, C, D and E-Types. They are performance models tied to Jaguar's racing history. Jag's flagship models have always been the big saloons in my mind, full of luxury, class and performance a cut above its competitors.

 

You have convinced me!

 

Can anyone tell if this 2007 model has the 5.1 Alpine Stereo? If it's any clue, it also has the sat radio antenna.

I would show the whole ad but I don't want anyone to buy it out from under me! I'm hoping it's still around next month.

 

Looks like it has the Alpine. Ask for a close up of the door panel speaker.

 

That's a closer up picture.

 

I owned an 08 xk and now have a 12 xk. The differences are quite significant starting with a 5.0 engine as opposed to a 4.2 on the 08. The 12 seems much tighter all around. I'm not sure but I think the 5.0 engine was first installed in the 10's. I think if I were you I would probably opt to get the 10 even if I had to wait to get one at your price point. Regarding the paddle shifters, they are very responsive and positive on both years.

 

Well, I've made a decision and I am going to hold off on the car purchase until October or November. Many of these cars are very tempting to jump on, but the timing just isn't right right now. I need to sell my old car and let prices settle down a little bit more.

My original post was on April 29. I've waited almost 3 full months now in my car search. What's another 2-3 months? Now I just need to figure out a way to keep me entertained.

 

Patience is a virtue, and when you're buying something like this, making sure you don't feel guilty about it due to monetary issues is pretty significant. Do the right thing (by your pocket book) and you'll be happier long term. We will still be here to encourage you and provide temptation!