Lots of interesting posts. I understand some of the frustration. Just think what I go through from the neighbors. I just tell everyone, "I am poor, I have no money, and stood on a street corner selling pens for $1.00 to afford what I have".

Click the image for a larger view, then click again.

 

V8 Cat - Lighten up a bit. This site and thread welcomes everybody from all (civilized) political persuasions. I for one regret to see you depart, but it will be your loss, not ours. Stuart apologized for his political remarks, that should be the end of the story. Stay on and move on!

 

Agreed on the above.
After reading the initial post several back I was considering removing all political content. I saw the bite back, then the apology to another member, then an apology to the "offended" member.
All seems fair enough to me, re build those bridges and get on with it.
Really hope you decide to stay V8 Cat, but as stated I believe it will be more your loss than ours should you leave.

Hopefully we can put this behind us and move on?

Back on topic.....I see many people driving newer, probably more expensive cars than mine, yet looking on in envy, admiration etc, makes me laugh.

Just a few days ago, I pulled up to the local newsagent and stepped out the car, a young 19 year old guy stopped ne and saw, wow, I love your Jaguar ( totally taken aback )
We chatted for around 20 mins about mine and his car, a Vauxhall Astra VXR, swapping stories and detailing methods etc.
During this time another, older man got out his car and came towards the shop, slowly taking in every inch of my car, even cupping his hands and peering in the windows.
As he passed us, he said to me, Is that your Jag?
Yes I said.
Absolutely gorgeous car.
Thanks I said, appreciate the compliment

It was a good day, that day

 

I have a 1964 E-Type and a 2002 XKR100. The E-Type is worth 5 times as much as the XKR. People give me the thumbs-up when I am driving the E-Type and are very engaging in conversation. But when I am in the XKR, they are always wanting to prove something an give me a wide berth. Many years ago,Click and Clack from Car Talk made a comment that I now understand. 'When you drive an XKR,people expect something'.

 

Rob, my experience from the other side of Oz is exactly the same as yours. I had one snippy comment about my first XF (a BMW 3 series owner said it looked very much like a Commodore, I nearly went postal since I'd just paid $150K for it, then to have it compared to a $40K car, strewth!) but aside from that it has been nothing but smiles and praise, even when I've done something which would have earned me the finger (or a fist) driving another marque.


I think people just like the jags, they like to see them, and they don't seem to be threatened by them. I figure I have much more class driving one around. Until I get out and open my mouth, that is.

 

I always find it funny when people try to insult you by pointing out that your lifestyle and economy allows you to drive expensive(ish), enjoyable luxury cars. While I think that having to share Toyota hatchback with a bunch of kids is punishment enough for those people, if you feel like ripping on them, here are some of my favorite lines to use on Jag-haters.

To people who comment about the price/cost of ownership/general economy:

"Yeah, it sucks not being able to afford that second Rolex until next year, but one just has to prioritize."

"Well, it's a good thing I'm not some pinko commie vegan who has to worry about that then, isn't it?"

"Wait, is that a lot of money to you?"

To anyone making a comment about how you should have bought a German car:

"Yeah, because nothing says 'quality automative engineering' like losing two world wars and loaning a bunch of money to Greece."

When someone makes a comment about it not being very practical:

"Yeah, it does suck not being able to stick the entire extended family in it for those 4 hour drives."

"If giving up the opportunity to use my weekend to help people move heavy furniture is the price I must pay, then so be it."

To those smartasses who will quote wikipedia 0-60 times to point out that cars they don't own are faster than the car you do own:

"Cool. Bring yours and we'll race."

To those jerks who actually own a car that's faster than yours:

"Well, if I was driving that, I'd want to make sure the trip was over as soon as possible too!"

If none of these apply, you can always sneer and say "Maketh way, unwashed pesants, I driveth a Jaaag!" Or if you feel confident, just do "the Clarkson: go into a drunken rage and beat the soddin' ****** like he was a producer that forgot to warm up the bangers and mash after you're done filming!

 

While my Jaguar ownership (XKR 2007) is only measure in months, I would have to say I have yet to encounter any negative comments. That time will come for sure. Mostly likely from some young chap who has not graspedthe purpose of suspension having chopped their cars springs.

Interestingly, I find people like that have stolen their granddad'slong pants but stupidly forgotten to take the belt. Having to hold their pantsup as it hangs below their ****. More interestingly they all have cold headstoo. Having to wear hoodies all the time. What's up with that? Some sort ofdreadful disease I suspect.

To date I have had nothing but positive comments from youngand old. From "Cool car" to "Does it go as good as it looks?"
I think BruceTheQuail is right, people like jags. I'venoticed particularly with older people once they get round the back and see it is a Jaguar they tend to take a second and much closer look. Not sure if you would get that with a Ferrari.

What I find most interesting is watching people who 'try not to look' at the car. Trying to resist the urge to turn their heads, carefully peeking sideways as they walk pass.

 

I was a little surprised by all the negative comments people were receiving about their Jags. I have owned two xkrs, currently 2014 Xkr convertible, and have only received the highest praise and courtesy from other people and car owners. I always tell people that this is the only luxury car that you could drive through Harlem and get thumbs up. Some of the top compliments I have received are:
1) pull up to a restaurant and the valet says "sir, allow me to compliment you on your fine choice of transportation this evening".
2) driving down the highway with the roof down, a girl in a passing car yells out, "I love Jaguars!" I reply, Me too!
3) at the car wash, "handsome car"
4) parking in the mall, "this car makes quite the statement".
5) at the gas station, approached a dozen times by people asking to take a closer look. One man says, "They really got it right with this car".
6) driving with a date, she says "why is everyone looking at your car. Is there something special about it. Is it rare?" I say no they must be looking at you.

 

I get mostly positive feedback.. Thumbs up at stop lights, lots of head turning, and people saying it's beautiful.

I have had 2 work aquaitances ask the dreaded "how much did THAT cost?" Although I hate that question, I answered honestly. Both times the person accused me of lying. I am not sure if they felt the price was expensive for a used car, or inexpensive for a jaguar??

 

I laugh out loud, literally, at some of the above and also both the positive generally and sometimes negatives I get on mine.

Once in a while, I get the "ole mans car" to which I reply, well I am an old man so I guess it suits me perfectly!
To be honest, not too many negatives come my way, if they do I generally just laugh at them....cue the disappointed and confused look on their faces..lol

On a trip down south a few months ago, with Connor as it happens heading to Liverpool to look at his X type with a view to buying it, which we did of course.
Picture this, M74 motorway heading south at approx. 75mph in the left hand lane. I notice the Vauxhall Vectra coming up behind me to overtake.
As he does, I look over and he slows to keep pace with me, and mouths the words, very clearly "NICE CAR"
I give him a gracious smile and a thumbs up, he toots his horn and heads off .........

Really gave Connor and I a big laugh and a warm glowy feeling about my car deep inside those places you don't talk about at parties...lol

 

I've gotten more "geez, that 's a gorgeous car" or, "is it new"? Most all of my friends and neighbors, know me as the "car guy, who lives on the corner of interesting and fun". Yes, I live in the first house at the entrance to our community.

 

My stock answer to all comments, positive or negative: "I have lusted after Jaguars since I was a kid, so I bought this as a retirement gift for myself. After all those years, I just thought I deserved it."

 

That's an awesome looking car. Red really suits the XK

 

Absolutely gorgeous xk!!!!

 

Yes, THAT red looks good, but the red 2006 that Jeremy Clarkson tested was "... I know that, is a particularly horrible color..."

 

Thanks for the nice comments, everyone. I get even more "Wow!" comments whenever someone sees the new interior I put in it. Obviously, I'm planning to keep my Jag until one of my kids inherits it...or if I get an obscene offer. I doubt that will happen.




Ridgeback 'gator, brown carpets, ultrasuede headliner, and much more.

 

Wow" doesn't even come close... I can't get my jaw off the floor!
Holy crap! That is just unreal! Congrats on a job extremely well done!

 

It must be the attitude we project. I traded my XKR when mean and jealous persons start taking it out on the car.

 

Yes! you do, enjoy.

 

hahahaha very funny i feel Jealousy Seriouslly ROFL..!!!