Haha, I knew what you meant. I was just being intentionally obtuse at your expense!

 

Hawaii: Yep, a rhino with a little horn. Ha!

Rscultho: Thanks for your input. The car is a one-owner, with all service done at the dealership, but I will definitely ask to see the records.

 

While I'm no fan of Prince Charles, looking at these screwed-on leapers brings to mind his description of a piece of architecture he didn't like:

"...a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend"

 

You couldn't have come up with a better word. HORRENDOUS!! Don't mess with perfection......

 

Use the damaged leather repair and leaper removal as negotiating points; then have the dealer do the repairs in his shop or where they contract out their body and leather work. Insist on a warranty/guaranty for the work done for at least 24 months. If you can sell the above then go for the car if all else bares out.

 

I appreciate the input of all the members about this Jag. Armed with your advice and suggestions, I am ready to negotiate with the dealership tomorrow. I am also ready to walk away from the car if the salesman is unwilling to deal.

 

Now that's patience and good for you. There is always others if they don't cut the deal you want.

 

Looks to be a stunning car and in great shape....

Personally, I think you're already right on the money, go in and let them know you want the car but on your terms.

As already stated, best trying to get them to do the leaper removal and glovebox fix, then collect the car as YOU want it ready good to go.

Bargain hard and win the car.

Hope to hear......

 

After a couple of sleepless nights and much soul searching, this afternoon I signed the papers on ...
a 2010 XK, ultimate black, with charcoal seats and fascia, canvas suede headliner, and figured ebony veneer.
Since Saturday, I had been struggling to make a choice between a black 2007 XKR convertible, and a frost blue 2007 XK coupe. I could never feel comfortable picking one over the other. This morning I talked to a salesman at the Jag dealership in Plano (a Dallas suburb), worked out the financials, then went to look at the car. I was at peace with my decision the entire four hours it took to drive from Houston to Plano.
The feeling that that car was the right one was confirmed when they pulled it around front for me to test drive. I have not seen anything that sexy since Phoebe Cates came out of the swimming pool in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High".
What a relief.

Rscultho: If imitation if the sincerest form of flattery, consider yourself flattered. Ha, ha.

 

Very nice looking car......congrats to you. It had to be a nice ride home to Houston. I see you bypassed the Jag with the leaper. Good decision.

 

You made the right choice, if I do say so myself!

 

+1 on all above. But what is the last model that suited a leaper? X308 or even X350's ?

 

A very subjective question.

For me, if it didn't come with one from the factory then don't put one on it, and never on a sports coupé.

That said, the 308's and back had the sleek lines to support the adornment of said leaper.

 

If it is at a Jaguar dealer, wouldn't you be better off to make the repairs part of the deal?

 

Congratulations! Very happy for you.

 

How was the drive home?

The 5.0 XKR is definitely a step up from the 4.2 - good choice, amigo.

 

Would you believe me if I said I smiled for the entire 260 mile trip from Plano, TX to my place in Houston?

 

Ngarara: How would it be to drive from London to Lydney, Gloucestershire? Would one be able to put the car through its paces?

 

In the immortal words of Yello: "Ohhhhh, yeeeeaaaahhhhh…."

Well, the fastest route would be motorway (freeway) for most of the way, 70 limit, most people in the fast lane doing 80-85. You can get away with short bursts above that, but any sustained period over the 'ton' has the potential to attract the wrong kind of attention. Plus there's a section around Swindon where they put laser vans on the overbridges.

For more fun, I'd probably stay off the motorway and use A-roads (2- & 4-lane blacktop) - more opportunity for that "pedal to the floor - jeez, did I just pass 5 cars?" moment. They do have speed cameras, but TomTom knows where they are...

 

GORGEOUSSSS

Good choice & congrats