Leaping cat

[pr100]

I'm considering the purchase of a 4-year old XK8 convertible which is a lovely car in all respects but it does have a leaping cat mascot affixed to the bonnet. It was allegedly fitted by Stratstone Jaguar so should be legal at least: but is it undesirable? I could live with it quite happily but to what degree could it hurt my sell-on price?

[pr100]

This is an Arden leaper as supplied by Racing Green and it detaches on impact so complies with all current legislation (or Jaguar would never have fitted it in the first place). My main concern is whether I need to factor in a discount on the purchase price to compensate for any future hit I may have to take on resale.

[pr100]

@ Graham -Getting it removed isn't a great option as the holes would have to be filled with grommets - or another badge. I've checked with my insurers and they're not in the least concerned about it. It is the older style of leaper though which only detaches on impact: the newer ones can rotate through 360 degrees and can slide out, making them easier to remove/hide if parked in a public place. I gather that if someone was determined to steal the older style they could damage the bonnet trying to get it off. But both styles are perfectly legal.

@ Black1 - Not sure about the E-Type argument: there are plenty of things on modern Jags which were never on the E-Type. And there are plenty of third-party accessories and upgrade wheels, exhausts, trim etc which a lot of people seem to like. I can happily live with the leaper as long as it doesn't cost me money...

[pr100]

Hmmm, let me think... the import with dubious service history has run away because it didn't like my revised offer; the one on Pistonheads never replied to me so is presumably sold; and now my attention has turned to the leaper, despite the leaper. It's a June 2004 registration with full JSH and a Jag MOT (plus a new one being done this week), owned by an elderly old codger, like me, who has only covered 15000 miles in it. It has been garaged and mollycoddled and looks brand new everywhere, including the alloys. Not many extras, apart from a spiffing £250 leaper, but a good price (I think) at £25k.

[pr100]

In my book, £25k is a lot of money for anything -- but there are no other low-mileage 04 XKs around at under £27.5k asking price (and higher with the franchises), whatever their spec. Parkers Guide, FWIW, puts the car at £30k+ in a franchise and £25k+ for a private one in poor condition...

[pr100]

NormanD said:

Now this is what you call a leaper on the bonnet.

:-) Nice.

[pr100]

Triple7 said:

Take Parkers with a huge pinch of salt!!

Pretty close to this Glass's Guide report (but £3.50 less):

Valuation date: 22.04.2008
Year & plate: 2004 04
Mileage: 15,000 miles

Technical data

Jaguar XK8 4.2 auto (Convertible, 2 Doors)

Trade-in -excellent: £26,251.00
Trade-in -average: £24,000.00
Trade-in -below average: £21,250.00
Dealer Retail price £30,750.00
Private Sale price: £26,750.00

Edited by pr100 on Tuesday 22 April 18:59

[pr100]

I bought the leaper. Collecting next weekend.

[pr100]

Couple to keep me going...

[pr100]

Thank you. I've now had the car detailed, with excellent results, and have posted some more photos here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[pr100]

I did research the leaper before buying and it's legal. Summary here.

[pr100]

Well, you seem to know it all - but trouble is, you are asking us to take your word for it. Please post some links to authoritative documents which prove that leapers, or any mascot properly mounted, are illegal. Otherwise, I invite you to accept that my research carries more weight than your assertions.

[pr100]

I invite you again to refer to any document, any bill, any case history which supports your view. Until then, I am very happy, following my extensive research, that my leaper is legal.

[pr100]

I would recommend buying the 'official' Arden leaper from Racing Green at
http://www.racinggreencars.com/modern/products.asp...

They will also fit it or supply fitting instructions. Here are the basic instructions from Arden:
http://www.zen86793.zen.co.uk/xjs/Leaper_fitting.p...

[pr100]

I know that when the Arden leaper is fitted by Racing Green or by a Jaguar main agent, it comes with a TUV certificate of EU compliance -- which Arden secured based on their design and their fitting instructions. For anyone concerned about legality, this certificate is a must-have.

[pr100]

From memory, you're looking at around £300 to supply and fit. But put in a call to your nearest Jag dealership - they will quote for fitting it and it's almost certain they will get the Arden leaper from Racing Green.

[pr100]

The possibility of vandalism is a definite deterrent - albeit the approved leaper is designed to come off without damaging the bonnet (and could therefore be temporarily removed by the owner if the car is left parked in a public place).

I have spoken to all the relevant UK authorities - as listed here - and none of them said that a properly fitted leaper would be illegal. Jaguar stopped fitting them to UK production cars for corporate reasons, not because they were illegal. If in doubt, ring Jaguar Cars and ask them.