Discussion
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?
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.
@ 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...
@ 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...
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.
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...
Take Parkers with a huge pinch of salt!!
Visit the Glass's Guide website and pay the £3 for the true valuation. Dealers sell at these prices and buy using CAP prices. CAP offering lower values then Glass's.
All good things come to those who wait, hang in there you'll find it. DON'T Compromise too much just yet, normally takes a fair few months!
Visit the Glass's Guide website and pay the £3 for the true valuation. Dealers sell at these prices and buy using CAP prices. CAP offering lower values then Glass's.
All good things come to those who wait, hang in there you'll find it. DON'T Compromise too much just yet, normally takes a fair few months!
Edited by Triple7 on Tuesday 22 April 17:57
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
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