Best Smoker Barges 1-5 large [Vol 7]

[dbdb]

Baryonyx said:

Pulled up on the drive about 20 minutes ago. Superb, what a car, what a drive. Feels great to be back in a quality product.

That does look nice!

[Baryonyx]

0a said:

Great news, it's always nice to see a thread purchase. Tell us more, and pictures please! How does it drive compared to say the A8?

I'm trying to get a picture of the interior working, but it doesn't want to play ball. I'll get some more tomorrow as I really should get the tea on!

Very different to drive from the A8. Initial impressions are that it feels like a different kind of car. The roofline is very low slung, the seating position is low and the cabin wraps around you when you close the door. It feels very retro, and of it's time. It's typically Jaguar in design, but the injection of Ford money shows in that feels like they were able to make the car they wanted without (too much) compromise. Not every interior detail is beautiful, and it doesn't feel like every millimetre has been sculpted to perfection like in the A8, but I love the way you feel like you sit in the car, rather than on it. You're very much central to the driving experience and everything you can touch is beautiful. I was particularly impressed with the indicator feel and the soft 'click' noise it makes. I'm sad, but it's the small details that make the largest impression!

Continuing with classic juxtaposition of sporty feel and comfort is the steering. I love the wood-rimmed wheel, which feels small and central to the driving position. I'm not sure of the gearing, but the rack is quick and smooth with good feel and weighting. It's light at parking speeds, but the assistance backs off at speed meaning you can bank the car beautifully through long, sweeping corners. Some of the bends on the route home I remember pitching the 106 Rallye into them, feeling like I was really attacking them. The same bends swept past at similar speed in the XJ8 in utter serenity. It's a cliche, but it's much quicker than you'd expect and you can look down expecting 60mph and see 70mph etc etc. It doesn't feel as 'kick in the arse' fast as the A8 did in on kickdown, but I've not yet tried it in 'S' mode. It ably picks up and rockets past slow movers. The throttle in 'D' is smooth and the gear changes soft, so I expect there is more in reserve, behind the 'S' button. It's a brilliant performer on the motorway, and the mirrors are fantastic - wide enough so that you can see both your back wheel arch and a massive swathe of the road, and not noisy or boomy. Result! The seats are also incredible, and the interior has that rich leather smell. Just a joy to sit in, really.


In terms of work, it needs some new rear tyres desperately so these will soon be sorted ASAP. The inner arches are very strong and clean, but the other lips are just starting to show some corrosion. I'll tend to this and perhaps have a full waxoyl treatment at the Morpeth Waxworks. Apart from that, it all seems strong and good. It was a pleasure doing business with Chris, and I can confirm his W210 E55 estate looks the mutt's nuts in the metal.

And yes, the Leaper will be disappearing shortly.

Edited by Baryonyx on Saturday 30th August 18:49

[CampDavid]

0a said:

Are these such a terrible idea? S55 AMG http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/merc...

Air suspension and rust aside I think they're ok. I considered one but, for me, the XJR would trump it.

A twin turbo 600 though, then we can talk.

[dbdb]

CampDavid said:

0a said:

Are these such a terrible idea? S55 AMG http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/merc...

Air suspension and rust aside I think they're ok. I considered one but, for me, the XJR would trump it.

A twin turbo 600 though, then we can talk.

You would have to hope the bad ones are all now dead and that only the better cars remain.
My brother had one (an S500) in the early 2000s. It was an utter utter dog. I can't exaggerate how fragile and unreliable it was. The list of problems it suffered was astonishing - as were the bills it generated once it was out of warranty. The car put him off ever buying another Mercedes. It is a shame, because it would have been a superb car, if not for the dreadful reliablility and rust. They drive very well indeed.

[Sterillium]

Been looking at Monaros today... seriously tempted. Massive V8s and snarling looks for around the 10k mark...

Then I think about XJRs for half the price running more horses.

So tempting... I think an XJR is just about the ultimate bang for buck barge possible.

[0a]

Baryonyx said:

BARGE REVIEW

Sounds great Baryonx, I think I will have to consider running one of these for a while once I have finished spending money on my W124.

I didn't really like the 4wd of the A8, probably me as a rubbish driver but I never really felt like I understood what was going on under the car which prevented me from enjoying driving it.

Simple RWD barges are where it's at for me and these XJs seem to have a bit of a 'classic' feel to them which I think I would probably like.

[iantek]

Sterillium said:

Been looking at Monaros today... seriously tempted. Massive V8s and snarling looks for around the 10k mark...

Then I think about XJRs for half the price running more horses.

So tempting... I think an XJR is just about the ultimate bang for buck barge possible.

How about Jag S-Type R's? I know they don't have the classic XJ shape but wouldn't they give similar bang for buck?

[TopGear7]

Guys what do you think of this?

Is there any main / major bork I should know of?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...



58k, FSH, 2005, 3.0 - £4500

For the money I'd have expected sat nav too. I have some experience of using that unit and while dated it's adequate.

[0a]

TopGear7 said:

Guys what do you think of this?

Is there any main / major bork I should know of?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...



58k, FSH, 2005, 3.0 - £4500

For the money I'd have expected sat nav too. I have some experience of using that unit and while dated it's adequate.

£4,500 for a 3.0 S-type!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cat220]

Baryonyx said:

0a said:

Great news, it's always nice to see a thread purchase. Tell us more, and pictures please! How does it drive compared to say the A8?

I'm trying to get a picture of the interior working, but it doesn't want to play ball. I'll get some more tomorrow as I really should get the tea on!

Very different to drive from the A8. Initial impressions are that it feels like a different kind of car. The roofline is very low slung, the seating position is low and the cabin wraps around you when you close the door. It feels very retro, and of it's time. It's typically Jaguar in design, but the injection of Ford money shows in that feels like they were able to make the car they wanted without (too much) compromise. Not every interior detail is beautiful, and it doesn't feel like every millimetre has been sculpted to perfection like in the A8, but I love the way you feel like you sit in the car, rather than on it. You're very much central to the driving experience and everything you can touch is beautiful. I was particularly impressed with the indicator feel and the soft 'click' noise it makes. I'm sad, but it's the small details that make the largest impression!

Continuing with classic juxtaposition of sporty feel and comfort is the steering. I love the wood-rimmed wheel, which feels small and central to the driving position. I'm not sure of the gearing, but the rack is quick and smooth with good feel and weighting. It's light at parking speeds, but the assistance backs off at speed meaning you can bank the car beautifully through long, sweeping corners. Some of the bends on the route home I remember pitching the 106 Rallye into them, feeling like I was really attacking them. The same bends swept past at similar speed in the XJ8 in utter serenity. It's a cliche, but it's much quicker than you'd expect and you can look down expecting 60mph and see 70mph etc etc. It doesn't feel as 'kick in the arse' fast as the A8 did in on kickdown, but I've not yet tried it in 'S' mode. It ably picks up and rockets past slow movers. The throttle in 'D' is smooth and the gear changes soft, so I expect there is more in reserve, behind the 'S' button. It's a brilliant performer on the motorway, and the mirrors are fantastic - wide enough so that you can see both your back wheel arch and a massive swathe of the road, and not noisy or boomy. Result! The seats are also incredible, and the interior has that rich leather smell. Just a joy to sit in, really.


In terms of work, it needs some new rear tyres desperately so these will soon be sorted ASAP. The inner arches are very strong and clean, but the other lips are just starting to show some corrosion. I'll tend to this and perhaps have a full waxoyl treatment at the Morpeth Waxworks. Apart from that, it all seems strong and good. It was a pleasure doing business with Chris, and I can confirm his W210 E55 estate looks the mutt's nuts in the metal.

And yes, the Leaper will be disappearing shortly.

Edited by Baryonyx on Saturday 30th August 18:49

Glad you're happy with the xj8, good meeting you and pleasure dealing with you today. There really should be a sub forum for car sales between people on this thread. I've now met Ross and Baryonyx and we are all very much on the same wavelength when it comes to cars! Happy days.

[TopGear7]

0a said:

£4,500 for a 3.0 S-type!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's the 'facelift' and that seems to be about the going rate for one of that age and mileage. Diesel ones with higher mileage are up for even more. There's one up for 8k!


Does anyone have experience of using the AA for an inspection? Mechanically I know very little about cars so aside from inspecting the paintwork, checking for rust, seeing it drives ok, I wouldn't know what else to check. I want to go look at an E Class (W211), if it looks good then I'm thinking of arranging an AA inspection. It's costs circa £160. What do you guys think?

Here's details on what they check:

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspections/#tabview...

Edited by TopGear7 on Saturday 30th August 22:07

[0a]

cat220 said:

Glad you're happy with the xj8, good meeting you and pleasure dealing with you today. There really should be a sub forum for car sales between people on this thread. I've now met Ross and Baryonyx and we are all very much on the same wavelength when it comes to cars! Happy days.

What car have you moved onto Cat after the XJ, out of interest?

[Mustard]

0a said:

TopGear7 said:

Guys what do you think of this?

Is there any main / major bork I should know of?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...



58k, FSH, 2005, 3.0 - £4500

For the money I'd have expected sat nav too. I have some experience of using that unit and while dated it's adequate.

£4,500 for a 3.0 S-type!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll raise you

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Super-low-milage-only-16...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-S-TYPE-3-0-auto-2...

[texasjohn]

Re: post above, I'd sooner have a facelift car to be honest and at £6000 I'd be looking for an R myself.

TopGear7 said:

Guys what do you think of this?

Is there any main / major bork I should know of?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...



58k, FSH, 2005, 3.0 - £4500

For the money I'd have expected sat nav too. I have some experience of using that unit and while dated it's adequate.

I think it's a touch expensive for a 3.0 (ETA: as others above seem to agree); I've been keeping an eye out on 4.2 prices and nice ones around that age can be had for £3000-4000.

You seem to get the odd seller who thinks it is worth a little more than it is, but that is the same with any car I suppose.

Any reason why you don't want the V8?

Facelift 4.2 SE 77K for 3 bags:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Edited by texasjohn on Saturday 30th August 22:13

[cat220]

0a said:

cat220 said:

Glad you're happy with the xj8, good meeting you and pleasure dealing with you today. There really should be a sub forum for car sales between people on this thread. I've now met Ross and Baryonyx and we are all very much on the same wavelength when it comes to cars! Happy days.

What car have you moved onto Cat after the XJ, out of interest?

I picked up an w210 e55 estate in London last Sunday. I need to consolidate, I've far too many cars, with the e55 we can use that as a family ( 2 kids and a dog) at the weekends and I'll enjoy driving it. So now have a good excuse to shift my ford galaxy. (which incidentally is a great family car, I just lose the will driving it at times)

[TopGear7]

texasjohn said:

I think it's a touch expensive for a 3.0 (ETA: as others above seem to agree); I've been keeping an eye out on 4.2 prices and nice ones around that age can be had for £3000-4000.

You seem to get the odd seller who thinks it is worth a little more than it is, but that is the same with any car I suppose.

Any reason why you don't want the V8?

Facelift 4.2 SE 77K for 3 bags:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Edited by texasjohn on Saturday 30th August 22:13

Being 23 I've just assumed I'd be unable to insure the V8 for a reasonable sum. I'll have a look tomorrow to see what time of quotes I get.

[0a]

cat220 said:

0a said:

cat220 said:

Glad you're happy with the xj8, good meeting you and pleasure dealing with you today. There really should be a sub forum for car sales between people on this thread. I've now met Ross and Baryonyx and we are all very much on the same wavelength when it comes to cars! Happy days.

What car have you moved onto Cat after the XJ, out of interest?

I picked up an w210 e55 estate in London last Sunday. I need to consolidate, I've far too many cars, with the e55 we can use that as a family ( 2 kids and a dog) at the weekends and I'll enjoy driving it. So now have a good excuse to shift my ford galaxy. (which incidentally is a great family car, I just lose the will driving it at times)

Oops, I did of course read and comment on that! How does the e55 compare to the XJ? I've been looking at C43 videos on Youtube tonight - that merc V8 noise is something rather special!

[texasjohn]

Topgear7@:


I think (hope) you might be pleasantly surprised regarding insurance costs. Good luck!

Sometimes it is more about the make and model than the cc, when I was not much older than you I insured a 3.0i Z3 for about two thirds the price a 2.2 Prelude was going to cost.

Insurance is all over the place, even now I am 40.

An E46 M3 cabrio is high £300s for me, but a Mercedes E500 is over £500.

[Baryonyx]

0a said:

What car have you moved onto Cat after the XJ, out of interest?

Chris showed me down to the local Shell garage on the way out of the area, so I could fill up before hitting the roads (though he had kindly put some petrol in the tank in anticipation of the car selling). I was spared the indignity many sellers make you suffer, sweating out the trip to the petrol station against a fuel warning light! He led the way in the W210 E55, I followed in the XJ8. A rare sight anywhere, even moreso in 2014!

Two little features I forgot to mention earlier, but that I love; the single windscreen wiper and the fuel filler cap. The windscreep wiper is a really neat setup. I know Mercedes popularised it on road cars after it was used on the old Le Mans racers. Really neat to see it in operation, especially since the windscreen sort of wraps around the cockpit. Did I mention the windscreen was heated? The fuel filler cap is also mounted on top of the car on the rear wing. I'll admit, my hand ached a bit as I held the pump there but it looked so cool I didn't mind. And unlike when I'm filling my motorbike up, I didn't have to keep looking into the tank to avoid overfilling it!

[texasjohn]

Baryonyx, nice motor by the way and glad you are delighted with it!

Looks great in the pictures.