Discussion
For that money you'd be looking at a good condition (but not excellent) X300 XJR (6-Cylinder). Don't know a huge amount about XJR-S although i'd guess you'll find similar condition for the money.
Both are amazing cars but make sure you can afford the running costs because you won't be able to sell them on quickly if you find you can't afford to keep them.
Budget for about £1k initially to sort out the niggles which you will find (Bearings, bushes, a/c probs etc.). Then about £1k per year servicing the XJR and about £1500 for the XJR-S. This should cover you reasonably confortably unless you are unfortunate to have any major engine problems. (All specialist prices). Budget for consumables such as tyres on top of those figures - approx £200 per tyre I'd guess.
Also don't forget about rust. The XJR won't, the XJR-S definately will - probably before your eyes. As a previous owner of a 1990 4.0 Sovereign I can assure you that there is no substitute to regular polishing (ie. every fortnight). Do it religously and the rust won't be much of a problem. Neglect it and make very good friends with your local bodyshop.
The above figures may sound daunting but if you can afford them then you shouldn't get caught out every year. Above all don't skimp on servicing, it will cost you more in the long run.
Personally, I thing the XJR will be an easier car to own and probably more fun to drive, although there is something about driving an older Jag that makes you feel superior to everything else on the road.
[CillaVoice]So, will it be the young(er), sexy XJR or the sophisticated, elegant XJR-S? PWIG, the choice is yours! [CillaVoice]
Both are amazing cars but make sure you can afford the running costs because you won't be able to sell them on quickly if you find you can't afford to keep them.
Budget for about £1k initially to sort out the niggles which you will find (Bearings, bushes, a/c probs etc.). Then about £1k per year servicing the XJR and about £1500 for the XJR-S. This should cover you reasonably confortably unless you are unfortunate to have any major engine problems. (All specialist prices). Budget for consumables such as tyres on top of those figures - approx £200 per tyre I'd guess.
Also don't forget about rust. The XJR won't, the XJR-S definately will - probably before your eyes. As a previous owner of a 1990 4.0 Sovereign I can assure you that there is no substitute to regular polishing (ie. every fortnight). Do it religously and the rust won't be much of a problem. Neglect it and make very good friends with your local bodyshop.
The above figures may sound daunting but if you can afford them then you shouldn't get caught out every year. Above all don't skimp on servicing, it will cost you more in the long run.
Personally, I thing the XJR will be an easier car to own and probably more fun to drive, although there is something about driving an older Jag that makes you feel superior to everything else on the road.
[CillaVoice]So, will it be the young(er), sexy XJR or the sophisticated, elegant XJR-S? PWIG, the choice is yours! [CillaVoice]
Better get one quick if you're gonna have it reliable for the end to end trip 
PS: What about this as a tasty alternative...
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=32670&s=265
PS: What about this as a tasty alternative...
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=32670&s=265
groomi said:
Better get one quick if you're gonna have it reliable for the end to end trip
PS: What about this as a tasty alternative...
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=32670&s=265
theres too many noughts on that add for my liking!
pwig said:
The thing is, I could get an XJR-S with all the niggles sorted out for 6k.
I sincerely hope you are right... but I wouldn't be putting my money on it!
pwig said:
A couple went at auction last month for 3.5k a piece!
Really not wanting to put a downer on this, but buying an XJR-s for £3.5k at an auction where you cannot testdrive the car or inspect it properly looks like financial suicide to me.
Owning a good Jag is a wonderful thing. Owning a bad Jag is a nightmare
lol insurance is an odd thing my history goes like this:
April 2003 (Liv Vic) 17 0 NCB - Rover 214SLi - £1755 TPFT
March 2004 (Elephant) 18 0 NCB - Rover 220 Turbo coupe - £2995 TPFT
Sept 2004 (Elephant) 19 0 NCB - Mazda Eunos - £3150 TPFT
Of which £690 got refunded when I got proof of NCB from Liv Vic.
So quote from tesco:
19 2 years NCB - Jag XJR-S - £1700TPFT
£1700
April 2003 (Liv Vic) 17 0 NCB - Rover 214SLi - £1755 TPFT
March 2004 (Elephant) 18 0 NCB - Rover 220 Turbo coupe - £2995 TPFT
Sept 2004 (Elephant) 19 0 NCB - Mazda Eunos - £3150 TPFT
Of which £690 got refunded when I got proof of NCB from Liv Vic.
So quote from tesco:
19 2 years NCB - Jag XJR-S - £1700TPFT
£1700
PWIG - XJR.....Always wished I had hung on for a bit and gone for an XJR rather than an XJ8 3.2 Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff