Is it worth the extra to get the aluminium bodied xj

[MPG]

My Dad has asked me to look for an XJ for up to 14k. I used to have a 1998XJR until someone wanted to see if their clio would fit in the boot!!( Now defected to S8 ownership) However looking on here and autotrader there are a few 2003 cars under his budget. Are there any pitfalls for the newer model( the previous generation is well documented nikosil etc) I personally prefer the older one it's a more cohesive design in my eyes, but my old man tends to hang on to his cars for a while so it will be long term ownership. His car history for a 60 year old vauxhall viva, ford sierra, vauxhall calibra( still got!!) and peugeot 406 coupe is quite embarrassing,( not sure where a got my petrol in my veins from, although the local milkfloat back in 1971 was a Dodge Charger so I'm trying to rectify matters.

[Triple7]

All no one buys them, they always win awards. I for one think they are fabulous. Wouldn't get a V6 car unless it is the 2.7 diesel. Jags should have a V8. You won't have any issues with them and they won't rust!

Go forth and purchase!

[5 wh]

The newer aluminium bodied xj is a major leap forward over the older models in almost every area.I have just sold a 2003/53 one owner car that had covered 86000 miles and still looked and drove like new(a 4.0 v8 se)Because of the aluminium construction it handled and went very well indeed with excellent(for a 4.0 v8 jag)fuel economy.The original sales invoice came with the car £52,000.I sold it for £12000.