C43 vs Jag XJR 4.2 s/c

[david_h]

I'm fast approaching my 30th birthday so insurance on a real super car should be affordable from then on.

Much as I'd love a C43 I just can't bring myself to buy a c-class from an era when rust was such a problem, particularly as it would still be 7-8 years old.

Been searching round for something similar but unique, stumbled across the Jag XJ6 R version, 4.2 s/c, really handsome car.

Totally spec'd up, they have dropped like a stone in price terms, I think this is the same engine as in the XKR? the coupe version??? MPG is not an issue for me, the car sits on the drive all week.

£6-8k gets you what looks like an awesome 4 door saloon with 380bhp roughly on paper.

Dumb questions, during that period who owned Jaguar? Any quality problems?? How are they to own/drive.

Really fancy one in black with oatmeal leather.

Thoughts/suggestions/any experience with Jags, I don't know anyone who owns one.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Benzowner]

Did you not watch the Top Gear show on a few weeks ago, they were impressed with the Jag, but, even second hand ones still drop like a stone with regard to price. Buy an £8k Jag now and in 2 years its almost worthless. Clarkson did actually say that they were good cars, but if you buy one, keep it untill it falls apart

 

[Thmsshaun]

C43 is worth the cash IMO and they are getting pretty cheap now as well.

 

[Tan]

What about the Audi S8 as an alternative, I hear they are cheap these days.

 

[awg454]

Hi Jag xjr's great cars i have had 3 now never had a problem with any of them,the last one i had was a 2002 black with ivory leather fantastic car!
i dont think they will ever be worthless!!
i would with out a doubt had another insted of the e55 but i dont like the new shape.

 

[david_h]

I've considered the S8 but with my modifying addiction the aluminium body panels are not a good idea, plus expensive to replace.

The C43 looks a little dated imho and is soo often copied in style by the lower models. the W203 is a different kettle of fish entirely, very pretty car.

I like the fact the Jag isn't popular compared to Mercs, it's something totally different, and I like that idea.

 

[Benzowner]

I like the fact the Jag isn't popular compared to Mercs

Reason?????????

 

[neilrr]

Too old?

http://www.barons-auctions.com/lots/HPY881.htm

 

[david_h]

Too old?

http://www.barons-auctions.com/lots/HPY881.htm

Interesting, I never knew they existed?

but price is way too steep, and you're paying for the additional bodykit and engine internals that aren't necessary, plus it's an earlyish model being a 96.

Tell you what I did find that's very tempting.

Needs door, maybe rear quarter, and some suspension. How rare are these?

76k on the clock, is a cat-C

 

[stargazerplus]

Was rust a big issue on the C class? Mine has none and it is eight! In fact when I was looking at cars and I looked at about 10 c classes before I bought I didn't see any rust...

 

[PeterE320Cdi]

My father in law use to work as a Mercedes mechanic and still dreams of the day he got to take a 450 SEL 6.9 for a spin. Judging by his description, I reckon go for it!!

 

[neilrr]

Forget the Jag.

Where did you find the 6.9? Is it in an auction or for sale? How much? A truly iconic motor - the best car in the world in it's day.

More details pls.

 

[david_h]

Forget the Jag.

Where did you find the 6.9? Is it in an auction or for sale? How much? A truly iconic motor - the best car in the world in it's day.

More details pls.

It'll be up for auction soon, when it goes I'll post it up here, it's an online salvage yard.

www.hbc.co.uk

 

[stats007]

6.9s are lovely if a little overpowered!

 

[Rose Chap]

I'd go for the Jaguar. The age of car you're looking at is towards the end of that model's life, so all niggling problems would have been overcome by then. The shape hasn't changed much in years which means it won't look too dated, and get the right interior colour combination and it will be a very nice place to be.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[david_h]

I'd go for the Jaguar. The age of car you're looking at is towards the end of that model's life, so all niggling problems would have been overcome by then. The shape hasn't changed much in years which means it won't look too dated, and get the right interior colour combination and it will be a very nice place to be.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for the advice, kind of the lines I was thinking along.

I'm not 30 until December, so no changes till next year, but it has got me thinking.

If it's an XJR it has to be black, with oatmeal leather, best combination.

Won't mention the air ride and 20" rims I've got planned for it. I never seem to grow up

 

[chriswt]

If I may add my 2 pence worth I'd go for the Jag too. Its a very smart car and has a timeless style to it.

Not that this means anything but Clarkson owned one for some time after selling his Escort Cosworth.

Ford have owned Jag since 1989ish and quality has been getting better and better ever since.

 

[stats007]

The XKR version has a mercedes gearbox - so I presume the J does too?

 

[Alfie]

I'm fast approaching my 30th birthday so insurance on a real super car should be affordable from then on.

Much as I'd love a C43 I just can't bring myself to buy a c-class from an era when rust was such a problem, particularly as it would still be 7-8 years old.

Been searching round for something similar but unique, stumbled across the Jag XJ6 R version, 4.2 s/c, really handsome car.

Totally spec'd up, they have dropped like a stone in price terms, I think this is the same engine as in the XKR? the coupe version??? MPG is not an issue for me, the car sits on the drive all week.

£6-8k gets you what looks like an awesome 4 door saloon with 380bhp roughly on paper.

Dumb questions, during that period who owned Jaguar? Any quality problems?? How are they to own/drive.

Really fancy one in black with oatmeal leather.

Thoughts/suggestions/any experience with Jags, I don't know anyone who owns one.

Thanks in advance.

I personally wouldnt put a penny of my own money into a Jag ever. Whilst quality has improved (it couldnt have been much worse) its still only up to Ford standards which is marginally better than Jag in the first place. Residuals are crap. The one thing that has not changed with Jaguar is the day they bring out a new car, it looks out dated. They all look old from day one.

I'm not advocating you go for the C43 either but I really wouldnt touch a crapaguar at all! Stick to German engineering. Its superior. Try an Audi, BMW, VW etc. Even a VW polo is better built than any Jag!

I speak from experience (well friends experience) some have thought wow, i'll get a Jag only to be disappointed how rubbish it was and consequently left with an almost worthless millstone around their neck!

Jag stopped building good/nice cars immediately when production of the Etype was replaced by the XJS.

 

[chriswt]

The Jaguar web forums seem to say a lot more positive things about their cars build quality and reliability than either of the Merc and Audi forums I'm a member of, which must say something

Ford build quality has vastly improved and beats some Mercs and BMWs (not Audi/VW) hands down when you consider the premium you pay for the German car.

However, the XJR is of an old era of build quality which is not as good as it is now.

My father has a close German friend who works as an Engineer in Germany. His job now consists of testing to destruction and pulling apart all makes and models of cars for research purposes.

He has very very few positive things to say about BMW, Mercedes and the VAG group.