I am on the cusp of changing jobs to one that will involve a lot more driving around the region and that may necessitate replacing my 68K-mile 1997 XK8 with something new. I'd like to replace it with something capable of accumulating 25-30K miles per year for the next three years without a lot of maintenance or repair expense. Keep in mind that I can probably only go up to a maximum of $40K for the replacement.

Of course, I'm spoiled rotten from driving the Jaguar so, other than the term "wishful thinking", does a particular brand or model come to mind that will absorb that kind of mileage while coming close to the feel and performance of the XK8?

Bill

1997 Jaguar XK8
1968 Cougar XR-7 Convertible (CatVert)
1965 Mustang Convertible

Submitted by alanburger@sbc… on Mon, 09/04/2006 - 21:17

I have both an XK8 and an X-type/ I have put over 80000 miles on the X-Type with no out the ordinary maintenance expences. The original Continential tires were replaced with Michellin Pilot series, new brakes, and that's it. Love both cars. I live in a rural area with 3 miles of dirt road to get home. The X-type is the best winter ride ever.

Submitted by manshun@usys.net on Sat, 08/05/2006 - 00:51

" without a lot of maintenance or repair expense. ..... while coming close to the feel and performance of the XK8 "

There is no substitute to what a Jaguar can offer ... so I suggest keeping your XK8 or make compromises.

BMW are expensive to repair, lots of maintainance etc. performance will come. But feel is so different, BMW is very sporty, and interior is quite cold. Not as cosy as Jaguar.

2001 Jaguar XJR

Submitted by manshun@usys.net on Sat, 08/05/2006 - 00:08

" without a lot of maintenance or repair expense. ..... while coming close to the feel and performance of the XK8 "

There is no substitute to what a Jaguar can offer ... so I suggest keeping your XK8 or make compromises.

BMW are expensive to repair, lots of maintainance etc. performance will come. But feel is so different, BMW is very sporty, and interior is quite cold. Not as cosy as Jaguar.

2001 Jaguar XJR

Submitted by manshun@usys.net on Sat, 08/05/2006 - 00:03

I find the XJR to be quite good on gasoline. I don't understand why you find gas to be expensive in the USA or Canada .... just look at the prices in Europe, UK, Asia ---> the fuel there costs many times more than the prices we can take advantage of here in North America.

I live near the USA-Canada Border, so I cross the border into the USA to buy gasoline since it is quite a lot cheaper. approximately 80 cents a litre in Washington state, while it is $1.20 a litre in BC.

I get excellent range on 80 litres of fuel. The tank size is 87L. At one point I wanted to fit a LPG/Propane kit, I decided not to since gasoline is still cheap. I have a Propane tank made already that fits in the spare tire compartment though.

M.Poon

2001 Jaguar XJR

Submitted by manshun@usys.net on Fri, 08/04/2006 - 23:57

Bill,

I drive a 2001 Jaguar XJR and it has been very good to me. It has been very reliable and cheap to fix. It has 68,500 miles at the moment. Half of which has been put on in the last year. I just happen to be selling it, so if you are in the market for a used Jaguar, please let me know. I am asking $33,800 (canadian dollar). The vehicle is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is originally a Southern California car.

M.Poon

2001 Jaguar XJR

Submitted by ljcourant@mind… on Fri, 08/04/2006 - 23:45

Besides being an XK8 replacement, what do you need/want? Coupe, sedan, convertible ... road handling excellence, carrying capacity ... economy, performance. I just switched from 29 years of BMW 3 Series & 5 Series driving and am an unabashed BMW bigot. But I also love my XKR. It's just different. In your general price range a 3 or 5 Series with a very good history, low miles, extended manufacturer's warranty could be an excellent choice. On the other hand, with the new XK's now available, and the notoriously low resale values you could move up several years on an XK or any Jaguar for that matter. It's a very personal decision. Good Luck.

Larry

2000 XKR Convertible Anthracite w/ only 15,000 miles.

P.S. With today's price of gasoline and the expectation of driving 25K to 30K miles per year for 3 years, I don't think I would want a supercharged V8 gas gobbler.

Submitted by manshun@usys.net on Fri, 08/04/2006 - 22:52

Bill,

I drive a 2001 Jaguar XJR and it has been very good to me. It has been very reliable and cheap to fix. It has 68,500 miles at the moment. Half of which has been put on in the last year. I just happen to be selling it, so if you are in the market for a used Jaguar, please let me know. I am asking $33,800 (canadian dollar). The vehicle is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is originally a Southern California car.

M.Poon

2001 Jaguar XJR

Submitted by jreminga@devel… on Tue, 08/01/2006 - 23:27

Bill,

My wife drives a 3-Series BMW. A new one is about $40k and BMW pays for all maintenance through 50k miles. It's a wonderful car to drive in town and on the highway. Test drive one and see what you think.

I bought a 12,000 mile BMW 525 on eBay a few years ago. I saved a great deal of money and it still had 38,000 miles of warranty. Find one Certified Pre-Owned and have warranty until 100k.

Jim
1957 XK-140 OTS SE