Am I mad?

Swampy

Hi all,

Thinking of changing from a 05 Megane 1.4 to a 97 or 98 XJ Jag 3.2 V6. Always wanted a Jag and always wanted a decent sized engine.

Any advice yay or nay would be appreciated.

Thanks.

coolbeans

You'd be mad not to if you think you'd like it. They're a nice motor and surprisingly dependable too. Plus you can always regale/bore people with stories of incidents involving the Jag. In summary linky

Mr Benevolent

Go for it, at least for six months or so. A 1.4 Megane would make Chuck Norris cry.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1538554

Absurdum

get the V8

coolbeans

or the XJR...:D, seriously.

I would on the following
- getting a semi decent price for the Megane privately
- buying the Jag for a tiny sum of cash
- being able to twirl a spanner

If any of the above can't be done you are combining a bad financial start with high tax and fuel bills with the possibility of high maintenance or a good financial start with the certainty of high maintenance.

Sub 20mpg is less than fun at times, I went 60 miles away for the weekend and drove the arse off the ZT as it was mainly back roads (with a bit of )

Swampy

I read there that there was a revision in 97 to a V8. I'm pretty sure the one I was looking at was a V6. Would I be mad not to go for a V8? performance wise?

Absurdum

if memory serves me right, the XJ was always near the top of the Top Gear JD Power Surveys at that time

PARKHEAD67

Swampy wrote: »

Hi all,

Thinking of changing from a 05 Megane 1.4 to a 97 or 98 XJ Jag 3.2 V6. Always wanted a Jag and always wanted a decent sized engine.

Any advice yay or nay would be appreciated.

Thanks.

How much is tax on the jag?? 3.2

Swampy

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

How much is tax on the jag?? 3.2

1500ish

PARKHEAD67

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

How much is tax on the jag?? 3.2

€1600 ish

KamiKazi

If you have the cash, and you want if and have always wanted one, get it.

Life is too short to have regrets, especially for fear of not being "sensible".

mickdw

Confab wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1538554

That one was up on donedeal before for about the same price. If all was well I feel it would shift fairly fast at that money. It looks well but maybe has issues.

PARKHEAD67

RoverJames wrote: »

€1600 ish

A lot for Cowans gobsheens to eff away. But if you want it get it.Only live once and all that. You can be Arthur Daly off Minder.Nice car

Swampy

For some reason the wife is giving me the go ahead. I'll go test drive a couple on Tuesday. Can't wait.

PARKHEAD67

Swampy wrote: »

For some reason the wife is giving me the go ahead. I'll go test drive a couple on Tuesday. Can't wait.

Arthur Daly you are my sir. Nice one

unkel

Swampy wrote: »

1500ish

RoverJames wrote: »

€1600 ish

Somewhere in the middle at €1,566. I know because I've paid the top rate. Many a time

Go for the V8 as the lads said. V8 petrol, automatic, large luxurious saloon = lovely motoring!

Mrs unkel vetoed me getting an XJ until I'm at least 80 so it's off my short list

Swampy

If i find a sweet spec V6 (as there is lots more to choose from) will I be satisfied? Or should I go for a lesser spec V8?

Boxtyeater

Swampy wrote: »

Hi all,

Thinking of changing from a 05 Megane 1.4 to a 97 or 98 XJ Jag 3.2 V6. Always wanted a Jag and always wanted a decent sized engine.

Any advice yay or nay would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Haven't read the thread, but a word of advice...Deben Motors (Mansfield) are selling a cracking Jag 07, 2.0 SE Dsl,..54k on clock, genuine seller...I bought an 05 3 years ago from same dealer.....Mmmmmmm...

unkel

Boxtyeater wrote: »

Haven't read the thread, but a word of advice...Deben Motors (Mansfield) are selling a cracking Jag 07, 2.0 SE Dsl,..54k on clock, genuine seller...I bought an 05 3 years ago from same dealer.....Mmmmmmm...

That's not a proper Jaguar like an XJ V8 petrol, dude

That thing has the DNA of a Ford Mondeo. Diesel

coolbeans

What he said. If you're gonna buy a Jag, make sure it's a Jag and not a Mondeo in drag.

Nonoperational

Just make sure you have a few quid to take care of any potential problems that crop up.

TheUsual

You're mad.
And this is from someone who has owned a 1.8 petrol Ford Sierra and a 2.0 litre petrol Mercedes 190.

I like big engines and all that but that Jag will be a money pit. All the good years of pleasure and reliable motoring are gone from it. Resale when you get bored of it will be impossible.
Exhausts, oil leaks, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, brake callipers. All of these will be old when you buy the car and you will break your heart paying bills for an out of date motor.

Surely there is a middle ground here between old weird obsolete car and reliable day to day thrills. Maybe an Alfa V6 or something like that. Or a Subaru.

fonecrusher1

Never owned one, know nothing about them but damn they're a cool car.

Definitely on my list of some day i will cars.

Top Dog

Saw a Silver '00 in a dealers in Limerick a few weeks back. 3.2 Sport for €2995

If I didn't have to be (somewhat) sensible I would have given it serious consideration!

coolbeans

Make haste slowly. Do your homework, get to know a good one from a bad one and you won't regret the decision. If I were sure I'd be living in Ireland for the foreseeable future, and I'm not, I'd be buying something similar even on my paltry wages. I don't do big mileage and rarely drive in the city preferring instead to cycle, but it can make sense.

coolbeans

Also if a Jag gives you the jitters, and I don't think it should, maybe consider something like this. I'd prefer the cat but a GS300 can be a lovely motor.

sogood

Always have been a lover of big engined cars and moved from BMW to Jag earlier this year, I got a really nice, 2 owners 97 xj6 which is the x300 to be specific, made from 95-97. It's a straight 6 3.2 and silky sweet. It has a few minor jobs to do, but nothing that I dont enjoy doing, as it's a bit of a hobby also. The biggest issue is peeling top coat and isn't uncommon on these models. However, mine is the "executive" model and has cruise, air con, all electric windows, mirrors, electric memory seats and steering wheel, full leather, and is in beautiful nick inside. If it's what you want and can run and maintain it yourself, go for it!

TheUsual

TheUsual wrote: »

You're mad.
And this is from someone who has owned a 1.8 petrol Ford Sierra and a 2.0 litre petrol Mercedes 190.

:eek: a Sierra and a baby Merc, you mad petrol head you

Zubeneschamali

TheUsual wrote: »

from someone who has owned a 1.8 petrol Ford Sierra and a 2.0 litre petrol Mercedes 190.

Tax, petrol, insurance and maintenance for the Jag will be on a whole different planet from a dull car like a Sierra or 190, but so will performance, luxury and style.

Do the sums, and if you can make them work, go for it.

Swampy

sogood wrote: »

Always have been a lover of big engined cars and moved from BMW to Jag earlier this year, I got a really nice, 2 owners 97 xj6 which is the x300 to be specific, made from 95-97. It's a straight 6 3.2 and silky sweet. It has a few minor jobs to do, but nothing that I dont enjoy doing, as it's a bit of a hobby also. The biggest issue is peeling top coat and isn't uncommon on these models. However, mine is the "executive" model and has cruise, air con, all electric windows, mirrors, electric memory seats and steering wheel, full leather, and is in beautiful nick inside. If it's what you want and can run and maintain it yourself, go for it!

Thats exactly the spec I was looking at, bar the owners. I hear the V6 is way more reliable than the V8.
If my mechanic gives it the ok, i'll get it. after some negotiation first.

sogood

Swampy wrote: »

Thats exactly the spec I was looking at, bar the owners. I hear the V6 is way more reliable than the V8.
If my mechanic gives it the ok, i'll get it. after some negotiation first.

I hope it all works out well for you, and you get what you want. take your time though, as there are a good few of them about and who knows, they may get cheaper after the budget, in the event there are any changes made to the tax system. Also, it's a real bummer to get your car only to see something better a short time later for similar money. Anyway, keep us posted and do put up some pics. Best of luck.

Big Nasty

Don't know a whole lot about these cars but always liked them. That model is out since maybe '95 now? What size is the V6? My thoughts would be with the V8 as being more reliable, more fun and better sounding. Have to say I think that model are quite dated looking now though. What's your budget and do you insist on a coupe or can it be a luxobarge with similar running costs?

MCMLXXV

MCMLXXV wrote: »

do you insist on a coupe or can it be a luxobarge with similar running costs?

Coupe

Big Nasty

RoverJames wrote: »

Coupe

Sorry, was thinking of the XK!

In that case and with that budget a 7er would be my choice hands down!

Yeah, the 7s have their advantages and are no doubt a better drive. But if a chap wants an old Jag the 7 won't scratch the itch. Jags are much cheaper too.

Swampy

Hi all. Just an update. I bought a car today. A 97 XJ6 3.2. It's a straight 6 with 77,000 miles. It's beautiful. It will be nct'd and serviced as part of the deal. I paid 2900. Gold paint. Executive model. I love it. After Reading loads of reviews I had to go for the xj6. Supposed to be far more reliable than the V8. More power than I will ever need anyway. Beautiful interior. Like driving a cloud. For that money, even if anything happens to it I'm not too bothered. Better than my 1.4 megane any day.

Big Nasty

Health to drive dude and as they would say in AH, Pics or GTFO!

robtri

fair play thay are a sweet car..

Well done and happy motoring

mondeo

WOW sounds great! Love to see a pic of it when you get it:)

Swampy

Thanks a million guys. I'll post a pic to this thread when it is in my possession.

Absurdum

TheUsual wrote: »

You're mad.
And this is from someone who has owned a 1.8 petrol Ford Sierra and a 2.0 litre petrol Mercedes 190.

I like big engines and all that but that Jag will be a money pit. All the good years of pleasure and reliable motoring are gone from it. Resale when you get bored of it will be impossible.
Exhausts, oil leaks, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, brake callipers. All of these will be old when you buy the car and you will break your heart paying bills for an out of date motor.

Surely there is a middle ground here between old weird obsolete car and reliable day to day thrills. Maybe an Alfa V6 or something like that. Or a Subaru.

erm an XJ is far from being obsolete anytime soon

and if you think an Alfa V6 is going to be a painless prospect then I think you're in the wrong forum

mickdw

Is this it?



You could have got some cash off surely?

Swampy

mickdw wrote: »

Is this it?



You could have got some cash off surely?

yea, that's it. He wouldn't budge on the price bar the 50 euro I got him down. But that price serviced and nct'd with 3 months warranty I'm happy with. I drove a few others but liked that car best.

Absurdum

looks lovely, congrats

Absurdum

Absurdum wrote: »

looks lovely, congrats

+ 1

I reckon it was priced to sell, some cars are like that. I went to the garage I bought my ZT off to buy a ZS off them, it was an 01 without NCT, screen price was €1950 and nothing off (bought 2 cars off the same guy already). ZT had a screen price of €2950, mine for €2250 and she was NCTd the previous week.

You'd spend the guts of €2000 on a sh1tty one privately so €2900 for a serviced, NCTd, minty one is not too bad at all if she is straight and sound

phelixoflaherty

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/jaguar/xj8-and-xjr8-1997/?section=bad

Swampy

phelixoflaherty wrote: »

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/jaguar/xj8-and-xjr8-1997/?section=bad

Mines the XJ6.

I do find HonestJohn irksomely full of sh1t and quite often glaring errors.

sogood

Congrats and welcome to the club! Thats 2 of us at least!! Mine is the same car but in Pacific green, which is an odd, but very nice colour. I have joined various boards, specifically for the x300 which is what your model is. Pity there isnt much in the way of owners clubs here in Ireland. The present Jag owners club seems to cater for absolute top spec or unusual/classics. Maybe we can change all that! lol It's a lovely looking car and the best of luck and many happy miles of driving with it. I will upload some pics as soon as I can, at the moment I keep getting a message (503 service unavailable)??