So, the insurance company f*cked me royally, and I lost the S8 and the deposit...
 

<center><img src="http://kijiji.ebayimg.com/i3/03/k/000/7e/b0/80c0_20.JPG"></center><p>
So somebody please tell me why I shouldn't buy a Ford (Jag)? I have 15K Canadian to spend AFTER TAX, I need to keep it cheapish, NO IMPORTING, I don't have the time and patience.

There are 2 S8s for sale near me, both are over 20K, so they are out.

I saw this car linked, but GOD I loved my A8 when I had it for a day. But look on youtube at this Jag, it tears up the pavement like no other, and rear heated seats and sunshade like the Audi :P.

Only problem is, I live in Toronto, so RWD on Icy/snowy roads is a scary concept, even though the car includes some newish Blizzaks.

So I put myself out there, nail me to the cross if you would, but please at least give me solid reasons and ideas, "IT'S A FORD DUDE" does not help me.

Thanks :D, I'm looking forward to heated debate!

I'm looking for a big, powerful car. Big cars and big engines are my thing!<ul><li><a href="http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-Jaguar-Trade-1999-Jaguar-XJR-Supercharged-for-W0QQAdIdZ93634352">http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-Jaguar-Trade-1999-Jaguar-XJR-Supercharged-for-W0QQAdIdZ93634352</a</li></ul>

Re: So, the insurance company f*cked me royally, and I lost the S8 and the deposit...
 

Depends on the age... Might be while they were still Jag...

Though to be honest. Build quality went back up after Ford bought them, that one's a proper Jag, so less of the ford components in it..

If you can't afford an '8 then an XJR is a nice bit of kit.

Re: So, the insurance company f*cked me royally, and I lost the S8 and the deposit...
 

I had an XJR a few years ago never had any issues with the car had good power and luxury like the A8.

Re: So, the insurance company f*cked me royally, and I lost the S8 and the deposit...
 

How tough is it to import from the US - seems like you should be able to pick one up south of the border for around 12K (USD)- or get an "A" for around 9-10.....

So they sold the S8 to someone else and kept YOUR deposit? I would raise hell if I were you!

I'm told those are pretty reliable beasts and are a good choice.
 

I was surprised to hear this, when it came up recently, but there you have it. Don't have any direct experience myself.

Bummer, sorry to hear. Coupla thoughts:
 

You can EASILY source //S8s and import them up to you for &lt; $15k. I helped a friend in Toronto score his '01, went smooth.

If not

Well I gotta agree with you on the XJR - I've always had a soft spot for those. Deadsexaaaay looks, S/C'd, great velvet hammer - and best... CHEAP now. Real cheap. Ton of car for the dough. I've still yet to drive one, and I'll tell ya - that urks me!

My biggest gripes would be I'm sure the gearbox is rubbish, ergonomics that - well - aren't, and a lack of rear room or trunk depth. But I'm sure a few kicks of the now pedal would blur those nits.

Dunno on reliability tho, surf the net / boards I'm *certain* you'll find info. I 'hear' they're pretty decent tho surprisingly. I always envisioned a pulley / software / exhaust on one, myself. Very sinister, menacing looking. Classy.

Good point tho on the RWD w/ Blizzak's in the northern climates. Tough one there, I've BTDT with mixed success (///M5 on Hakk's no worky well, 2.3-16 on NRW's was fun tho). NothingnothingNOTHING like a proper quattro. But tail out RWD wet on ramps sure can be addictive, winter mobility be damned 8-).

Good luck, report back. I'm def. curious what you learn on the Dorf... er... Jag.

With Blizzaks in T.O. you should be fine. It's not Gravenhurst or anything :-)
 

Plus you can do fishtails and 360s to your heart's delight.

Assuming a) You are a delinquent like me. And b) you can disable the nannies.

Bummer, my heart goes out to you
 

I drove a Mustang with all-season tires through the winter for years (and I obviously have no personal objection to Fords). One year I was particularly poor and even had mostly-bald tires. Minneapolis is not Toronto, but RWD can be done if you're careful and determined, especially with a nice set of winter tires.

But I have to say that Quattro is the bee's knees.

Importing can be quite expensive if it's not North American made...
 

I paid (I think 18% of value) duty when I brought a Saab into Canada. Plus the provincial and GST taxes.

Plus, the US Customs wants you to leave the car for 2 days with them while they search the title or some silliness. I can't say that that is always complied with though :-D