So, the insurance company f*cked me royally, and I lost the S8 and the deposit...
12-17-2008, 07:02 AM
#11
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sorry about the S8; those Jags are great cars
My dad's had 2 in a row, a 2004 XJ8, and a 2007 XJ8 Vanden Plas.
They are solid, fast and luxurious, probably not news to you.
The only reliablity issue I recall is ghosts in the windows and sunroof (opening/closing as if by magic) on the 2004. He's not kept them long term (leases) so I don't know how they'll be at 50 or 100k miles, but my sense is that they're much better cars than the Jags of the 80s or even 90s.
Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to convince him to use snow tires on either car and he's done ok in the snows of NE Ohio-- even with the (blingy) 19" 35 series tires on the Vandenplas.
I've tried to get my dad to look at A8s and S8s for years now, but the closest Audi dealer is ~50 miles from him and he's loved Jags (and Mercs) for a long time, since he had the '69 XKE.........
They are solid, fast and luxurious, probably not news to you.
The only reliablity issue I recall is ghosts in the windows and sunroof (opening/closing as if by magic) on the 2004. He's not kept them long term (leases) so I don't know how they'll be at 50 or 100k miles, but my sense is that they're much better cars than the Jags of the 80s or even 90s.
Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to convince him to use snow tires on either car and he's done ok in the snows of NE Ohio-- even with the (blingy) 19" 35 series tires on the Vandenplas.
I've tried to get my dad to look at A8s and S8s for years now, but the closest Audi dealer is ~50 miles from him and he's loved Jags (and Mercs) for a long time, since he had the '69 XKE.........
12-17-2008, 07:23 AM
#13
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oh I forgot about some WOT in a XJ8 - even non s/c'd, that 4.2 with 11:1 would...
...*still* be laying down the friggin world's looooongest holeshot on a slightly damp road in NY (Hurtz rental) if I'd not lifted after like 5,000'.
_unreal!_
and
the rest of the car was a complete dream to drive (hammer) - very rewarding. Biggest beef was IIRC the Mercury Grand Marquis "mousefur" headliner - wtf?
Awesomeawesome car tho - thorough conecontender (don't ask) which was thoroughly capable and thoroughly enjoyed.
TIMEX! Took lickin / kept on tickin'. Not easy feat considering circumstances 8-). HTdoesn'tH?
before:
<img src="http://images4.fotopic.net/?iid=ymnusx&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=70">
after (no comment):
<img src="http://images5.fotopic.net/?iid=ymnusj&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=70">
Great chassis dynamics, fab brakes, excellent response - again very rewarding.
I'd figure the R to be 'that' much more fun. Gotta try one, I do.
_unreal!_
and
the rest of the car was a complete dream to drive (hammer) - very rewarding. Biggest beef was IIRC the Mercury Grand Marquis "mousefur" headliner - wtf?
Awesomeawesome car tho - thorough conecontender (don't ask) which was thoroughly capable and thoroughly enjoyed.
TIMEX! Took lickin / kept on tickin'. Not easy feat considering circumstances 8-). HTdoesn'tH?
before:
<img src="http://images4.fotopic.net/?iid=ymnusx&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=70">
after (no comment):
<img src="http://images5.fotopic.net/?iid=ymnusj&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=70">
Great chassis dynamics, fab brakes, excellent response - again very rewarding.
I'd figure the R to be 'that' much more fun. Gotta try one, I do.
12-17-2008, 10:39 AM
#14
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See inside
I just had two S8's and a 2005 XJR.
The XJR I had was SUPER SUPER nice. It drove beautifully, I had zero problems with it, my wife liked it as much as the S8. Smaller inside and in trunk though. Very luxurious feeling, smooth, fast. Didn't sound as good as the S8 when you nailed it, and lots of Ford parts, but nicely done.
However, it was USELESS in bad weather. In the rain it sucked, and we got a light snow and I got stranded it was so bad. Then I switched to winter tires, and although it was much improved, it was a joke compared to the S8. My wife said she's drive it again in April.
As a second car? Absolutely? As your daily driver in Canada? No friggin' way.
Bruce
The XJR I had was SUPER SUPER nice. It drove beautifully, I had zero problems with it, my wife liked it as much as the S8. Smaller inside and in trunk though. Very luxurious feeling, smooth, fast. Didn't sound as good as the S8 when you nailed it, and lots of Ford parts, but nicely done.
However, it was USELESS in bad weather. In the rain it sucked, and we got a light snow and I got stranded it was so bad. Then I switched to winter tires, and although it was much improved, it was a joke compared to the S8. My wife said she's drive it again in April.
As a second car? Absolutely? As your daily driver in Canada? No friggin' way.
Bruce
12-17-2008, 10:57 AM
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Hey, thanks for the comments guys, this has been a big help...
I'll be contacting Earl about that 02 S8 today, as I would love to hop in another of these beauties, but if I can't work it out, it looks like the Jag for sure. I'll just have to do some careful winter driving practice with it.
To be honest, the support and knowledge that this group has combined makes me want to own an 8 just to have such a valuable resource behind me. The Jaguar owners I talked to seem to have neither the passion nor the knowledge about the cars that this group maintains on a regular basis.
Thanks again for the info, I will keep you posted.
Oh, and for those of you who are curious about the insurance situation, they screwed around for 2 long months, and to be fair the dealer held the S8 for that time while I waited and waited and called and called and waited some more. Certis Direct (AKA Desjardains) is USELESS!!! I would literally call my claims person 13-17 times a day and get nothing but an answering machine saying she would be in the office all day!
Even when you are an intelligent young man, I find that still age is such a factor in society. Even at 21 I find I can't get anywhere over the phone with people, and yet when my fathers voice enters on the phone it turns all business. C'est la vie *shrug*
To be honest, the support and knowledge that this group has combined makes me want to own an 8 just to have such a valuable resource behind me. The Jaguar owners I talked to seem to have neither the passion nor the knowledge about the cars that this group maintains on a regular basis.
Thanks again for the info, I will keep you posted.
Oh, and for those of you who are curious about the insurance situation, they screwed around for 2 long months, and to be fair the dealer held the S8 for that time while I waited and waited and called and called and waited some more. Certis Direct (AKA Desjardains) is USELESS!!! I would literally call my claims person 13-17 times a day and get nothing but an answering machine saying she would be in the office all day!
Even when you are an intelligent young man, I find that still age is such a factor in society. Even at 21 I find I can't get anywhere over the phone with people, and yet when my fathers voice enters on the phone it turns all business. C'est la vie *shrug*
12-17-2008, 10:59 AM
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Bruce would you have seen any cars in my budget you could help me out with?
I know it's rather low unfortunately, but with Christmas right around the corner, and my need to get into a car nowish, its all I can come up with. I can do 15K after taxes/whatever else might come up. Impossible?
12-17-2008, 01:10 PM
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Cool car, congrats!
The Jag is a beautiful car, very luxurious classy and sporty. My problems with it are:
1. Very small inside: Not a car to carry 4 adults
2. Low traction in winter ( and very low like the s8 )
3. The leaper is too tempting to vandals ( so no parking outside at night )
4. The paint will eventually peel away if you drive it in the snow ( wheel arches )
5. The engine in the `99 can be victim of the nikasil/alusil debacle
6. They are now common and the value will drop like a stone
On the other hand the car is much simpler than the A/S8 so ultimately more reliable. It is the best of 2 worlds ( jaguar tradition / ford improved reliability ). I hope you will enjoy it.
1. Very small inside: Not a car to carry 4 adults
2. Low traction in winter ( and very low like the s8 )
3. The leaper is too tempting to vandals ( so no parking outside at night )
4. The paint will eventually peel away if you drive it in the snow ( wheel arches )
5. The engine in the `99 can be victim of the nikasil/alusil debacle
6. They are now common and the value will drop like a stone
On the other hand the car is much simpler than the A/S8 so ultimately more reliable. It is the best of 2 worlds ( jaguar tradition / ford improved reliability ). I hope you will enjoy it.