http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/jaguar-xj-12month-mot-6-month-tax-fsh-private-plate/78765025
considering this while my elite is off the road for major works.
any input appricated

sounds good - the transmission would be worth some if it dies for whetever reason.

they're actually great cars, I have an XJR, none of the reliability problems of the XJ-40 as far as I can tell.

going for a look tomorrow already got price down to £1200 on the phone. i'm sure i'll come home with it!!
mrs says looks like pensioners car!!

thinking about it, mine was a Scottish car - from Falkirk.

I'd look for crash damage and ID issues, but they're pretty robust generally.

how's the performance in comparison to my elite?

I can't see you wanting to get back behind the wheel of a Vauxhall after having driven a real luxury car...

Aundie wrote on 03. May 2011 at 00:22:

how's the performance in comparison to my elite?

unfair question - mine's an XJR (350BHP +).

In general, I'd say that the Jaguar will be marginally inferior in every aspect.

Great car you get a lot of car for your money,


  :y :y :y

They really are great cars, I've had 3 of em. Things to look for are:-
1. Obviously Service history - regular oil changes
2. When cold the older ones, specially getting on in miles start to rattle from the timing chain. Usually a sign of the tensioner wearing out. It does disappear when the engine warms up.
3. PAS seals tend to go - look for any leaks from the rams
4. Check discs & pads - neglected ones (discs warp) which leads to uneven braking. & if the pads wear right down, it pops the seals in the caliper for the piston & seizes it.
5. Dash warning lights - Again older ones throw up warnings for fun when really there's nothing wrong (light not working springs to mind).
6. Check suspension & springs - These are bloomin heavy cars & if no work has ever been done on the suspension check it over.
7. Spare key(s) See if there is one, if not at least get the key code. If not Jaguar charge ££££££££.

It says on the add its a 5 spd manual, but lookin at the photos of the interior it looks like an auto???

Things I've mentioned to check are only guides what to look for & things either I or some of my mates have experienced. I love em to bits & the straight 6 is absolutely bullet proof if maintained (unlike its sucessor, the early Jag V8). Only reason I got rid is cause I got married & couldn't afford to run it.  :(
It does look like a great motor and for £1200!

many thanks for the reply's on picking it up tomorrow never had the time today.
2woody you think the omega better in all performance areas?

I'll try to attach a bit more science to it - and remember that these are the things that matter to me.

Comparing my current Omega 3.2 Estate to my Jag XJR

reliability - Omega wins, but they're both pretty good
handling - Omega wins
Interior space - Omega wins
Economy - Omega wins hands-down ( I've never seen more than 17mpg in the Jag, not even driving like grandma )
Performance in a straight line - Jaguar wins hands-down
Cost to maintain - Omega wins
Comfort - dead heat

Road presence - Omega wins ( do bear in mind that being anonymous is the best for me, and while the Jag does stand out, that's not to my taste )

hope this helps explain my taste

bought the beast for £1000
I like omega's better :(
don't get me wrong it's a nice car and fast but just not as good as my elite!