Talk about ironic. Jaguar, the lion of British automotive libido (Rolls was never called a “Shaguar”), is now owned by the largest car company in India, Tata Motors. We feel this move to be devinely inspired if recent deals on Jaguar XJs are any indication.
It’s a simple fact that Jaguars have become perenially groovy since 2004. This is the year that Jaguars passed from sexy but unreliable to sexy and more reliable than a Lexus. The XJ Series, in fact recently scored #1 in J.D. Powers latest reliability ratings for luxury cars. You can Google Jaguar to give you the details.
Strange, therefore, that this model continues to sell in very low numbers relative to other luxury marques. This can work to your advantage, as the time has never been better to buy a classic-looking XJ Series Jag (before they re-design it). We will paraphrase a recent owner on how to buy this magnificent feline beast.
Prices:
04’s, depending on mileage, are now priced in the high teens to low twenties.
Models:
There is a standard length chassis, then the Vanden Plas and Portfolio which have seven or eight extra inches in the back seat. These models are pricier and you pay a little gas mileage penalty with the Portfolio (which is an XJR turbocharged model.)
Deals on the Lot?
Recently a Jaguar dealer in Minneapolis, Minnesota had four or five XJ’s in the used car lot. If you are interested, we have a strategy for getting an even better deal from a no-negotiation dealer that worked well for this car. (In a nutshell, find a car that is not sold by a Jaguar dealer–a non-negotiation dealer–then take that price back to the Jaguar lot and haggle.)
Other Stuff:
Since Tata bought Jaguar and Land Rover, they have been offering good 1.9% deals on financing and ridiculous warranty coverage. A recent purchase of an 2004 XJ with 19,000 miles came with a bumper to bumper up to 100,000 mile warranty for example (age/model independent). XJs also come with air suspension and drive like smaller, more nimble rides due to an advanced aluminum body and frame. This aluminum space frame (new in 2004) is as advanced as that in an Audi A8.
Which, come to think of it, cannot touch the 2004-2009 XJ in the J.D. Powers Survey ratings.
Nor can a Benz or a Bimmer.
Meditate on that.
I couldn’t agree more. But then, look at what’s in my garage.