Request for Info - Late model Jags and Mercedes

[jwoelfle]

Anybody have experience with the Jag X-type, XJ8, or Mercedes C-class in the 1999-2004 range? Looking at buying one for the wife and need to educate myself. How's reliability? Maintenance costs? The X-type, XJ8, and C-class all seem to take a pretty big depreciation hit the first 2-4 years putting them actually in a reasonable price range.



Any and all comments welcome.



Thanks,

Jim

 

[RT66DOC]

Jim -



Having been a Jag afficianado for 50 years, here's my $. 02:



Get her an XJ8. Hands down the best of the bunch IMHO. Very powerful and sexy car. Women LOVE them. Personally, I wouldn't be caught in an X-Type - they just ain't true to the breed.



Save some bucks and get a late model pre-owned car. There are plenty of them around in the '99-'04 range and you'll save a TON of $$$. I'd start with a "reputable" Jaguar dealer and make sure you find a vehicle that has all the books and maintenance records since day one/brand new. And get a Carfax.



Last few years the Jags have surpassed just about everything according to JD Powers.



I've had both and found the Merc to be a good car but zip, zero, nada personality - no fun to drive. Dumped it in less than two years.



BTW - re: pronunciation, "Jaguar" does not rhyme with "quagmire". It's supposed to sound like "JAG-u-wer".



Here's a great place to snoop around: http://www.jag-lovers.org/



Let me know if you have ANY questions about Jags. I sure don't have all the answers but I know where to find them and, as you can probably tell, I love to talk about Jags.

 

[RT66DOC]

MORE Jag

For the ultimate - take a look at an XJR. It's the classic four door XJ8 with a 390 HP supercharged V8. Only way to tell 'em apart is by the mesh grille insert on the R. Fastest production sedan on the planet. Nothing like the smell of Connolly leather and Wilton carpet.