My $3,500 Jaguar - The 'Mad Jag'

[bobbywalter]

If it's running and in good condition, the Rolls-Royce V-8 is bulletproof, so I'd keep it if it's good. Back in the 1950s, the company put its prototype V-8 engines through serious torture testing far surpassing GM's or Ford's tests.

I also keep hearing claims that certain Chevrolet parts such as the water pump for older Chevrolet small-blocks will interchange on the R-R V-8 because R-R started with the Chevrolet design and greatly modified it. R-R denies this.

transmissions i know were gm based.. dont remember engines being parts swappy.

 

[rumblecloud]

I’m suspecting what we are witnessing is Jag circling the bowl on its way down the drain…

If they continue down this path I fear you may be right.

Think Bud Lite...

When I was little a good friend had a "53 -- what a blast.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If they continue down this path I fear you may be right.

Think Bud Lite...

When I was little a good friend had a "53 -- what a blast.

Their stablemate Land Rover is basically dead to most Land Rover fans, they have drastically veered away from what put them on the map.

Then they pulled a rabbit out of their hat with the new Defender so who knows.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I thought about this car today while watching a giant winch turn.

So.... does the Jaaaaaaaaag still exist?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I think he would trade it for a well maintained cougar.

 

[fastpakr]

I think he would trade it for a well maintained cougar.

With adequate medication?

 

[Jim Oaks]

Yes, the Jag still exists. As far as Cougars go.... I'm 58. Maybe in my 20s or early 30s it would have been fun. I don't want to park it overnight and find it dead in the morning.

I've got some gray spots on the roof where they clear coat is failing. It's not flaking, just dying in the sun. Last year I was able to buff them out. Not this year. I'm wondering if I can wet sand the roof and put a new clear coat on it.

I'd love to do an LS swap on one of these. You can't LS swap the 2004-2009 XJ's. Too many integrated electronics. If I was buying another one I'd probably get 1998-2003 model.

This car has a 300 HP 4.2L V8 which is pretty impressive for 2005. It also has an 11:0:1 compression ratio. So that helps boost the HP, but needs premium gas if you want access to all the HP. The supercharged XJR is rated at 400 HP. The horsepower may be low by todays standards, but It's fun to drive. As Jay Leno would say, you can use all the horsepower all the time.

I love the body style of these older Jaguars. Of all the cars I've ever owned, this one is my favorite. I get a lot of compliments on the car which is funny considering I bought it for $3,500.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I've got some gray spots on the roof where they clear coat is failing. It's not flaking, just dying in the sun. Last year I was able to buff them out. Not this year. I'm wondering if I can wet sand the roof and put a new clear coat on it.

View attachment 144367​

We're all going a little bald and grey on the top by now.


UK flag vinyl wrap the roof

 

[Jim Oaks]

So, I got brave and drove the Jaguar 1,250 miles to my daughters' farm in Ohio. Prior to this I had never checked to see what type of MPG the Jaguar gets, but I know that it's rated for 27 MPG on the highway which is 10 MPG better than the Ranger gets. On a 2,500-mile round trip, the extra 10 MPG's can really add up to some fuel savings.

I have to admit; I was a little apprehensive driving this 21-year-old car that far. I don't worry driving it an hour or two from home but breaking down 1,000 miles from home would suck really bad.

I was hoping to achieve 27 MPG, and I ended up at 30.8 MPG. Apparently if you don't put this thing in sport mode and drive like an idiot it gets pretty good MPG.

I've never driven anything cross country that got 30 MPG. It was weird being able to go so far between fuel stops. At one point I looked at the gas gauge expecting it to be below a 1/2 tank, and it was still at 3/4.

The car got me there and back without any problems. And since I was trying to conserve fuel and get good gas mileage, I didn't get pulled over either. Win-win.

Here's some pics:

 

[Curious Hound]

Love the pictures. Glad it worked out well for you.

But...

but breaking down 1,000 miles from home would suck really bad.

Ya don't say!!!! Now, do it with TRS2

 

[Jim Oaks]

Love the pictures. Glad it worked out well for you.

But...

Ya don't say!!!! Now, do it with TRS2

I'm not as brave as you are. LOL.

Maybe I need to get a Land Rover.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have to admit; I was a little apprehensive driving this 21-year-old car that far. I don't worry driving it an hour or two from home but breaking down 1,000 miles from home would suck really bad.

I was going to give you crap over the rookie numbers at first, then I remembered this is a Jaguar.

This would be you if you broke down trying to find parts in BFE...

 

[fastpakr]

Just call him Dapper Dan man.

 

[Jazzer]

That’s amazing mileage for what appears to be a pretty heavy car. Enough power to just loaf along, I guess.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That’s amazing mileage for what appears to be a pretty heavy car. Enough power to just loaf along, I guess.

It probably has pretty good aerodynamics too which would really help.