James Ruppert: used Jaguar coupes are spectacular value Car News

I was thinking about Jaguar sedans a few weeks ago, which you liked. So it’s time for me to reflect on the grace and pace of the brand’s rather focused two-door offerings. They are spectacular value for money as used cars and, in an increasingly mediocre world, represent a really stylish way to travel at a lower cost. Well, for a lot less than a Porsche, anyway.

The XK8 is the XJS of the 2020s: there are enough well-maintained examples that would feel relatively safe to buy, as well as some potentially ruinous ones under £ 5,000 that you should probably avoid unless you have keys and a ramp.

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I know the folks at my local garage think the XK8 is nothing more than a remade XJS, but what a wonderful coupe or convertible it is.

I was tempted by a 1998 coupe with 155,000 miles listed as a partial swap for £ 1,990, but in reality it should be the dealer refurbished 4.2 liter 2005 model with 132,000 miles and tons of history at a shade under £. 7000.

There are plenty of decent convertibles being advertised by the private sector, but a 2004 4.2 liter with just over 80,000 miles was arguably worth £ 12,995 at a dealership. Personal protection is essential at this low price.

Speaking of low price, you can get a supercharged XKR as well: £ 5,995 is enough for a tidy 2001 4.0-liter model with less than 100,000 miles. This is one of the truly affordable future nailed classics.

For £ 2,000 more, a 2001 limited edition car (one of 100) with 85,000 miles might be an even better bet.

However, I wouldn’t consider it unreasonable to pay £ 18,450 for an immaculate, 2008 XKR convertible.

Let’s pass the second XK and celebrate the F-Type. If all you want is a sole proprietorship, the prices are well under £ 24,000. Well, I ran into one: a 2014 80,000 km with the 3.0-liter V6. Surprisingly, it wasn’t advertised privately, but by a dealer, who has a legal responsibility to make sure it’s OK.

Then there was one without a roof with a full dealer service history, but this time with three owners, at another dealership: a 3.0-liter V6 automatic with just 40,000 miles that would cost you just under £ 25,000. What great cars for next to nothing.

Is it time to consider the rather overrated E-Type celebrating its 60th anniversary this year? Maybe, but you need at least £ 50,000. Maybe a 1969 2 + 2 bulb with the 4.2-liter inline-six, but it’ll need a ton of history. Some coupes cost well over £ 60,000, while all suitable drop-tops cost over £ 100,000. I would go with the cooler stuff, just in case.