Used Jaguar XJR: Prices to Expect

A used Jaguar XJR can be a good value if you know what to look for. In 1995, the British Jaguar car company (then owned by Ford Motors) did something very special with their 27-year-old XJ model. They updated the styling, fitted an all new chassis and bolted a supercharger to the famous Jaguar in-line-six motor. This would be the first time a production Jaguar was available for purchase with a supercharger; a trend that would carry on to the Jaguar model lineup today. This combination of luxury, power and brute performance became known as the XJR. Today, a used XJR can easily be found at a dealership/private party and the price of owning one is much cheaper than one might expect.

The XJR spans from 1995 to the current Mark 4 2010 concept model, over 4 different generations. Mark 1 and 2 XJR models (1995-2003) with the 3.2 6-cylinder or newer 4.0 8-cylinder (both supercharged motors) can be purchased in the $6,000 to $20,000 price range (depending on vehicle condition, mileage, etc.). A quick on-line search will net many results in various regions of the United States. The Mark 1 and 2 models of the XJR will be the best option for both new and previous Jaguar owners because the build quality is exceptional (according to on-line reviews). Not to mention, the pricing for these generations is within the average budget of a prospective used-Jaguar buyer.

If you are in the market for a more unique XJR that has raised the "luxury performance bar," look no further than the 2004-2009 Mark 3 and 4. Although pricing will range from $21,000 to $55,000 for an average-mile used XJR, the quality, styling, and performance that comes with it is staggering. For starters, you get an upgraded neck-snapping V8 motor (with 390 to 412 horsepower depending on year) a heavy duty 6-speed manualmatic transmission (built by the Mercedes AMG division), a stiff yet comfortable performance suspension, and all the quality interior pieces and gadgets you would expect from a Jaguar XJ.

Although the Jaguar brand was sold by Ford to the Tata Motor Company of India (in 2007), the XJ model lineup has continued to grow and evolve. The newest XJR (now called the XJ Supercharged or Supersport) will be unlike any of the Mark models before it, which could be a good or bad thing. With its new-aged styling and technology (and a 510 horsepower V8 motor), it might have steered away from the retro-ness that the previous XJ cars had used as their selling points. Either way, the XJR has proven its function and purpose in the luxury-sport world. It should definitely be considered by any buyer in the used car market.