Jaguar Cars | Used Cars, Motorbikes, Vans & Other Vehicles

Jaguar, as it became known, was originally the brainchild of two young motorcycle enthusiasts, William Lyons, and William Walmsley, who formed the Swallow Sidecar Company, in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1922. Their work was ultimately to lead to a succession of legendary motor vehicles, many of which � including, for example, the 1960 Mark II Jaguar popularised by John Thaw, in "Inspector Morse" � became, or have become, quintessentially British icons, which are, nevertheless, revered throughout the world.

About Jaguar
The name "Jaguar" � considered to represent the epitome of power, grace and agility � was first borne by the SS Jaguar, a 2.5 litre saloon car, which was launched in 1935. That first model retailed for the princely sum of �395. In the intervening 70, or so, years, between then and now, the Jaguar brand has matured and developed to match the aspirations of its founders. 1968, for example, saw the arrival of the first Jaguar XJ6 model. The Jaguar XJ6 raised the bar, in terms of comfort and sophistication, but, nonetheless, retained the identity of the Jaguar brand, at a time when cars from other manufacturers were starting to lose theirs. The appointment of John Egan, as Chairman and Managing Director, in 1980, heralded the start of a new period in the history of Jaguar. The Jaguar XJ-S, a 5.3 litre, V12 grand tourer, originally launched � perhaps unadvisedly � in the wake of the fuel crisis, in 1976, received a new, high economy engine, and became the Jaguar XJ-S HE. The Jaguar XJ-S HE won the Tourist Trophy at Silverstone in 1982, and could claim, at the time, to be the fastest, automatic transmission, production car in the world. To bring the Jaguar story right up to date, the new Jaguar XF won the "Car of the Year", and the "Best Executive", awards, presented by "What Car?", in 2008, and the Jaguar XJ and Jaguar XKR were winners in other categories.

Current Jaguar Models
The latest offering from Jaguar, the Jaguar XF Diesel, uses the previous XK model as a benchmark, and its suspension, and steering, for example, is very similar to that car. Indeed, its features a 2.7 litre twin turbo diesel engine, identical to that in the XK, but six-speed transmission allows the Jaguar XF to deliver its 204bhp to the road somewhat faster than the XK. The Jaguar XF has been recognised across the industry for its build quality, and comfort, but running costs are, understandably, high. Predictions are, however, that the value of a Jaguar XF will depreciate by 50% in the first three years, which compares favourably with other, competing, cars in its class.

The Jaguar XJ is available in a number of different models, from the high performance, 4.2 litre, supercharged, XJR, through the powerful, and responsive, 3.5 litre V8, to the 2.7 litre diesel engine version, which may be a more economical alternative to smaller, petrol engine, cars for company car drivers, or anyone who spends a long time on the road. Although well built, as you might expect from a Jaguar, older XJ models have been known to suffer from problems with air conditioning � or lack of it � and oil leaks, so a cursory check is advisable.

Slightly older Jaguar models include the S-Type, which in its latest incarnation � after 2002, that is � is available with a 3.0 litre, V6 engine, realising 240bhp, and a 4.0 litre, V8 engine, realising 281bhp, and a six-speed automatic gearbox. Minor electrical problems were a feature of very early models, and it is not unknown for wheels to become rusted onto their hubs, making removal difficult. Another possibility, of course, is the Jaguar XK8, in coupe, and � more desirably � convertible versions. Again running, servicing and insurance costs are quite high, although resale values are competitive. Bear in mind that space � particularly in the rear seats, and the boot � is at something of a premium in both versions, and occasional, albeit minor, electrical problems are not uncommon.

Buying a Used Jaguar
Buying a used Jaguar should not present many, if indeed any, problems, provided that your chosen model is less than 10 years old, has relatively low mileage, and is purchased, preferably, from an approved Jaguar dealer. Many dealers offer a warranty on used Jaguars, and, given the relatively high cost of servicing and parts, this may be a wise precaution, even if it does involve paying an extra premium. When buying a used Jaguar, or, indeed, any used car, it is reasonable to expect a certain amount of "wear and tear", from ordinary use; a car that is 5, or 6, years old, for example, would be expected to show more signs of wear � no to mention a higher mileage � than a car that is, say, 2 years old, and this should be reflected in the price. There are many used Jaguar dealers with their own websites, so establishing a fair price for your chosen model, and its condition, should just be a question of visiting a few of these, and comparing like with like.