Mark is out for a while and Thomas is out sick, so I have hijacked this post to ask a very local, very terrible question about an awful decision that’s now awfully tempting do to Mr. Gossin’s post about restoring that Jaguar X-Type that seems to be everywhere. Oh no…
Yesterday, arguably, had no losers. Both cars were wonderful and sketchy in equal proportion and both were really worthy of saving. If I had to choose one I’d probably be tempted to take the Opel, merely for the novelty, but the well-loved MG just edged out a victory. Someone should buy one of these cars.
No one, especially not me (right?) should buy one of the next two cars.
Here are life’s great ontological questions, in this order:
- Is there a God?
- Do I exist?
- Better to have a car with a manual that isn’t a wagon or a car that’s a wagon but isn’t a manual?
Let’s test at least two of those today:
2003 Jaguar X-Type Manual AWD – $2,500
Engine/drivetrain: 3.0-liter Duratec V6, probably, AWD, five-speed manual
Location: Port Jervis, New York
Odometer reading: 185,000 miles
Runs/drives? Both, apparently
I am equally attracted to, and repulsed by, this car in roughly equal measure. Black, sedan, with bad custom aftermarket wheels is really doing all you can to make this car unappealing. But then it has an AWD setup and five-speed manual transmission. That’s great! It’s the inside that counts, right folks?
Here’s what the seller says:
2003 Jaguar X-Type AWD, black, four-door sedan. Manual transmission. Everything works, AC/Heat, no check-engine lights. Current inspection. Well maintained, many new parts. Tires are good. Leather interior. This car drives nice! Ready to go. Price is firm. CASH ONLY
Can one expect rust? Oh yeah. It isn’t particularly noted here, but just look at this thing. It lives in Port Jervis. This thing has seen road salt at those miles and the pics of the door sills don’t leave much to the imagination.
But then…look at this:
That’s nice.
2007 Jaguar X-Type Wagon- $2,000
Engine/drivetrain: 3.0-liter Duratec V6, probably, Five-Speed Automatic
Location: Bensonhurst, New York
Odometer reading: 185,000 miles
Runs/drives? Both, apparently*
This also isn’t the ideal color, but I’m a sucker for a wagon. Is it AWD? I have no idea. The seller doesn’t say much:
Motor is perfect runs and drives cars been sitting needs transmission fluid. It is a close case transmission. It would have to be put on a lift but car runs and drives. Everything works for brand new tires fully loaded leather sunroof navigation clean title in hand 190,000 miles please serious buyers only not 1000 questions call sold as is trying to sell by today. Have nowhere to keep it it… $2000 today takes it
That was 27 days ago. So either today came and went and the owner is keeping the ad up, or it didn’t actually sell.
The motor is “perfect” but the transmission “needs transmission fluid.” Hmm… let’s just look inside.
Automatic aside. That looks pretty clean.
I’m torn. What should a sane person do?