I finally got the chance to see, live, several G37s at a local dealer this morning. I got there early so that I would not be bugged by salespeople. There were about 6 out front in various colors (Ivory Pearl, Vibrant Red, Black, Blue Slate, and Platimum Graphite)--mostly Journey Models but one or two with Sport Option. Even though I will probably end up with a G37, I still don't get that "quickening of the heart" sensation upon seeing these. Don't get me wrong, they are very nice looking cars but somehow lack that certain true exciting quality that somehow just escapes the overall style. My basic problem is that my next car will be replacing my 95 Vette, which still gives me a visual thrill every time I see it.

To me, the nicest views of the G37 are from the side looking towards the rear (from the door handle back) or the 3/4 view from the rear.

In terms of the colors I saw, the black was definitely wicked looking, and the dealer had installed 20" black wheels (at a $5000 premium) and the combination looked great. Of course the car, which I'm sure was recently washed, already had dust on. Black from a distance always looks sharp but up close for only about 5 minutes after washing. The Ivory Pearl looked nice but, I was expecting more based on the way most here salivate about this color. The Blue Slate looked sort of boring and the Platinum Graphite looked a bit better. I guess there are still a couple of colors I haven't seen but, so far, the Red looks really sharpest (to me).

All of the stickers included a $995 extra for "exterior and interior protection package" and wheel locks.

As a total aside to the story, there is a lot across from where I work that sells used "specialty" cars ranging from 70s musclecars to the occasional Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, etc. While walking by the lot yesterday they had a 2001 Jaguar XK8 convertible in real pristine condition, with fairly low miles for about $25K. I don't know much about Jags but seeing that car I instantly got that "must have" feeling. It's hard to explain and, even though I will probably end up with the G37, I would be more excited driving that Jag into my garage than the G37 (no flames please).

Doug

 

No flaming necessary. What's keeping you from taking the Jag home?

 

Which dealer was this at?

 

At this point really 4 things. (1) That lot is a consignment lot (my dad had a Rolls that he tried selling there for several months) and they have a pretty fair markup over what the owner really wants. (2) I am not usually spontaneous when it comes to car purchases and do an endless amount of research before committing--I really know nothing about Jags. (3) I am concerned about the reputation of British cars in terms of reliability and maintenance--when I posted a couple of questions on a Jaguar forum, one of the members replied that Jags where s**t before Ford bought them and afterwards got worse. (4) My wife thinks I am nuts for looking at a used car of ANY type. So I would need to be convinced myself that the Jag would not be a good looking money pit that needs to be in the shop every other week before I can make any kind of case to her. At this point, all I can say is that the Jag at least looks like a $75k car.

 

I noticed the same thing.....Lots and lots at the dealer.

 

pics, man!!

 

I ended up with a pristine low mileage 2005 Jag XKR convertible (bought a couple of months ago). This was the second time I "almost" bought a G-coupe (once a G35 and once a G37). I still think the G37 is one of the best cars of its type out there but I fell in love more with the Jag. Maybe the next time will be the time I finally get an Infiniti

Doug

 

so you want a car that looks expensive? so self-image is more important to you? if so get a lotus

 

A lotus? Their seats feel like a lawn chair.

If image is your thing, get a Benz.

On a personal note (And not like anyone cares), I don't like Benz, and they never surprise me in the streets. (Except for seeing an SLR, but... thats not really a benz imo).

 

Nice job, Doug. I was looking at a used XJR a while back for a fam car. These can be had for a song and are stunning. Enjoy, and thanks for keeping in touch with this crazy G crowd.

 

How are Jags for reliability?

 

^^It's a FORD.

Late models are very reliable.

 

This was a primary concern of mine, especially dealing with a wife that was nervous about my looking at used cars in general and Jaguar in particular. I did an abundant amount of research on Jaguar forums and by visiting with and talking to numerous Jaguar mechanics. I was convinced that the post-1999 models were fairly safe bets and the post-2002 models were even better. What really helped the decision is that the low-mileage 2005 XKR car I found (about 16000 miles) is still under the Jaguar Select Edition warranty until August 2010 so I figured I could not get hurt too badly.

To that fellow critical of my decision regarding a car that "looks expensive" and "self-image", nobody needs to justify to anyone else why they bought a certain car or suit or pair of shoes, etc. I'm sure you did not have any of those concerns when you chose the car you are driving versus say a Honda Civic or a Toyota Camry.

Doug