Jaguar XJ-series

[Eric 951]

I'm about due for a new automobile--well, actually a new-to-me used automobile and I have always liked Jag XJ sedans. Once of my first cars was almost a mid 70s XJ with a chev 350 conversion--except the rear main was bad--which was beyond my wrenching abilities at the time.

Does anyone here have any first-hand experiences with an XJ sedan?

In my research I learned that 1987 was the first "good" year of the old body style--they finally got most of the glitches ironed out.

I have read that the 89-92 cars are not very good.

I am not interested in a DD, just an occasional use vehicle and I am not interested in the X-types, S-types or XJS coupes.

The one I have my eye on is an 04 XJ-R with 44,000 miles for 13,000 OBO

just looking for some input.

[onewhippedpuppy]

XJR is pure sex, awesome cars. I did some reading on them a while back, from the late '90s on they don't sound to be any more troublesome than a comparable BMW. The biggest knock I read tended to be a small exterior and trunk in an otherwise large car. I'd also look at the W210 Mercedes E55 AMG, it does everything that the XJR does, but better. Plus they have a reputation for being bulletproof.

[the]

For the massive depreciation these cars suffer, it's not worth looking at anything from the 80s or even 90s.

The earliest I'd look at is a 2000/2001. They became a lot more reliable after the 90s. These are available for next to nothing.

I'd look for a 2003 or newer though, which is the newest generation XJ. A much, much better car than the prior ones. They are available dirt cheap, too.

[Steve F]

My wife inherited an 1989 XJ6, purchased new for $49500. We recieved it with less than 60K on it and it was already on it's second engine (knocks, covered by warranty), and new rear end. The headliners like to sag, the ext. door handles are a POS and break. By the time we put another 10K on it the coolant had chowed away at the engine block and head surfaces (both alum) costing me an unmentionable amount of $$ to fix. These cars ARE NOT wrench friendly even a little bit . Yes, they drive fantastic when all is right . I love British cars and bikes, pretty much had one of everything the last 40 years, but this car I wish caught fire let alone the resale value which goes down by the minute

[The Gaijin]

I love the XK8. You just get the feeling you wont get very far before the first breakdown.

993/996 would be a better purchase..

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Steve F

My wife inherited an 1989 XJ6, purchased new for $49500. We recieved it with less than 60K on it and it was already on it's second engine (knocks, covered by warranty), and new rear end. The headliners like to sag, the ext. door handles are a POS and break. By the time we put another 10K on it the coolant had chowed away at the engine block and head surfaces (both alum) costing me an unmentionable amount of $$ to fix. These cars ARE NOT wrench friendly even a little bit . Yes, they drive fantastic when all is right . I love British cars and bikes, pretty much had one of everything the last 40 years, but this car I wish caught fire let alone the resale value which goes down by the minute

That was pre-Ford, who has made Jag much more reliable. Still not Honda, but at least better.

[DasBoot]

Why not an XKR? Change the badging and let everyone think you're driving an Aston-Martin.

[strupgolf]

I've owned a 94 XJ6 and have to say it was one of the BEST cars I've ever driven. Never a problem, smooth, quiet, and good looking, IMO. That's after Ford took over and the quanlity became better. But in today's market, the XKR sedan is the best bang for the buck going. For what they sold new, a used one is a great value.

[Rot 911]

I've worked on several of the XJ's and they are not DIY friendly. Love the cars, but they take so many special tools to get things fixed. There are several forums where guys have come up with home made special tools, but they are still a pain in the ass.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I've had several older ones, this was my favorite, rare XJ Coupe 76.




I love them but would be very careful. If you do buy one, get as new as possible with a warranty or older classic that someone else has already spent money fixing or babying. Not for the faint of heart or wallet. I would not touch anything after 88 or before 2002 or 3.

My ex has a 2000 XJ8 we bought with less than 30,000 on it. It already had a new factory replacement engine in it. Under warranty (thankfully) we put in a new rear end, yes the whole thing is a unit, they do not fix them. Was close to $5,000 I think, ABS module, throttle body crap, a bunch of other stuff. Then it was fine for a few years, recently the trans failed, again Jag considers these non serviceable units although some specialty shops can fix them. It basically makes the car worthless. Nice car otherwise but the trans is going to be over $5,000 to fix and this thing is worth less than $10,000. It has about 70,000 miles on it. I'm not sure they are all that different than the newer generation of most european cars. I got similar stories from the mechanic I talked to trying to help her figure out what to do with the car.

An 87 I had:

[gtc]

A friend of mine has a '97 XJR, the last year with a six. I have to admit, it's actually been pretty reliable. My only gripes are the lackluster brakes (I think they got bigger in '98), pretty low mileage, and the seating position (maybe I'm too tall?). It is one sexy car, though.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by gtc

It is one sexy car, though.

You can say that again.

[dewolf]

2004 XJR, fantastic car no doubt. All Nikasil engine problems were resolved in 2002, so anything after that is a great these days. I am currently looking at a 2002 myself and after driving it I feel there isn't much that compares in terms of performance, overall fit and finish and value.
Keep the oil and filters changed regularly and they'll go for years.

[slow&rusty]

Wow...you get to be that "friend" in the group that owns a Jaguar, all you need next is a boat and an Audi!

Yasin

[Embraer]

I just picked up a '97 XJR about 5 weeks ago. It's carnival red with cream leather. The car is unbelievable. Gas mileage sucks (about 11 in the city and 22 on the highway), but the 330HP Inline six is sooooooooooooooooooooo smooth. There are companies that sell supercharger pulley upgrades, that will bump HP to over 360 for under $500.

I just took the car on a 600 mile drive this weekend, and it was smooth as butter.

The 95-97 XJR's actually have a GM tranny in them...the electronic version of the TH400.

You can switch between Sport mode and Normal. In Sport mode last week, I smoked a newer Mustang GT from 0-110. He was 5 car lengths back, so I let off.

Don't be surprised by the size of these cars. They are actually small. When you see it next to most modern 2 doors, the X300 Series of Jags is smaller than most. Definitely shorter, but wide and long. The interior is very cramped too. Even though it's a four door, the back seat is pretty useless for adults.

I paid $4000 for mine, from the original owner. He showed me the original window sticker from '97, and it was over 70K brand new. Now talk about depreciation!!!

[Dixie]

My wife has a 2001 XJ8. She bought it used.

Pros:

• The car was bought for little money.
• The car hauls azz in 'sport' mode.
• Handling and ride are suburb.
• Has a regal, classic look.
• Has a touch of a unique and exclusive air to it.

Cons:

• Jag parts usually cost more than Porsche parts.
• Interior parts are spindly, and break easily
• The spirit of Lucas appears on occasion.
• It's classic Jag: big on th outside, small on the inside.

Bottom line is this. She loves the car, I'd rather have a used BMW.

[rick-l]

Are you 5 feet tall? Those newer jags are a "litttle" tight.

[Eric 951]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to check out the 04 as soon as the gas lease checks clear (late Nov.)

hopefully it will still be available--looking forward to a test drive.

[targa911S]

I had an 85 XJ6 VDP. Absolutely, without a doubt, the best riding piece of unreliable crap I have ever owned.

[NICKG]

run away ! runaway! (in my best monty python imitation voice)