Jaguar 1981 XJ Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    More car for your money than you can imagine.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Insurance is good. Real costs are because I have it serviced regularly by a Jag specialist. Drinks fuel like it's got a hole in the tank!

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not exactly an 'enthusiasts' car. You are so cocooned you never, ever get the impression of speed (which is the point with this car). Self leveling suspension means you never feel like you're trying to persuade nearly 2 tons of car to corner.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Not bought for it, but will do 60 in around 8 seconds and over 140mph. Overtaking with 'Sport' is trully Millenium Falcon. It seems to take a breath while it starts to accelerate, then with all its torque seems to do 60-80 as quick as 30-50.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never let me down, although a leaking power steering pipe gave me a little inconvenience.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Depends who you ask - old man's car / gangsters car etc. It's wonderfully comfortable and a well looked-after Sovereign never faills to impress.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Air con, 8-way power leather seats and effortless driving. I've got out after driving 200 miles on a Friday night after work and felt better than when I got in!

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    No deadlocks, no alarm, but it's not really a joy rider's car.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Specialist Jag garage is excellent.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Faultless.

    Other

    Leaking power steering pump, dash lights started not to illuminate - new switch needed. Not bad for over ten years old.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes