Jaguar XJ Saloon (1981 - 1994) 4.0 Supercharged 4d Auto (1992/J) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not sure really. It's not too flash but very few believe how little I've paid. I get a fair few people asking about it at petrol stations as they know it's different to the normal ones but aren't sure why!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone likes it. A few have shown concerns about the fuel consumption but 30mpg on a run isn't too bad and a number of friends have said that it looks like the sort of car Gene Hunt (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) would drive!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. I should've done it years ago. Yes it's thirsty and yes some of the XJR specific bits can be a pain to track down but it's completely worth it. It makes me remember that life's there to be lived and my girlfriend feel like a queen. Everyone I know loves it and I don't think I'd ever be able to find a better mix of reliability and character anywhere.

What are you likely to buy next?

Other than another one of these? Either a Jaguar XK or S-Type R or maybe an MG ZT V8. And a diesel runabout if I have to start driving to work rather than walking!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,100

When did you buy the car?

May 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Excellent deal. So, so much car for the money.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Always wanted a Jaguar, particularly an XJR. Was looking at the later supercharged straight-six car but then saw one of the TWR JaguarSport non-supercharged cars and was smitten!

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Quick, comfortable and handles like a car half it's size. Steering is informative and it's well damped. The XJ40 XJRs are better set up as a drivers car (IMO) with different suspension and a LSD. It's fine in town, although you have to remember it's a big car and it cruises beautifully on the motorway. It's also definately a sports saloon and laps up country lanes even better than my old MG ZT and Audi A4 Quattro.

What's it like to park?

It's a big car. If you buy one of these and expect it to be easy to park you should have done more research. Having said that, you can easily judge all of the extremities and overall it's easier than many big cars.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I blew a valve on the way home which apparently was bad luck and "hardly ever happens" according to a specialist. Crank sensor failed and suffered from a power steering leak. All in I've spent about £600 in a year, most of which was put down to the low usage from the previous owner. All in I've still paid less than I'd have got scrappage so I'm happy. Find a specialist though. Normal garages may not know what they're looking at and main dealers cost the earth!

What's most practical about your car?

Huge boot and plenty of space. I'm 6'3" and big built and I fit comfortably with a similar sized friend behind me. Four-up plus luggage doesn't phase it at all with 278lbft of torque to play with.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Sport button. Epic.