Jaguar XJ Saloon (1994 - 2003) 3.2 Sport 4d (1997/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Old style and bugger whizkids. Someone who appreciates craftsmanship and understated class. Less house red more vintage claret!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My neighbour adores it and my niece wants it for her wedding.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes but I want to upgrade to the later XJ with a 4.2 engine - one of the aluminium bodied jobs.
What are you likely to buy next?
See above. I just shifted a Lexus LS4.6 after more than 3 years ownership. Beautiful car, stuffed with gadgets, soundly built but utterly boring to drive.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,495
When did you buy the car?
October 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes. Managed to trade my Jag Sport in which I had only owned for a month and a half. This is a one owner car with 49K so it was worth every penny to me.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I had a 3.2 straight six Jag sport and wanted the V8 3.2 upgraded model. But I'm bound to say the six was much more nimble.
What was the dealer like?
Hamiltons in Peterborough www.hamiltonsjaguar.com. Dave only deals in second hand Jags and has just celebrated 25 years in business. Nice to deal with someone who actually loves cars first rather than sell, sell, sell.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The engine is sluggish and needs working hard but I'm not into speed. I just like to cruise comfortably and it is ideal for that.
What's it like to park?
Pain. No rear sensors which ought to have been a standard fitment as it is so long it takes up all of a parking space.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Flat battery.
What's most practical about your car?
Not a lot, you don't buy Jags for practicality. I just love them - this is my 5th one. Why? Because they have a style that other cars just don't come close to. Mind you I'm not sure I like the latest XF and XJ model which look like any other jelly job from a distance.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Cruise controls on the steering wheel are simple and easy to access unlike some cars I've driven where they are buried out of sight.
