Jaguar XJ Saloon (1994 - 2003) XJ8 4.0 4d Auto (1998/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am a 26 year old guy who owns something quite classy. Even though this car is considered old-fashioned, I still think its a suprising and funky choice.

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

My friends think its cool. I mean they get access to such a smart car, and don't pay a penny for it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. But I would make sure I get the highest spec, be more fussy with the colour (i settle for dark blue which is ok, but I really really wanted black - just couldn't wait!)

What are you likely to buy next?

It took me a long while to accept the latest XJ incarnation of the X350 as an attractive shape. However that could be the next one for me, (that or the Chrysler 300C.)

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,600

When did you buy the car?

October 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Hmmm...Here are the main details for my Jag: It is 1998/R reg, bought in Oct ‘06 from a private seller, it has quite a low spec, I am the 3rd owner now, in good condition, good condition alloys, FJSH, 47000miles, cost £42000 new, and very slight signs of rust starting @ wheel arches. Also, I spent £300 on a Jaguar inspection, which revealed a number of usual wear and tear items & minor faults which would need addressing within the next 1 or 2 years, and was quoted about £1500 of work from the main dealer. I negotiated a price of £5600. Is that good value for a 9 year old car?!?!? To be honest; although I often think “yes”, I probably slightly more often say "no"! With hindsight, I think the car was only worth £5000, but because I got a little excited (after all I am only 26 years old!)

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The main reason I considered (and eventually bought) my Jaguar XJ8 was the basic shape and design of the car; I think it is one of the best looking cars around, and can be brought to absolute magnificence with the XJR looks. It looks real smooth, refined, classy and will not date as quickly as other cars’ designs. Basically compared to the competition out there (BMW 7 Series, Merc S or E class) this is probably the best looking large/luxury saloon out there. The car can also have a great aggressive look also; if you are able to get a mesh sports grill and maybe some decent 17inch+ alloys (if you don’t know what I am talking about, look at a base model XJ where you can appreciate the general shape of the car, and then look at the XJR to realize the potential concerning looks). Another r

What was the dealer like?

It was a private seller. Honest enough guy and having owned the car for 8 months now, its still running sweetly. Just for your information: ALL JAGUAR DEALERS CAN PROVIDE A FREE INSPECTION OF ANY JAGUAR YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING (CALLED VISUAL HEALTHCHECK – the £300 inspection got is called a Pre-Delivery Inspection).

What's it like to drive?

Very comfortable, very quiet, very refined and very quick. Its just "very" everything! Call me a square but I often grab the keys and just go for a drive. I just cannot find anything to complain about it – especially on the motorway where this Jag excels. Reviews have criticized the lack of space inside, but if you are 5ft7" like me, then you would still probably classify it as a “very big car”.

What's it like to park?

Not bad actually. Whats amazing is how maneuverable it can be; sometimes a turn in the road is surprisingly easy for such a massive car. However reversing can be a little difficult as you cannot see clearly where the bonnet & (in particular) the boot ends and where a tree/pole/person starts. I hit quite a few things in the first couple of months of ownership. But even if you can park it well, watch out for other drivers scraping and hitting it in car parks (IT WILL HAPPEN)

Have you had any problems with the car?

I do have a problem with opening the boot, as the button on the actual boot lid does not work (however my keyring and boot-release button on the dashboard do work). Nor does the bulb in the boot despite having it replaced. I have been told that this can be a common problem but is expensive to fix. Think i'll just live with it..... The most important 3 things I have identified which COULD go wrong with X308's (i.e. you could consider them “specific design flaws” for certain models around 1997-2000) is; (1) the nikasil-lined bores issue, (2) water pumps with broken impellers, and (3) weak timing chain tensioners. From doing (geeky) website research, the latter 2 problems (I think) can be solved with fitting a new waterpump (& thermostat) and timing chain tensioners from the new X350 4.2

What's most practical about your car?

Ok the only time this car is practical is when you NEED to go on the motorway for a LONG drive in VERY LUXURIOUS car. If not, then there is nothing practical about this car whatsoever. There are 100's of cars out there more practical than this car (but then you don’t buy a car like this and moan about costs). But petrol consumption has got to be the most impractical annoying thing to deal with at a daily level almost. A full fuel tank (£60/70) gives me approx 200miles in town/traffic driving, but gives me almost 380miles on the motorway!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I'm not a “fast” driver, but the best gadget has got to be the sports button near the auto gearbox. Its just amazing what difference this little button with its tiny red light makes to this car…shockingly rapid! I am not happy with the lack of options on my car. How did i know that i would get more annoyed over their being no cruise control, no CD player, no electric folding or heated door mirrors, and the worst thing by far; NO CUPHOLDERS!!! Make sure (if you buy one) that it has a high spec as you will start missing items as time goes on, never realizing how important they are (like goddamn CUPHOLDERS!!!).