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

What does this car say about you?

Despite being a common car (I mean seriously, they are everywhere), It does say that I am a bit different and that I can combine quality, style and value. I am a 26 year old guy who has sought and bought an "old mans" car - not because I am odd/old-fashioned - but because the car is such an excellent car. It also says I am committed, as I am intending to keep this vehicle for about 10 years!!!!

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! Although they would not buy this car themselves, they do believe its a good choice.

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 a 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?

£5,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Hmmm...my car is from 1998 (approx 9 years old), I bought it in Oct 2006, and it has 2 previous owners, FJSH, and 47000miles. It is a (suprisingly) low spec car but with ok condition 17" celtic alloys. It cost me £5500 (book price new £42000....is that good value for a 9 year old car?!?!? Sometimes I think "yes" and sometimes "no". With hindsight, I think the car was only worth £5000, but because I got all stupid and excitied (I am only 26 years old!) at finding a good condition Jag with low mileage, I caved in early. I did have a £300 inspection by a main Jaguar dealer and they identified a number of problems/wear and tear items needing attention in the next 12/24 months totalling £1500 (2 x new tyres, rear beam mounts split, slight rust at arches, wheel-bearing slight play etc.). So

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The main reason I considered (and eventually bought) a Jaguar XJ8 was the shape of the car. I think it is one of the best looking cars around. The basic design is refined and classical, and I really believe that it will not date as quickly as other cars can/have. Before buying my Jaguar, I did consider other cars (i.e. BMW 7 Series from same year, and some Mercedes S- or E- Class's) which, when looking at various website reviews, are at a general level considered "superior" as a drivers car. But whatever the competition offers; I firmly believe that any differences are marginal. And that this is the best looking car in the luxury/large executive category (well, having said that the Chrysler 300C may change my mind....). The car can also have a great aggressive look also; if you are a

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

What's it like to drive?

Very comfortable, very quiet, refined and quick. I have not one complaint. People criticize the lack of space, but as I am only 5ft7", I find there to be plenty of room.

What's it like to park?

I have driven a massive car in the past so it was quite easy to get used to this one. It is ok to manoeveur in tight areas;sometimes a turn in the road is surprisingly possible. However you cannot see clearly where the bonnet or boot ends (and where a tree/pole/person starts). I have hit quite a few things in the first couple of months of ownership.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The most important 3 things I have identified which COULD go wrong with X308's (i.e. basically specific design flaws 1997-2003) is; the nikasil-lined bores issue, water pumps with broken impellers, and 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 V8. The nikasil problem (where a combo of high-sulphur petrol + short journeys/cold running) will basically kill your engine (Jaguar replaced a large number themselves under warranty). So, I to combat this i have changed my driving style by avoiding short journey, and only ever switching off my car after it has fully warmed up. If you don't understand anything of what i have just me

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 quite a LUXURIOUS car. Otherwise there are 100's of cars out there more practical than this car. Everything is about twice as expensive as a normal car. But petrol consumption has got to be the most impractical annoying thing to deal with at a daily level. A full 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 (i.e. yep, i have never been caught speeding in my life (yet!)) but the best gadget has got to be the sports button near the auto gearbox. Its just amazing what difference this button with its tiny red light makes to this car. However, 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!!!