Thinking of buying a XJ8 3.2

[V8Smith]

I am thinking of buying a Jag XJ8 around a 1998/1999 car not high mileage between 40-60K miles. What are your experiences with the cars are they reliable? I have read lots of good reports about reliability, quality and customer satisfaction can anyone give me the thoughts of a real owner of these cars??

Thanking you in advance.

Mike

[dcb]

V8Smith said:

I am thinking of buying a Jag XJ8 around a 1998/1999 car not high mileage between 40-60K miles. What are your experiences with the cars are they reliable?

I had an XJ8 for a couple of years.
I sold mine mainly because it wasn't reliable enough.

If you get one, get one from a main dealer and make sure it's got a warranty - you will probably be making a claim.

The cars are reasonably reliable, but not up to the best Japanese or German standards.

Two other reasons I got rid of the Jag was the 19 mpg average I got and the £100 plus an hour servicing costs.

Nice cars though - but expect to pay a lot to travel first class.

[silverback mike]

As above really, but I thoroughly enjoyed my 1998 XJ8. The only reason that I sold it was because the acutal load area (2 kids and paraphenalia) was far too small and a bit awkward to get a baby in and out.

Be sure to check the nicasil bore wear issue (loads of threads on here)

With regard to the mileage, if properly looked after the cars can go for ever without major problem (check nicasil!!)

They are extremely good value, and if pampered a great choice....Mine was a sport, sapphire blue with oatmeal leather, in my view the nicest colour.

[Chadwick]

Contrary to what has previously been advised, I should like to add the following. But note final comment. I own an XJ8 4.0 reg. 9/2000 FANTASTIC car. Okay, done a few miles due to company car but owned by me, it has been serviced every 4-5 months and now due for it's 110,000 mile service (you work the maths out) This time though I have to pay for it hence off to Wynn Thomas or someone.

If you like big auto's with your hand on her knee then a Jag is great,and you will never stop enjoying it.

Having said that, mine is the 2000 model. There was an issue with the big bores between 97/98 I think. But all that info is in this forum someplace, plus on the net. I get 22mpg urban combined.

Rember get a service history or walk away no matter how good it looks. Try ebay lots of bargains on there too.