Hi Everyone. I have an opportunity to get a 2004 XJR. After doing some forum research I see generally positive notes about the 2004 models. But the responsible thing to do is ask some questions especially since I have not owned a Jag before. I'm not asking if I should buy it as that is a decision everyone needs to make for themselves.

What is the life expectation of a jag these days? the one I came across is a high mileage (124k). I am not personally a high mileage driver. I know in general cars are lasting much longer these days and 124 is middle aged.

Cost of ownership. Oil Changes, tires, repairs. What am I looking at on average? I'm fine doing simple stuff my self but beyond oil changes I don't have much equipment or experience. Unless there is someone in the Minneapolis area interested in taking me under their wing.

The Major Issues Sticky didn't have anything for the 04' models. What Types of problems should I be concerned about. I'm prepared for some problems.

Winter.
A. This car is fine for a Front Engine RWD.
B. It's ok but why would you drive this beauty in the winter
C. don't even try it.
It may take me a little while to pick up a winter vehicle so if I'm forced to drive it part time in the winter what am I looking at?

Am I missing something that should make me less interested. The car is beautiful and I've always been a fan. I'll check out the service history and have the car inspected by a third party. As previously stated the mileage is a little high.

 

Welcome to the forum Matthew.

I deleted your double-post in the X308 section & cleaned this one up a bit.

I drove my XJR in a snowy Swiss winter without issue, you just need a set of proper winter tyres on the car.

Stop by our New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum and introduce yourself as well.

 

If you're buying a 2004 car with high miles, it wont cost a lot, but parts reflect the car price when it was new, so can seem expensive. Having said that, the aftermarket is very active with all Jaguar models, so there is plenty of stuff around at much less cost. It's still not in Ford/GM territory, though ! These cars were very advanced in 2003 the year mine was made, being completely made of aluminium, riveted and glued like an aircraft fuselage. Engine and transmission is essentially a carry-over from the previous model, and the suspension almost common to the S-type (and also the current XF saloon), except it has air springs which include the shocks within them.

In general these cars are reliable, you are very unlikely to be left at the roadside waiting a tow. However, they do have a few quirks, one of which is the air suspension. US owners seem to suffer failures more than us Brits for some reason, but there are US suppliers of air springs so that is not so much a worry as it once was.

Other quirks include minor corrosion on the aluminium shell caused by crevice corrosion (aka "filiform"). This can look unsightly, and can be expensive to correct, like all auto paint jobs. It's not a car killer like rust.
Also the suspension bushes don't seem to last very long, and again, can be expensive to replace if you only have a Jaguar dealer nearby. Suspension parts are also on the internet at mostly reasonable prices. Drivetrain is pretty much bullet proof, but the gearbox software seems to play up a bit too often, but is simply and cheaply fixed with a re-flash of the software.

If you're not a mechanic then you really need to find a good independent Jaguar specialist near you or at least within a reasonable distance. Jaguar main agents sell only Jaguar-boxed and sourced parts, that can be very expensive, plus their labour charges are normally very high. I suppose they have to pay for the shiny showroom somehow !

 

The biggest cost on these cars is the air suspension as has been pointed out. These are really pricey when they do go - $1000 per strut from the dealer, but there are aftermarket options available. These will eventually go, so just be prepared to pay for it when it does. I have a 2004 XJR which I bought used over 2 years ago. The previous owner had already replaced the the front two in 2010 and I have not had a problem with them yet. Mine had only 41,000 miles when I got it and a meticulous dealer maintenance record.

Costs for oil changes are about $60 at an independent using full synthetic and $100 at the dealer for a synthetic blend. The major services milestone services 60k, etc can be expensive. You should call a local independent and find out the cost for the 100k . Tires can be a little more than standard just because of the 19" wheels. I paid around $1100 for 4 Michelin Super Sports from tirerack but I think that was a promotion price. I absolutely love those tires, but I live in GA and don't drive much in the winter.

I am sure there are a lot of people who use their Jag as a daily driver, but I use another car to put junk miles on. With the harsh winters up there you would want to check it out well for aluminum corrosion, since I believe road salt solutions are a cause (a jag expert may be better at this).

Another thing to check is the transmission - if you can, find out if the transmission pan and fluid have been replaced. These things were called "sealed for life" but the pan has a tendency to eventually warp/leak and the fluid really needs to be replaced periodically anyway. You can do this yourself with the how tos here or go to an independent. Get it yourself with the kits online and save a lot of money - that fluid is like liquid gold.

I think the high mileage should not be a concern as long as it hasn't been beaten on and put up wet. These cars are a great bargain if they have been taken care of, but repairs are expensive. Although I have had good luck with mine, I went in planning that at any time I could be hit with a $3000 repair bill to get it back on the road. If the tranny goes it would be more like $6000. You just need to go in with eyes wide open - too many people are seeing these cars under $15k and thinking they are affordable. The advice pointed out above is dead on - just remember this was a $70k car at one point and the cost of new oem parts reflect that.

Cheers!

 

I've got near 80K on mine now (put about 35K since I bought it). There a great deal as 2nd/3rd owners as the list prices are ridiculously high, as with most luxury makes. The cost of parts is higher than your run of the mill Chevy, but it's not a run of the mill Chevy!

I do most of the common items myself - oil changes, brakes etc - pretty easy to work on for those items. I've had to spend some $$ on things like O2 sensors since the Jag branded parts are more expensive. Would recommend you find yourself a good indy mechanic to save some $$ on labor since the parts will cost more.

Overall, a great experience - smooth ride, head-turning looks, excellent performance.

Good luck.

 

I have a 2004 XJR with 124,000 miles on it. I bought it knowing I was going to have to spend some money to get it up to the condition I expect. I have an awesome jag mechanic that is not with a dealership. All in to get it buttoned up I have spent about $2k. All but one of my airbags have been replaced by the previous owner. Those are expensive.

My car sounds AMAZING and drives smooth. The next big expense I would expect would probably be a Transmission or that last airbag. Other than that I am about to put a lot of miles into this car. Beautiful and fun to drive.

Price per horse power you cant beat it. Quick 4 door!!! With style!!

 

Hey Jborders, Nice car, color, year, rims, etc, haha. ( i have 54k miles to catch up to you but loving it as you are) Cheers.

 

Jborders My 2004 XJR looks exactly the same as yours color, wheels. 74K miles on mine, still have original front shocks, but when not used for a few days, it takes a few seconds to pump up to driving height. Original air shock, replace one air bag connector under the driver seat, but not the airbag. Tranny fluid not changed but on the list, planning to change supercharger oil before winter.

RyeJag