Hello everyone. I'm finally about to pull the trigger on an XJ8! Although I've been in love with Jaguars for as long as I can remember, I've never owned one. I've researched all I could online. I know the major differences between the >03 and <04 models. Other than the obvious 04+ being lighter and more fuel efficient, I wanted to post my question in this forum. I figure some of you with 04 and newer Jags also owned the 03 and older ones.

I have the opportunity to buy a 2003 XJ8 Sovereign with 40k miles for a lot less than a 2004 XJ8 with 65k miles. If this was your first Jaguar, knowing what you know about your 04 and newer models, would you go with the lower miles on the '03, save some money and then upgrade in a year or two OR stick with the 04 or newer?

Basically, for those of you who have experience with both, are the differences between pre-04 and current XJ8's so dramatic you'd never consider driving the previous XJ8 incarnations?

Thanks for your help!

John

 

I have owned a 1998 Jaguar XJ8 VDP and now own a 2004 XJ8. I like both cars, but I would have to recommend the 2004 over the older model. The efficiency of the newer car is much higher. The comfort, handling and body integrity are superior in my opinion. The reliability of this car is better although the older car was also very good for every day driving reliability(except snow and ice). Your preference on appearance is subjective and the older car has a metal grille and glass headlamps as I recall if that is important to you.

 

With the 04, you also get the 4.2 engine and a 6 speed tranny.

 

You should also consider the maintenence cost. The 04+ is more complex vehicle, while still quite reliable, statistically there are that much more components that could break.

Personally I love my 04 XJ8, it feels much quicker than the 02 XJ8 I tried for a test drive. Both feel a bit tight and cramped at first, but you grow into the whole "cocpit" thing.

 

I wonder if anyone has ever driven their jaguar for 100,000 miles with the only maintenance being oil and filter changes, brakes and tires....

I told my Dad today I was about to buy a Jag. He was very mad. Times have changed though. From what I read on Consumer Reports, JD Power and all over the internet, mercedes and bmw have gone downhill while Jaguar has become as reliable as toyota. Lexus is still king, but everyone has one and they are expensive to maintain. Right now I have a '02 Land Cruiser. I've put 92,000 miles on it. Only maintenance I've had to do are oil, brakes and tires. The GPS in it is just like the GPS Jag uses. My plan is to pass the LC to the wife and I'll take the reigns of the Jag.

Too bad Land Rovers are the bottom of the reliability barrel. They are beautiful and the local dealer has so many 04-07's in stock. They even come with complimentary maintenance! But, the vast majority of reliability outlets deem them among the worst, if not the worst vehicles.

 

Real toss up. If under warranty go with the 04 since you get the 6 speed tranny and aluminum chassis. There were a boat load of TSBs for the first year of the X350. If not under warranty, I'd probably go with a lower mileage 03.

 

The 04 is under Jaguar Select 100k and complimentary oil changes. Will that save me all kinds of headaches? Other than brakes and tires, I can't see what else I'd have to pay for.

Question - Why do Jags not have tinted windows? I was anti tinted windows until I had my first child. Now I understand how they help. Now I have another baby (5 months old) and I'd want to block some of the sun.

 

What else could you end up paying for? Air Suspension, A/C, all filters, wipers, anything wear and tear...but those are the common parts.

I had a mercedes with a certified warranty. Still shelled out 1800 for a new ac compressor.

 

I just browsed through the entire forum. From this post to the first one in 2005. Sounds like the steering vibration and suspension have been big problems.

Man, I don't know what to do! I'll have a lot of "I told you so" finger pointing going on if the car ends up in the shop. I was confident in my purchase until someone posted a link to the "Top 10 most expensive cars to repair" link in the 98-03 forums.

Jags are in #2 and #3 spots.

Top 10 Repair Cost

LOL

 

Jaguars are premium cars, just as are Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, etc. Jaguar's reliability is one of the best in recent years. As in all premium cars, there is a lot more to go wrong in them than a Corolla, Escort, etc. You pay to play!